We have chosen to perform only secular or non-denominational cermonies. More and more couples from diverse backgrounds opt for wedding ceremonies that focus more on celebrating the union than on religious underpinnings.
In the past, couples could derive meaning from the traditions and rituals of religion. These days couples tend to be more diverse and a shared religious background on which to base a wedding is becoming less common.
Just because there isn't a reference to a specific deity or religious tradition doesn't mean your ceremony can't be meaningful. Some of the most beautiful ceremonies I've seen are non-denominational. We can work together on this.
Pete has been officiating weddings since 2002 when he officiated the wedding of a close college friend. The wedding went so well and he enjoyed it so much that he decided to more.
After moving to Washington DC he established DC Secular Weddings. He officiated over 50 weddings while living in DC and got pretty damn good at it. People who work with him often remark that he relentlessly helpful the day of and prior to the ceremony; he can often be found hauling boxes the day of the wedding. They will also note that Pete interjects humor where appripriate because weddings are supposed to be fun.
Pete works with couples on multiple iterations of the ceremonies. He'll advise you on what will work and what you may want to re-consider in your ceremony. He also doesn't mind meeting over coffee or a beer (preferably a beer) to discuss any issues as they come up.We are more than willing to meet you two for some coffee and to answer your questions in person. Hiring an officiant to perform your wedding ceremony without meeting them first is a bit like buying a car over the phone. And no, we don't charge you for the meeting. We like to meet the folks we marry prior to actual ceremony as well.
Part of our job is to make sure that all of the paperwork is filled out correctly and filed on time, so yes, we will take care of that for you. It is important to note, however, that you must obtain your Minnesota Marriage License yourself! You and your fiance must go to any local courthouse and apply for your Marriage License. This isn't something that we can furnish for you. Your Marriage License is good for six months, so don't wait until the last minute to apply.
If you would like to write your own vows, that's great. If not, we can send you about four pages of them to choose from. No cookie cutter wedding vows here.
That's a tough question. Some wedding officiants have only two ceremonies - a long version and short one. we have about 25 weddings in our collection, but since we give our couples complete control over their ceremony, the possible number of ceremonies are endless.
Almost offended by the question. Of course we do! After the long fight for marriage equality in Minnesota it's an honor to finally legally perform these ceremonies.
We can travel anywhere in the state of Minnesota to peform your wedding. Ceremonies that take place more than 30 miles outside of the Minneapolis are subject to a $0.50 miliage charge. The exception to this is weddings that take place in the Brainard Lakes area. We will officiate ceremonies within 30 miles of Nisswa Minnesota.