What is your address for our marriage license?

• You will need the address of the minister who is marrying you. Please call us for the exact address, title and phone of your officiant.

Religious Issues

• Will you marry us if we are of different faiths?
• Yes. We frequently marry couples that are not the same faith, or one or the other has no particular belief. In fact most of our couples do not belong to any particular church, or they would probably be getting married in their parish. We do not require membership in any congregation in order to marry you. The only requirement is that you can obtain a legal marriage certificate from the State of Wisconsin.
• Will you marry us if one or both of us have been previously divorced?
• Yes as long as you can legally acquire a state marriage license we will perform your ceremony.
• Will you marry us if we are not current members of your church? If not, can we inquire about becoming a member?
• We do not have an organized congregation, as our wedding ministry comes to you for your ceremony, and we go to our couples to minster in marriage when called upon. If you would like a referral to a church in the area, we would be glad to help you find a parish that would fit with your particular beliefs and lifestyle.
• Do you require pre-marital or religious counseling before getting married? If so, what does that entail?
• We do not require it, but do like to know and get a feeling for you as a couple. We casually chat about your goals, family, children and why you want to marry. It is not formal, and more-so helps us get to know you and helps us write a more personal ceremony.
• Would you allow another Officiant (possibly of a different religion or a relative) to take part in the ceremony?
• Yes! We are always open to your ideas and want to make your special day perfect for you.

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Wedding Vows

• Are we allowed to write our own wedding vows or must we use the traditional vows?
• We encourage you to choose or write something that touches your hearts, and is what you want. We have a large selection of ceremonies, vows, readings, poems and ring vows that you can choose from. We provide this in an 145+ page online ceremony planning guide which allows you to pick and choose parts from anything that you like.

Readings

• Are there any restrictions on the types of readings that can be used?
• As long as it isn't offensive or derogatory, we encourage you to use readings that are meaningful to you and your guests and family.  We have a large selection to choose from ranging from traditional bible text to modern day love poems.
• Can we use contemporary readings or are they required to be religious or scripture readings?
• Please use the readings that mean the most to you.

Ceremony Music

• Are there any restrictions on the type of music that can be played?
• No
• Can we use contemporary songs?
• Yes! We have had songs ranging from the Halelluah Chorus, to the Sesame Street theme, and lots in between. Of course there is always the traditional choices, which we also have a great list for.
• Can we bring our own musicians?
• Yes! Live music is always a nice touch. 

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Wedding Attire

• Are there any restrictions on wedding attire? Some churches may have rules about bare shoulders or skirt lengths.
• No, as long as you are comfortable and no laws are broken, your attire is up to you.
• What does the officiant wear?'
• Rev. Michelle typically wears a black robe with wedding stole, and the male officiants wear a dark suit.
• Casual wear can be worn if the couple prefers it be more low key or casual.

Photography

• Are there any restrictions on photography? Some churches may limit or may not allow ANY flash photography. Others may have restrictions on where the photographer may and may not stand.
• We allow all types of photography during the ceremony, as long as we can see to read from our book, we are fine.
• We prefer not to have a photographer behind us, as it limits the guests from taking pictures of the marriage ceremony taking place.

• Is it permissible to videotape the ceremony? 
• Yes same as above.

Decor

• Are there any items or decorations that would be included? Such as candles, candelabras or pew decorations?
• If you choose a sand ceremony from the ala carte menu, we provide the sand and vase.
• If you choose a rose ceremony we bring the roses.
• We are very flexible and can help or bring anything that you will not be able to obtain or get
• Can we use an aisle runner?
• Yes as long as you can walk safely
• Is a candle light service permitted?
• Depends on the location. Ask the facility when you make arrangements.
• If there is very low light, we may not be able to see our text very well. We appreciate having enough light in the ceremony area that we can read easily.

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Logistics

• Is the wedding date we've chosen available? What time can we hold the ceremony?
• Please call for up to date scheduling. We try to update our calendar page as often as possible, but it changes daily. We have 3 officiants, so more than likely we will be able to accommodate your request for date and time.
• We have time blocks as follows. Each time block starts at $275 for short and sweet, and $325 for traditional, however you can book as many blocks on your wedding day as needed or wanted:
• 9am to 11am
• 11:30am – 1pm
• 1:30pm to 3pm
• 3:30pm to 5pm
• 5:30pm to 7pm
• later by request only
• What if we are running late?

• Most weddings start a little late, but we strongly encourage you to plan ahead so you can start on time. As long as you are within your time block, all is fine, but if you go over into another time block, your officiant may need to leave for another wedding, or you may be charged for the next lock of time.
• Is there another wedding scheduled on the same day?
• It is possible that there may be. We try to avoid this by having 3 officiants available, but during busy months such as June, August and September, many weekends book full each day.

• What about the timing and logistics of obtaining the marriage license? 
• You will need to apply for your marriage license in the county in which you reside in most cases. We encourage you to call your county clerk for details. 
• You will sign the marriage license at the time you apply or pick it up. Only your witnesses and officiant will sign it the day of the wedding.
• Your officiant is required to file the license with the state after the wedding. You can request a certified copy only from the clerk of courts. It is illegal in Wisconsin for the officiant to make a copy of a marriage license.
• Should we send the officiant an invitation to the wedding?
• Yes! Our officiants do not stay for wedding receptions, but appreciate receiving an invitation for the ceremony to confirm dates and times. Please do not be offended that we cannot accept your invitation to stay for the reception or rehearsal dinners.

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Fees

• Ask about the Officiant's fee.
• Our basic ceremony starts at $275 for a regular week or weekend day. Holidays and the weekend of a holiday have a $100 surcharge. Our price sheet details all expenses. Mileage outside of our standard areas is extra and detailed on our contract map. For example, Madison, Edgerton, and Green Bay are all local for our officiants and there is no fee, but Appleton, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Chicago are extra for mileage depending on how far the location is from the officiant's home. Mileage is currently $.75 per mile each way (this may vary depending on gas prices.)
• Ask if there are any other fees or donations that should be given to the church.
• This is completely at your discretion. Tips are always appreciated if you feel you received excellent service, but a tip not required or expected. 

• In a recent national survey, it was found the average gratuity was between $50 and $125.  If difficult travel is involved, an additional gratuity is appreciated. This donation should be given to the best man prior to the ceremony in an envelope with your officiant's name on it.  Following the proceedings, he will then give it to the officiant.

  Organist and Musician: Fees for church organists and musicians are often included in the rental fee for the church. When this is not the case, a gratuity of no less than $35 is appropriate, but in a recent survey, the average was $50 for each person. When the organist and musician (soloist) are close friends of the couple or family, the gratuity averaged $75. 

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