F.A.Q.

I have been performing weddings since 2021. I’ve been ordained since 2015, and I take great pride in my role of uniting couples in love through heartfelt and personalized wedding ceremonies. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of such significant moments in people’s lives, and I’m dedicated to creating meaningful and inclusive ceremonies that celebrate the unique love stories of each couple.

I am delighted to perform weddings within a 120-mile radius of Asheville, NC. Whether you envision a mountaintop ceremony with breathtaking views, a rustic barn wedding in the countryside, a serene lakeside celebration, or any other picturesque location in the area, I am here to travel to your preferred venue and create a memorable and personalized wedding ceremony that reflects your love and values. Whether it’s in Asheville itself or in the surrounding towns and regions, I’m dedicated to making your wedding day a cherished and joyous occasion. Let’s come together to make your dream wedding a reality within the stunning backdrop of Western North Carolina.

I am ordained by Universal Life Church Ministries. The Universal Life Church is an organization that embraces an inclusive and diverse approach to spirituality, allowing individuals like myself to officiate weddings, perform other ceremonies, and serve as clergy in a non-denominational capacity. My ordination from the Universal Life Church empowers me to officiate weddings for couples of all backgrounds, beliefs, and lifestyles, and I am honored to be a part of such significant moments in their lives. As a wedding officiant, my goal is to create meaningful and personalized ceremonies that celebrate the unique love stories of each couple, and I am committed to providing a warm and inclusive experience for all.

Marriages officiated by ministers with online ordinations are considered voidable, not void. The distinction between the two is crucial. A void marriage is illegal and does not exist in the eyes of the law, and it cannot be rectified. On the other hand, a voidable marriage can be annulled or invalidated by a court, but it can also be made valid if the parties involved do not take any action to challenge its validity or provide their consent to continue the marriage.

For instance, the case law, State v Lynch, clarifies that marriages performed by individuals with certificates of ordination from the Universal Life Church (ULC) fall under the category of voidable marriages. This means these marriages are presumed valid until a court officially declares them void. The court has demonstrated in previous cases that it may apply principles of judicial estoppel or equitable estoppel to prevent a party from invalidating the marriage during separation or divorce proceedings.

Therefore, it’s essential to understand that marriages solemnized by ULC ministers, while considered voidable, have been upheld as valid in specific legal contexts. This information could be seen as a positive aspect, as seeking a divorce generally aims to return parties to a pre-marriage state, which dissolves the possibility of seeking damages related to bigamy and adultery. Ultimately, whether a marriage is voided or not lies at the discretion of the judge, and this applies to traditionally officiated marriages as well, depending on the circumstances.

In conclusion, ensuring a healthy marriage is essential to avoid potential issues. If someone chooses not to use an online ordained minister because they are concerned about their ability to pursue legal action in case of infidelity, it is essential to reflect on the true motivations for getting married in the first place.

“…This case law indicates that marriages performed by persons with certificates of ordination from the Universal Life Church are not void; rather, they are voidable. This means that, unlike bigamous marriages, these marriages are presumed valid until declared void by a court. Duncan, 232 NC App 369 (2014).

On at least two occasions, the court of appeals has affirmed a trial judge’s conclusion that a party seeking to have one of these marriages declared void in a proceeding related to a separation or divorce was estopped from invaliding the marriage on equitable principles. In Pickard v. Pickard, 176 NC App 193 (2006), the court applied judicial estoppel to prohibit a husband from obtaining an annulment based on the solemnization of his marriage ceremony by a Universal Life minister after he previously alleged in court filings that he and his wife were validly married. And in Duncan v. Duncan, 232 NC App 369 (2014), the court of appeals affirmed the trial court’s application of equitable estoppel to prohibit husband from raising the invalidity of the marriage as a defense to wife’s claim for alimony. According to the trial court, because both parties were “equally at fault” in using the Universal Life minister, it would be unjust to allow husband to challenge the validity of the marriage in the context of divorce related proceedings…”Cheryl Howard

– Cheryl Howell
Albert Coates Professor of Public Law and Government, University of North Carolina.

