Frequently Asked Questions

About 6-8 weeks from your wedding date, contact the Clerk's Office in the town in which you reside.  If the couple lives in 2 different municipalities, you may choose either one- whichever is more convenient.  The Clerk will schedule you a date to visit the office and complete your application.  They will let you know all that is required of you.

Your marriage paperwork is typically ready the week of your wedding and due within 5 days of your ceremony.  Paperwork is completed after the ceremony and then returned to the municipality in which you got married.  

i.e. - if you live in Brick, NJ but are getting married in Asbury Park, NJ - you would schedule to meet with the Clerk in Brick to start the application process.  Once the paperwork is completed, it would be returned to Asbury Park's Clerk's Office.

The paperwork should be filed at the conclusion of the ceremony by the Minister (me ) and two witnesses.  This is not a long process and I work to efficiently acquire the signatures as to not keep your friends or family from celebrating.

Once filed with the municipality that you were married in, you will contact the Clerk's Office to obtain copies.  Typically, they will ask for how many copies you'd like when the paperwork is filed - 3-5 copies is typical if a name change is happening.  

Once booked, we will arrange a meeting to go over all of the details of the wedding so that I can start to craft the ceremony.  At that point- communication is unlimited via call, text, or email to finetune the details.  If needed, an additional meeting can be scheduled in advance of the wedding day.

Yes.   I will work in coordination with your venue planner to ensure that all aspects of the ceremony are covered during the rehearsal.

In the event of an emergency, I will assist in securing a new officiant.  All previously paid money would be refunded.

A typical ceremony lasts anywhere from 15 - 30 minutes, depending on the components that are involved.   Simple ceremonies may take 15 minutes, while a ceremony with readings or additional components (unity candle, etc) would be on the longer end.  

I like to arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the ceremony.  However, my arrival time is flexible based on the needs of the couple.

My wardrobe is flexible to meet the needs of the ceremony.  I typically will wear a suit and tie.  However, if the couple prefers a different vibe (Hawaiian shirt, button down), I am happy to acquiese to their request.

Of course.  The ceremony is fully customizable. 

1 or 2 readings is typical.  However, some couples elect not have any readings.  There is no restriction on the readings- it could be a favorite poem, bible verse, lyrics to a song, etc.