Q:How do we get a marriage license? 
A:Getting Married in New Jersey?
Here's the information: Click on NJ MARRIAGE LICENSE
Getting Married in New York? or New York City?
Here's the information:  Click on NY MARRIAGE LICENSE  

Q: How far in advance should we meet you?
A: To be sure that I'm available I suggest that you contact me as soon as you've selected the venue where your ceremony will take place to make sure I'm available.  Call me while you're in the early stages of your wedding planning to meet with me and start creating your unique and wonderful ceremony.  Please beware of those who take an online course and call themselves "minister" or "reverend" or "celebrant".  Think about it.  I've got 10 years of experience and I've performed over 1000 wedding ceremonies.

Q:What about this weekend? Next month? This afternoon?
A: There are always those last minute wedding plans.  Call me and I'll do my very best to help.   All you need is a license and 2 witnesses. If I'm not available I work with three other ministers who are on call.

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Q: What is your fee? How much do you charge?
A: If your wedding takes place in NEW JERSEY:
In Northern New Jersey, my fee is $450.00-$500.00
(Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union and Warren Counties)
In Central Jersey my fee is $550.00-$650.00
(Hunterdon Somerset Middlesex Mercer and Monmouth Counties)
In Southern New Jersey or at the shore $650.00 and up.
(Burlington and Ocean Counties)

OUT OF STATE WEDDINGS:
Westchester, New York State, New York City, or Pennsylvania:
please call for a  current quote  ($650 and up). 

(Note: My fees are negotiable under special circumstances.  My only additional charge would be for my attendance at your rehearsal.)

Q:Why are you so cheap? or Why are you so expensive?
A: I know that there are ministers who charge less - and there are ministers out there who charge a lot more - some up to $1200! I honestly believe that money is not the real issue here. (My mother always says "You get what you pay for".)
I believe that the bottom line is trust and comfort.  I truly believe that I celebrate the best ceremony possible. Meet with me and I’ll show you how, together, we construct a genuinely perfect ceremony, and make you comfortable and confidant that you've hired the best officiant possible.

Q:How do we pay you?
A: I ask for a deposit of 50% of my fee when we meet to construct your personal ceremony. You can pay your deposit with a personal check, money order or cash. The balance is due the day of the wedding.  I ask that you pay your balance by cash, money order or certified check only.

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Q: What is your email address? 
A: MitchTheMinister@aol.com

Q: Do we need to do anything with the license?
A:  Don't forget to bring it to the ceremony!  Don't write on or alter your license once the Registrar clerk has issued it!  After the ceremony I will file the license, give you a copy (the pink copy), and keep a copy for my permanent records. 

Q: If we hire you, do we get you?
A: Good question.  Absolutely!  I am not a group or an organization that hires people to perform wedding ceremonies and then calls them 'ministers'.  Unless there is a dire emergency I'll be there!

Q: What if something happens to you?
A: In the event of a DIRE personal emergency I work closely with three other ministers.  I will be able to find someone great to perform the ceremony we have constructed together.  In fact, if they have emergency situations, other ministers often rely on me to help them.  

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Q: What is Pre-Cana? Do I need to attend it?
A: Pre-Cana is a series of classes required by the Catholic Church. You only need Pre-Cana if you are being married within the Catholic Church by a priest. I do not require any pre-wedding counseling. 

Q: Can you perform a Civil Union for Same Sex Partners?
A: Yes, I do!  New Jersey has passed a Civil Union law that allows same sex partners to have the same rights and benefits as those who enter into marriage. As of February 19, 2007, you can obtain a civil union license with the registrar in either partner's hometown. I can perform a legal ceremony and file all the necessary paperwork with the state.

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Q: We want you to perform a ceremony for us. What next?
A: You can contact me by telephone at 1-201-410-6834.  If you like, we can set up a no-obligation consultation where we can talk in depth about your ceremony.

Q: Is a rehearsal necessary?
A: Couples have different feelings on this issue. Some couples find that a rehearsal is necessary and feel it is an important 'part of the process'.  Some brides take comfort in knowing just what will happen.  Other couples choose to rehearse, but do it without the minister/officiant.  (Please note: If the rehearsal is held on a day separate from the wedding, there is an additional fee.)