I strongly encourage and welcome personalization of your ceremony. Your wedding day is a reflection of your love story and unique bond, and it’s essential that your ceremony resonates with your personalities, values, and aspirations as a couple. Whether you want to include special readings, vows you’ve written yourselves, cultural traditions, or anything else that holds significance for you, I am here to support and help you incorporate those elements seamlessly into the ceremony. Let’s work together to create a heartfelt and personalized wedding experience that will make your special day truly unforgettable.

Absolutely! As a non-denominational and non-judgmental wedding officiant, I wholeheartedly embrace and support couples from diverse religious backgrounds. I am more than capable and willing to assist you and your fiancé in creating a beautiful and meaningful wedding ceremony that reflects both of your beliefs and values. Together, we will craft a ceremony that celebrates your love and unites your unique backgrounds, ensuring a memorable and inclusive celebration for you and your loved ones. Feel free to share your preferences and ideas, and I will work with you to make your special day as perfect as you envision it to be.

While marriage historically had strong ties to religion, its contemporary significance has evolved into primarily a legal recognition of a union rather than solely a religious sacrament. Nowadays, marriage encompasses various cultural and social dimensions, making it a significant milestone in the lives of individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs or affiliations. It’s perfectly fine to perform your ceremony with the mention of any god or religion.

Absolutely! Involving children in the wedding ceremony can be a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate the merging of families and the beginning of a new chapter together. I wholeheartedly support and encourage including children in the ceremony in any way that feels right for you and your partner.

There are various ways to incorporate children into the ceremony, such as having them participate in a sand or candle lighting ritual symbolizing the blending of families, reading a special poem or passage, or even giving them a role as junior bridesmaids or groomsmen. If you have any ideas or preferences on how to involve the children, I am more than willing to work with you to ensure their inclusion in a way that is meaningful and memorable for everyone involved. Let’s make your wedding ceremony a heartfelt celebration of love, unity, and family!

I fully support and perform same-sex weddings. Love is a universal and beautiful emotion that transcends gender, and every couple, regardless of their sexual orientation, deserves to celebrate their love and commitment through marriage.

I am dedicated to creating inclusive and welcoming wedding ceremonies for all couples, embracing diversity and respecting the love that brings two people together, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. If you and your partner are planning to have a same-sex wedding, I am honored and delighted to be part of your special day, helping you create a ceremony that reflects your love and celebrates your journey as a couple. Let’s work together to make your wedding a memorable and joyous occasion!

My fees can vary depending on several factors, such as the location of the wedding, the complexity of the ceremony, and any additional services you may require.

To provide you with an accurate quote, I would need more details about your wedding, including the date, time, and location, as well as any specific requests you have for the ceremony. Once I have this information, I can offer you a fair and transparent pricing proposal.

My primary goal is to work within your budget while ensuring that you receive a meaningful and personalized wedding ceremony that reflects your love and values. I am more than willing to discuss the costs and explore any options to accommodate your needs.

Feel free to reach out to me to discuss your wedding plans, and I’ll be delighted to provide you with more specific pricing details based on your unique requirements. I’m honored to be considered as your wedding officiant and look forward to helping you create a beautiful and memorable wedding ceremony.

I do charge separate travel fees if your wedding takes place outside of my local area. The travel fees help cover expenses related to transportation, accommodation (if necessary), and any additional time required for travel.

The exact travel fees will depend on the distance to your wedding location and other related factors. During our initial discussions and when providing you with a pricing quote, I will include any applicable travel fees, ensuring transparency and clarity regarding the overall cost of my services.

If your wedding venue is within my local area, there may be little to no travel fees. However, for weddings outside of this area, I will work closely with you to keep the travel costs reasonable and within your budget.

Please feel free to share your wedding location with me, and I will be happy to provide you with specific details about any travel fees that may apply. My aim is to make the process as smooth as possible, so you can focus on enjoying your special day with peace of mind.

