OFFICIATING:
My brother wants to marry us but he is not ordained. Can you witness what he does and sign the paperwork afterwards? That’s what friends of ours did…
It’s highly likely your friends are not legally married, but you can avoid any legal issues by having your brother work closely with us to co-officiate your wedding. As well, there are other meaningful ways your brother can be part of your special day, such as taking part in readings, or even presenting you as a married couple.
We could also meet quietly before the wedding to do a quick ceremony that will marry you legally, leaving your brother free to perform a second “ceremony.”
How can you justify charging so much for only a 30 minute ceremony?
As with many things, you get what you pay for. I generally spend 10-12 hours communicating with a couple (occasionally in person but usually by email/phone/chat), preparing and customizing the ceremony, delivering the ceremony, completing the legal paperwork, and mailing it to the government offices in Thunder Bay. The ceremony reflects the couple and their relationship, and includes any special readings, rituals, and elements that they would like included. Since I am also a wedding planner, I am experienced in calming and coaching nervous couples through their ceremony.
Most importantly, don’t forget: the officiant is the least expensive person you will hire, and the only one who is absolutely necessary! Without your officiant, you’re just throwing a party!
Can we look at photos and videos of you performing ceremonies for other couples?
Photographers and videographers give these only to the couple they are working for, but you can see candid shots of some of our ceremonies here. However, all you will see is someone else standing at the altar, which I doubt will be helpful to you.
What will you wear to officiate our wedding?
For non-religious ceremonies Shari will wear street clothes, a dress or skirt and blouse. For religious weddings she will wear her clergical collar, or an ivory robe that you might prefer if the wedding is very formal.
Dave will wear a suit, or a shirt and tie for an informal wedding. For a motorcycle wedding, he will show up in full riding gear!
How much retainer do you require to officiate our wedding, and when is it due?
Your wedding date and time will be reserved upon receipt of a retainer of 50%. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS RETAINER IS NON-REFUNDABLE. Until the retainer is received, we are unable to work on your behalf (ceremony wording, etc) and the date will be available to other couples. Email transfers can be sent to sandcastlesweddings@gmail.com. Upon receipt of the retainer, we will email you an information form to fill out and return to us as well as some sample ceremony wordings (you are also free to search the internet for ceremonies). In addition, we will be available to you by unlimited email and at least one telephone/in-person meeting, if desired.The balance will be due 3 (three) days before the wedding. Email transfers can be sent to sandcastlesweddings@gmail.com
HOURLY COACHING:
How can I book a coaching session?
Call or email to set up a date and time, either in-person or by phone.
Is there a time limit?
Coaching sessions last for one hour. There is no refund for unused time.
How does coaching payment work?
At the time of booking, you can reserve the time with a full payment of $50 by email transfer.
Sandcastles Wedding Officiating, Coaching and More 