Q: Where are you willing to perform my ceremony?
A: Anywhere!  I've celebrated weddings and other ceremonies in many different  locations. I find that celebrating your marriage ceremony in the location you choose makes it all the more personal!  

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Q: How long will the ceremony last?
A: Most ceremonies last approximately 20-30 minutes but the length depends on what you want in your ceremony. Of course, if you have multiple readings or poems, a Unity Candle, etc. your ceremony will be longer. Your ceremony can be as long or short as you want it to be.

Q: What do you wear during the ceremony?
A: I generally wear a plain black or white minister’s robe over a suit but I can change my attire to suit your preferences. (For example, at different times,  Couples have asked me to wear a monk’s robe for a medieval themed wedding and a Hawaiian shirt and lei for a bar-b-q wedding.). Regarding appearances and every aspect of your ceremony: I strive to make the wedding a joyous occasion and not cause any offense to any guest or to even the bridal couple themselves. Just tell me what is important to you and you will get exactly what you want.

Q: Do we need to meet with you before the ceremony?
A: I like to say that "I never marry strangers".   I find that constructing the ceremony together is a joyful and wonderful meeting.  We laugh, we cry, and you'll know EXACTLY what will be said at your wedding ceremony. 

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Q: When will you arrive for the ceremony?
A: I will arrive 30-45 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony (depending on my schedule the day of your wedding. At that time your witnesses will have the chance to sign the license and we can complete all the necessary paperwork.

Q: Can I write my own vows?
A: Yes, of course!  You can customize your ceremony as you would like. I am also always available to help you with any details.   I've had many couples share their personal vows during the ceremony.  I'll give you some tips about writing your personal vows when we meet. (You don't have to be a great author to say what's in your heart.)

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Q: What is a Unity Candle?
A: A Unity Candle consists of one large pedestal candle that sits in between two smaller taper candles. During the ceremony the mother's of the Bride and Groom, or any other loved ones will light the two taper candles signifying your current family. You and your fiance will take the taper candles and light the pedestal candle together, signifying your new family. (Note:  Candles are not recommended when the ceremony is held outside)

Q: What is The Rose Ceremony?
A: A Rose Ceremony is an older tradition where the bride and groom, after taking their vows, exchange a single red rose to each other. (See a sample of this ceremony in Sample Readings) It symbolizes their first gift to each other as husband and wife as well as an expression of their love for one another. A section can be added to include the mothers receiving a rose as well.

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Q: What is The Sand Ceremony?
A: A Sand Ceremony is a Hawaiian Tradition that can be used in place of a Unity Candle, especially in beach or outdoor weddings where candles will go out..
It holds a similar meaning as the Unity Candle. Two small containers of sand are combined into one large container by the Bride and Groom, unifying the two.

Q: Can I add a favorite poem or reading to my ceremony?
A: Yes, of course you may. You can add as many poems, readings, etc. as you wish. You can also have a family member read a poem or a bible passage. I'm very flexible when it comes to creating your ceremony - after all, it's your day! I can help you at any time to create your ceremony or your vows. 

Q:  What do I need to give you?
A: You will need to provide the valid New Jersey marriage license. If the license is not present, not valid, or altered in any way, I will not be able to file the application necessary to legalize your marriage. 

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Q: Do I get a copy of the license?
A: The New Jersey license comes with 4 copies - one for the county, one for the state, one for the married couple, and one for me, the officiant. After the license has been signed, you will receive your carbon copy of the license to keep for your records (the pink copy). I will keep my copy (the blue one)  on permanent file.

Q: What do I need to do after the ceremony?
A: Relax and enjoy your party!

Q: What will you do after the ceremony?
A: Within 5 days of your ceremony (usually the next day) I will file the appropriate copies of the marriage license in the town in which your ceremony was performed

Q: How do I get an official copy of my marriage certificate?
A: Approximately 10-14 days after your ceremony, you will need to contact the Registrar in the town in which you were married for a certified copy of your marriage license.

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