I completely understand that sometimes unexpected circumstances may arise, and you may need to make changes to your wedding start time or date. I am here to be flexible and accommodating to the best of my ability.

If you need to change your wedding start time or date, please inform me as soon as possible. I will do my utmost to accommodate the new schedule, provided I am available on the revised date and time.

Please keep in mind that my availability may be subject to prior commitments and other bookings. If the new date and time align with my schedule, I will be more than happy to continue working with you to make your wedding ceremony as special and meaningful as you originally planned.

In case the new date conflicts with my schedule, I will do my best to suggest alternative solutions or help you find another suitable officiant who can be there for your special day.

Open communication is key, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if any changes to your wedding plans occur. I am committed to making the process as stress-free as possible and ensuring your wedding day is a beautiful celebration of love and commitment.

I highly recommend attending the wedding rehearsal. It is a valuable opportunity for us to meet in person before the big day and walk through the ceremony together.

During the rehearsal, we can go over the ceremony details, including the processional and recessional, the order of events, and the logistics involved. This will help ensure that everyone involved in the ceremony, such as the wedding party and any other participants, feels comfortable and confident in their roles.

Attending the rehearsal also allows us to address any questions or concerns you may have, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure that the ceremony runs smoothly and flawlessly on your wedding day.

I consider the rehearsal an essential part of creating a meaningful and well-organized ceremony, and I am more than happy to be there to support you and ensure that your wedding day is as special as you’ve envisioned. Please let me know the date and time of the rehearsal, and I will be sure to be present to assist and guide you every step of the way.

Absolutely! I fully support capturing the special moments of your wedding ceremony through photographs. I understand the significance of these memories and the desire to cherish them for a lifetime.

You are more than welcome to have photographs taken during the ceremony. Whether it’s by professional photographers, family members, or even guests, I have no objections to documenting the joyous occasion.

If there are any specific guidelines or preferences you have regarding photography during the ceremony, please feel free to let me know. My main focus is to ensure that your wedding day is a beautiful and memorable experience, and I’m happy to accommodate any reasonable requests you may have.

Remember, your wedding is a celebration of love, and capturing those heartfelt moments through photographs can be a wonderful way to preserve the memories of this special day.

In North Carolina, it is possible for your friend to officiate your wedding if they become ordained as a wedding officiant. North Carolina recognizes weddings performed by ministers ordained or authorized by religious organizations, as well as marriages conducted by a federally or state-recognized Native American tribe. Additionally, North Carolina also allows marriages conducted by a magistrate or any ordained minister of any denomination.

To officiate your wedding legally, your friend would need to take the necessary steps to become ordained. There are various online organizations that offer ordination services, allowing individuals to become ordained ministers. However, it’s essential to ensure that the organization they choose is reputable and recognized in North Carolina.

Before proceeding with your friend as the officiant, I recommend verifying the specific requirements and regulations related to wedding officiants in North Carolina. This may involve checking with the local county clerk’s office or the Register of Deeds to confirm the validity of the ordination and any additional documentation that may be required.

My primary concern is that your wedding ceremony is conducted legally and in accordance with your wishes. If your friend is unable to officiate due to legal or logistical reasons, I would be more than happy to assist you in creating a beautiful and personalized ceremony that celebrates your love and commitment.

I respect and celebrate your decision to have a public wedding ceremony, even if you are already legally married. Many couples choose to have a ceremonial celebration after a private legal marriage as a way to share their love and commitment with family and friends.

Having a public wedding ceremony allows you to reaffirm your vows, exchange rings, and symbolize your love and unity in front of your loved ones. It can be a beautiful and meaningful event to cherish, even if the legal marriage has already taken place.

During our preparations for the ceremony, we can discuss how you want to structure the event and any unique elements you would like to include. Whether you wish to keep the fact that you are already legally married a secret or share it with your guests, I will ensure that the ceremony reflects your preferences and honors the love you share.

