Q&A
If I do not address any of your specific concerns below, please feel free to contact me. I am open to all inquires.
What is a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®?
Certified life-cycle celebrants are professionally trained and legally authorized to perform a variety of ceremonies to mark milestones in your life, including but not limited to: weddings, renewal of vows, commitments, anniversaries, and memorials. They are trained through the Celebrant Foundation & Institute. During my training I specialized in writing and performing customized wedding and vow renewal ceremonies. The Celebrant’s mission is to create a ceremony that reflects your needs, beliefs, cultural background, values and tastes. More information on celebrancy can be found at Celebrantinstitute.org
How do Life Cycle Celebrants, differ from other officiants, such as clergy, judges or registrars?
Celebrants do not believe traditions should ever feel confining. Traditions can be adapted and made relevant to your specific life. No two ceremonies are alike as each ceremony reflects your individuality, your own story. Celebrants do not perform “cookie cutter” or “run of the mill” ceremonies. A Celebrant ceremony reflects the vision and personality of the people it honors. A Celebrant will assist you in meeting that goal by helping you select meaningful poetry and prose or making suggestions concerning choice of rituals. There are no surprises. You are empowered and have the final say on all ceremony content. I will lead you through the ceremony process until it is just the way you want it, nothing less.
Are you legal to marry couples?
Yes, I am an ordained minister through the Universal Brotherhood Movement and legal to solemnize marriages in New Mexico and most other states.
Do you require a signed contract?
Yes, I ask my couples to sign a simple contract along with a 50% non-refundable retainer fee to hold their date. The contract clearly states my responsibilities to you, and payment schedule. The contract is helpful in assuring we are working together as a team.
What is the cost of your professional services?
The cost for each wedding or vow renewal ceremony varies depending on the couple and what they want for their special day. Generally my ceremony fees range from $325-$850 and I will offer you a quote over the phone and/or during our initial consultation. I do have special pricing for the quick, last minute type of ceremonies. For more information on my fees, please go to Pricing,
What is the process after we request your services?
Once I have received your signed contract and retainer fee, I will send the two of you questionnaires for you to complete separately. This will be your “homework assignment” and your answers will give me information to design, & write your “one of a kind” ceremony script. A draft copy will be forwarded to you for your review. You will than make any additions or deletions you wish until every word is approved and you are 100% pleased with the ceremony. I will always be available for questions or advice via phone or email.
Do you perform same sex weddings?
Absolutely! I’m thrilled that the Supreme Court has made marriage equality the law of the land.
How and where do we obtain our Marriage License?
Click for marriage license information in Santa Fe. www.santafecountynm.gov/clerk/marriagelicenses
It’s important to remember, regardless of where you live, you need to get your license in the state you intend to be married. It’s also important to remember if you do not present your marriage license for me to sign on your wedding day – I will not be able to marry you. Once you obtain your marriage license in New Mexico there is no waiting period. In other words you can be married the same day you obtain your license.
Do you stay for the reception or rehearsal dinner?
Usually not, but I am honored when a couple invites me. I will usually stay for up to 30 minutes after a ceremony for photos and the signing of the marriage certificate.