Frequently Asked Questions

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I've been asked some of the same questions so many times that I decided to add a page with the answers. If you come up with a question I don't have covered here...just ask!

How do I get my marriage license?
What do I do with my license once I get it?
What is a "Wedding Officiant"?
Are you legally allowed to perform wedding ceremonies?
Do we need witnesses?
Do we have to do any pre-marital counseling?
We don't live in your local area, how does this work?
Where do you perform ceremonies?
Can you marry us in a church?
What type of wedding ceremonies do you perform?
Do you perform religious ceremonies?
I don't want a religious ceremony, is that ok?
Can we write our own vows?
Do you attend wedding rehearsals?
What happens if our wedding starts late?
Can you help me find other vendors?

How do I get my marriage license?

This varies depending on which state you are to be married in...not where you actually live. Not only is each state different but each courthouse has their own way of doing things as well. Your best bet is to contact the courthouse you plan to go to directly and ask them exactly what you need.

The basics: (Always double check with your actual courthouse!)

Pennsylvania
Legal Age:18
Blood Test: None
Fees: $50 cash only
ID: Valid Photo ID, Proof of SSI#
Both Bride and Groom must be present to apply
Where: May apply anywhere in the state
Waiting period: 72 hours (Some courts will post date so you can take it with you!)
Valid for: 60 days
If Previously Married: Divorce decree or death certificate required

New Jersey
Legal Age:18
Blood Test: None
Fees: $28 cash
ID: Valid Photo ID
Both Bride and Groom must be present to apply with witness
Where: Apply where the Bride lives, if not NJ, then where the Groom lives, if both are out of state then where the wedding will be held.
Waiting period: 72 hours
Valid for: 30 days
If Previously Married: Divorce decree or death certificate required
You will need to know the name and address of your officiant when you apply

Delaware
Legal Age:18
Blood Test: None
Fees: $30 cash only
ID: Valid Photo ID
Both Bride and Groom must be present to apply with witness
Waiting period: 24 hours for residents, 96 hours for non-residents
Valid for: 30 days
If Previously Married: Divorce decree or death certificate required

Maryland
Legal Age:18
Blood Test: None
Fees: $35 - $60.00 cash or credit cards. Varies by county. If you have completed a state recognized pre-marital preparation course, you may receive a discount on the license fee.
ID: Driver's License or birth certificate
Only one applicant needs to be present.
Where: In the county where you intend to be married
Waiting period: 48 hours
Valid for: 6 months
If Previously Married: Divorce decree or death certificate required

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What do I do with my license once I get it?

Nothing! Other then looking it over for errors...You just hold on to it until we meet and then I'll take it from there.

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What is a "Wedding Officiant"?

The term Wedding Officiant has been around for some time, but has become the primary term in Web Directories for listing people authorized to perform weddings. This term reflects the broader background of individuals officiating at weddings. In the minds of the owners of Website Directories, the terms "clergy and minister" denote people with more of a religious perspective in their approach to the wedding ceremony structure and the vows. "Wedding Officiant" as a defining phrase has a more secular sound to it. A wedding Officiant can describe those who are religious, who are secular, or who have spiritual in their approach. A professionally-trained Wedding Officiant is a person who is specifically trained in every aspect of the Wedding Day. A Wedding Officiant is not just an Ordained Minister who is trained in the creeds and dogmas of a specific religion.

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Are you legally allowed to perform wedding ceremonies?

As a Reverend I am legally able to perform your ceremony in almost any state.

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Do we need witnesses?

Not in Pennsylvania but you do need two witnesses in New Jersey and Delaware.

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Do we have to do any pre-marital counseling?

No...I want to get to know you so that we can be comfortable with each other and I can get some insight into what we'll do for your ceremony. Not to judge you or your decisions.

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We don't live in your local area, how does this work?

With email and a cell phone you'll still feel like we're old friends by the time your wedding day gets here.

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Where do you perform ceremonies?

I travel all over the Philadelphia area including surrounding areas such as Chester, Lancaster and Berks Counties. I also perform ceremonies in New Jersey, Delaware and parts of Maryland. I officate weddings wherever you would like to be married. This includes reception halls, churches, parks or gardens, in the air (skydiving, hot air balloon or helicopter) and even at your own home. See my locations page for a list of some of the places I have been.

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Can you marry us in a church?

Most traditional churches only rent their churches to members and they perform the ceremonies. There are some who are willing to rent their churches.

Quaker churches: http://www.quakerfinder.org/

Unitarian churches: http://www.uua.org/CONG/index.php

Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church: 412 Pine Street (corner of Pine and 4th Streets) in Philadelphia, PA. (215) 925-8051

Wayside Chapel: 1151 Horsham Road in Ambler, PA. (215)542-9132

Allaire Chapel: Allaire State Park in Farmingdale, NJ. (732)919-3500

Civil . . Religious . . Romantic . . Spiritual . . Interfaith . . Renewal of Vows . . Commitment . . Second Wedding . . Wedding With Children . . Senior Couples . . Divorced Couples . . Hawaiian Theme . . Renaissance Theme . . Halloween Themes . . You name it!

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Do you perform religious ceremonies?

Your ceremony can be as religious as you want it to be. You have the final ok an anything that is said during your ceremony so whether it be a simple prayer or short reading or a full sermon, that is completely up to you.

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I don't want a religious ceremony, is that ok?

Absolutely! Some couples are of mixed faiths and choose to have a spiritual ceremony instead of a religious one. Other couples have various reasons for not wanting any mention of religion in their ceremony. It is your ceremony, it includes only what you want to say.

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Can we write our own vows?

Absolutely! I have samples of different vows that you may use or just use for inspiration. Anything that you want in your ceremony can be added, there are so many things beyond just what I have on hand. This is your ceremony so make it as much about you as possible!

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Do you attend wedding rehearsals?

I would love to attend or run your rehearsal. This needs to be scheduled just like a ceremony or I may already have another commitment. I do prefer rehearsals on weeknights after 6pm but will make exceptions if I am available. See services for pricing.

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What happens if our wedding starts late?

A few minutes is fairly common and not a problem, however the ability to wait will be solely at the Officiant's discretion. There will be an additional $50 per half hour charge if your Officiant needs to wait more than 30 minutes past the scheduled starting time of any ceremony.

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Can you help me find other vendors?

Of course! Pretty much anything that you may need for your ceremony I know someone who can do it for you. Just let me know what you need. (Ceremony location, Rental company, Photographer, DJ, etc.) I have a page with some helpful links added so try there to get you started.

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