Your wedding day should be a joyous celebration, and I am here to support you in creating a memorable and heartfelt ceremony that reflects your love and commitment to each other. Feel free to share your ideas and desires, and together we will craft a ceremony that will make your special day truly unforgettable.

I completely understand and support your desire to have a more intimate and personalized wedding without a big ceremony or going to the courthouse. There are several options available to you, and I’m here to help you find the perfect fit for your preferences and style:

1. Micro Wedding: Consider having a micro wedding, which typically involves a small guest list, often including close family and friends only. This option allows you to have a more intimate and meaningful ceremony while still celebrating your love with your nearest and dearest.
2. Elopement: If you prefer a private and romantic setting, an elopement might be the ideal choice for you. Elopements are all about focusing on your love and commitment without the presence of a larger audience. You can choose a beautiful location that holds special significance to you and exchange your vows in a truly intimate setting.
3. Destination Wedding: Combine your wedding and honeymoon by having a destination wedding. Invite a small group of loved ones to join you in a beautiful location, and have a memorable celebration in a place that holds sentimental value for you.
4. Backyard Wedding: Consider having a simple and charming backyard wedding. Host the ceremony in your or a loved one’s backyard, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere with meaningful decorations and personal touches.
5. Virtual Wedding: In the digital age, virtual weddings have become increasingly popular. You can have an online wedding ceremony where family and friends from all over the world can join virtually to witness and celebrate your special day. (May not be available in some areas)
6. Legal Eagle: The quickest of the quick, only the legal details are covered, and you’re on your way in ten minutes.

Remember, your wedding should reflect your love and preferences. Whether you want a small gathering or an intimate elopement, I am here to help you craft a personalized ceremony that suits your vision perfectly. Let’s work together to create a beautiful and meaningful wedding celebration that you will cherish forever.

My primary role is to conduct the wedding ceremony and ensure it is a beautiful and meaningful experience for you and your guests. Typically, after the ceremony, my responsibilities as an officiant are complete, and I don’t stay for the reception.

However, if you would like me to stay for a portion of the reception or have a special role during that time, I am open to discussing your preferences. Some couples choose to have their officiant give a brief toast or say a few words of blessing during the reception. If this is something you’d like to include, I’d be happy to accommodate your request, provided it fits within my schedule and any time constraints.

Ultimately, I want to support you in creating the wedding day you envision, and I’m open to discussing any ideas or special requests you may have. My focus is on making your ceremony as meaningful and memorable as possible, and I’m honored to be part of your special day. Let me know how you’d like to proceed, and I’ll be here to assist you every step of the way.

I want to emphasize that tipping is entirely optional and not required. My main focus is on providing you with a meaningful and personalized wedding ceremony that reflects your love and commitment, and your satisfaction with my services is of utmost importance.

If you feel that I have gone above and beyond in helping you create a memorable and beautiful ceremony, and you would like to show your appreciation with a tip, it is entirely up to you. Your gesture of gratitude, no matter how big or small, is always appreciated but never expected.

My goal is to ensure that your wedding day is a joyous and stress-free experience, and I’m here to support you in any way I can.

If you have a question that hasn’t been addressed here, I want to assure you that I am more than happy to answer any additional questions you may have. As a non-denominational and non-judgmental wedding officiant, my primary goal is to provide you with the information and support you need to make your wedding ceremony a beautiful and meaningful experience.

Feel free to ask any questions or share any concerns you may have regarding the ceremony, the process, or anything else related to your wedding. I am here to listen, assist, and guide you every step of the way.

You can reach out to me through your preferred communication method, whether it’s email, phone, or any other means that is convenient for you. I’ll respond promptly and do my best to address any queries you may have, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident in your wedding plans.

Your wedding day is a significant milestone in your life, and I am honored to be considered as your wedding officiant. Together, let’s create a heartfelt and memorable ceremony that celebrates your love and commitment in a way that is true to your unique story and preferences.