Questions & Answers

• What makes you different from other local wedding officiants? Why should someone hire you? I will take the time to get to know you so I can put together a meaningful ceremony that will be a joyful memory for you. I understand God's grace is available to everyone and that only God knows a person's heart. Therefore, it is not my job to cast judgement, but offer biblical guidance when requested. My approach is trying to understand the nature of God and pass on the Good News. The basic truth is "God is love". .

• What are your standard payment terms? In order to book a date, a completed Bride and Groom information form and deposit of $100 must be submitted. The balance will be paid at least two weeks prior to the wedding date along with delivering the marriage license. A typical wedding ceremony is $175-$250..

• What is your customer satisfication cancellation policy? If you are not completely satisfied with me as an officiant, I will work with you to find an alternate minsiter for your wedding. If the right officiant cannot be found, then your deposit will be refunded. .

• What is your event cancellation policy? Fees paid are not refundable..

• How far are you willing to travel? Is there a travel fee? I service a 100 mile radius of Houston. There is an additional mileage flat fee of $50 for ceremonies 31-100 miles from my home in Northwest Houston. Locations beyond the 100 mile radius and other states are considered on a case by case basis..

• How many wedding do you officiate a year? At this time, I am doing about one ceremony per month, but I foresee the demand for my services to increase..

• What kind of pre-wedding counseling is required, if any? No pre-wedding counseling is required, but if the bride and/or groom would like counseling, I will make myself availble..

• How long after the ceremony do you file for the official marriage license? Texas state law allows 30 days after the ceremony, but I deliver the completed marriage license to the county clerk's office within a week after the ceremony..

• What documents do I need to bring to our first meeting? A photocopy of a current government issued identification (drivers license, state ID, passport, etc.).

• Will you marry couples of different faiths or previous divorce? Yes. God gave marriage to all men and women. I require that you love each other and have a desire to be married. I will not refuse any couple (a man and a woman) the right to be married, regardless of one's past, race, color, religion, or denominational background. I do not encourage divorce, but I do understand things do and can happen in marriages. I count it as a joy to help couples move from their past into a new beginning, that marriage can offer. I believe our God is the God of many chances..

• How long does the ceremony usually last? A typical ceremony lasts 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the wedding party and elements added to the ceremony. Allow an additional 15-20 minutes for hand fasting ceremonies..

• Do you normally attend the reception? I typically enjoy visitng after the ceremony if my schedule allows. .

• Do you have a back up officiant on call, in case of an emergency? I am not directly affiliated with other officiants, but I would make arrangements for someone to take my place in the unlikely case I would not be able to attend..

• Will you allow us to write our own vows? Absolutely. Many couples choose to write their own vows or some may amend existing religious Wedding ceremonies with their own words. Others leave the Wedding vows to the Ministers discretion. I suggest, if you are going to write your own vows: 1.) The shorter the better. 2.) Don't include everything. 3.) Be positive. 4.) Have a help sheet..

• Can we read or hear your ceremony before our wedding day? After interviewing the bride and/or groom, I write the ceremony to tailor fit the specific circumstances and personalities of the couple to be wed. Every couple I marry receives a complete script of the ceremony to approve..

• In which states and communities are you licensed to officiate ceremonies? The laws vary from state to state, but as an ordained minister, I limit my services to Texas because I am familiar with the state laws..

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