Q: How do we get a marriage license? 
Getting Married in New Jersey?
Here's the information: Click here:  NJ MARRIAGE LICENSE
Getting Married in New York? or New York City?
Here's the information:  Click here:  NY MARRIAGE LICENSE
  
For your license application you may need my home address:
   Rev. Mitchell S. Maged 
   70 Oneida Ave.
   Oakland, NJ 07436

Q: What is your fee? How much do you charge?
It's been said: "A terrific memorable wedding minister is cheap for $600.00,  but a boring wedding minister is expensive for $10.00".  I agree 100%!
If your wedding takes place in NEW JERSEY my fee varies:
Northern New Jersey, (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union and Warren Counties) my fee is $450.00-$500.00
Central Jersey (Hunterdon Somerset Middlesex Mercer and Monmouth Counties)
my fee is $500.00-$600.00 
Burlington and Ocean Counties Weddings:  $650 and up.   
Out of State Weddings and Destinations wedding may include reimbursement of expenses.  Please call for a  current quote.  

Please note: My fees are negotiable under special circumstances.  There is an additional charge for my attendance at your rehearsal.

Q:Why are you so cheap? or Why are you so expensive?
I know that there are ministers who charge less - and there are ministers out there who charge a lot more - some up to $1200!  But I honestly believe that money is not the real issue here.  My mother always told me "If you buy the best and you'll never be disappointed."  I believe that the bottom line is trust and comfort.  I celebrate the best wedding ceremonies possible.   We will construct a genuinely perfect ceremony, and make you comfortable and confidant and relaxed.

Q: How far in advance should we meet you?
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.  I'm currently taking reservations for 2011 weddings.  Please, be sure to call me while you're in the early stages of your wedding planning.

Q: Can you marry us this weekend? Next month? This afternoon?
There will always be couples with last minute plans.  Call me and I'll do my very best to help.   All you need is a license and 2 witnesses. 

Q:  What do you do for a living?
You may be surprised.  This is not a hobby.  This is not a part time fling for me.  This is my life's calling.  I'm a minister year round performing weddings, funerals, new home blessings, etc.  I celebrate all of life's moments, the good and the bad.  I work every day preparing ceremonies, meeting people and venues.  I'm available every day to talk to you.  I return all phone calls within 12-24 hours.  Emails even faster. 

Q:How do we pay you?
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 on your wedding day your balance is paid in cash, money order or certified check only.

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

Q: Do we need to do anything with the license?
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?
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!   In the event of an 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.

Q: What is Pre-Cana? Do I need to attend it?
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?
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. 

Q: We want you to perform a ceremony for us. What next?
You can contact me by telephone at 1-201-410-6834.  If you like, we can set up a meeting where we can talk in depth and construct your wedding ceremony.

Q: Is a rehearsal necessary?
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.  My opinion:  If it makes YOU happy, I'm happy.
Some couples choose to rehearse, but do it without the minister/officiant.  
(If the rehearsal is held on a day separate from the wedding, I do charge a small additional fee.)

Q: Where are you willing to perform my ceremony?
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!

Q: How long will the ceremony last?
Most ceremonies last approximately 20-25 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?
I generally wear a plain black or white minister’s robe, or a black 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?
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.  If distance is a problem, we can 'meet' over the phone and through emails.

Q: When will you arrive for the ceremony?
I will arrive approx. 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. I also take this opportunity to clear up last minute details with the venue and the dj/band. 

Q: Can I write my own vows?
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.)

Q: What is a Unity Candle?
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:  I do not recommend candles when the ceremony is held outside)

Q: What is The Rose Ceremony?
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 the sample on my Sample Readings page) It symbolizes their first gift to each other as husband and wife as well as an expression of their love for one another.
A portion of your ceremony can be added to include giving your mothers a rose as a gesture of your love and appreciation as well.

Q: What is The Sand Ceremony?
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?
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: Do I get a copy of the license?
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?
Relax and enjoy your party!

Q: What will you do after the ceremony?
Within 5 days of your ceremony I mail the appropriate copies of the marriage license to the town clerk where ceremony was performed.  

Q: How do I get an official copy of my marriage certificate?
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.

or call me at 201-410-6834 or
Email me directly at MitchTheMinister@aol.com