Getting your Arizona Marriage License

1.  Q  "HOW DOES YOUR SERVICE STAND OUT FROM OTHERS?"

     A - There are several things, but first and foremost, I am an ordained minister—and that’s it! I don’t offer any other services; I focus on performing beautiful ceremonies and helping couples prepare for marriage. With my ordination, I am legally able to marry couples worldwide. Unlike many, I wasn’t ordained online or through a simple signed document. I have invested hours, days, months, and years into my training, and I believe that dedication shows.

When I started my business, I made a promise to myself and my couples: I will never compromise my commitment to you. To ensure this, I only perform one ceremony per day. Ceremonies often run behind, and I’m not willing to risk one of the most important days of your life for other obligations on my end. I work closely with each couple, dedicating 100% of myself to create a personalized, memorable ceremony that fits your unique desires and personalities. You’ll choose every word of your ceremony, making it completely about you. You will never receive a generic ceremony where only the names are changed!

While I may not be the right fit for everyone, I’m the perfect match for discerning couples who want an original, heartfelt ceremony that reflects their love and view the ceremony as an essential part of their wedding day. If you’re looking for a meaningful connection with the person who will join you in marriage and want someone proactive in every step of the planning process, then give me a call. I’d love to speak with you! :)

2.  Q  "WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT THE WORK YOU DO?"

    A  - I absolutely love everything about being an officiant! From crafting the perfect ceremony for each couple to seeing them standing in front of me on their wedding day, every part of the process is something I truly cherish.

3.  Q  "WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A COUPLE LOOKING TO HIRE A PROVIDER IN YOUR AREA OF WORK?"

    A - Choose an officiant you truly connect with. While there are many officiants in Arizona with a range of prices, it’s important to go with someone you feel comfortable talking to, sharing with, and trusting to have your best interests at heart. I tell my couples all the time: I’m not for everyone, but for those I am, you have all of me!

Also, do your research to ensure the officiant you hire understands all the legal aspects of the process.

4. Q  "WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL PROCESS FOR WORKING WITH A NEW COUPLE?"

    A - Before booking my services, I require either a phone/video call for couples who live out of the area or an in-person meeting. This helps both of us determine if we’re a good match. It’s important to me that you feel completely comfortable with me. My goal is for you to feel like a friend is marrying you on your wedding day, not a stranger you met online.

At the end of our meeting, if you’d like me to officiate your ceremony, I will send you my contract and invoice for your deposit. Once the contract and deposit are received, I’ll send you all the options we discussed to help make your ceremony as unique as the two of you.

​5.  Q  "CAN'T I JUST HAVE A FRIEND MARRY US?"

  ​  A - My answer to this is, "Yes, you can. It’s your day, and you can do whatever you want, but: do you really want a friend, relative, or someone with limited experience leading the most important moment of your life?"

I’ve been performing weddings for over 13 years, and while there are always things to learn, my experience allows me to provide a flawless ceremony that you and your guests will cherish forever. My personal opinion is that it’s a great honor to have family or friends involved in your ceremony, such as doing a reading, but I wouldn’t recommend having them perform the entire ceremony.

6.  Q  "WHY DOES IT COST SO MUCH FOR 20 - 30 MINUTES OF WORK?"

      A - What you see on your wedding day is just a small part of what I do.  A professional officiant invests hours behind the scenes — writing and customizing your ceremony, guiding you through vows and unity options, coordinating with your planner and photographer, preparing your script, and ensuring everything flows smoothly.

I also handle the legal side, including properly completing and returning your marriage license. Like every wedding professional, this is a business with preparation time, travel, and operational expenses.

At the end of the day, without an officiant, there is no marriage — just a party.

When you hire me, you’re not paying for 30 minutes — you’re investing in experience, preparation, professionalism, and peace of mind.

7.  Q "DO YOU PERFORM SAME-SEX MARRIAGES?"

​      A - You bet I do! I am truly honored to be a part of any couple’s special day. A couple who shares such a deep love for one another deserves all the happiness in the world. I truly believe that there is no power on heaven or earth strong enough to come between two people who love each other so much that they want to commit themselves to one another in the amazing partnership of marriage.

        Song Of Solomon 3:4 - "I Have Found The One Whom My Soul Loves"

8. Q "IS A REHEARSAL REALLY NECESSARY?"

​      A - Couples have different feelings on this issue. Some find that a rehearsal is necessary and feel it's an important part of the process, while others may take comfort in simply knowing what will happen. Whether you have a small bridal party, a large one, or just the couple, if it makes you happy, then go for it! However, in most cases, the venue coordinator (or if you hired a Day-of-Event Coordinator) will handle the rehearsal. It’s typically focused on the lineup of the wedding party. You will not repeat your vows at the rehearsal, and I will never read your ceremony at that time.

If you don't have a coordinator, I can help direct you and your bridal party on the lineup for the ceremony. With my experience, I can also offer unique options for your ceremony layout to make it even more special.

9. Q "HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE LICENSE TO BE RECORDED?"

     A - In Arizona, the officiant has 30 days to file your marriage license after the ceremony. If you need it filed sooner, please let me know, and we can make arrangements to accommodate your needs.

10. Q "HOW FAR AHEAD DO WE NEED TO BOOK?"

     A - I recommend booking your officiant 10-12 months in advance to ensure you get your preferred choice. Once you’ve selected your venue and date, book your officiant at the same time you book your photographer and videographer. Keep in mind that March - May and September - November are typically the busiest months in Arizona due to the amazing weather.

11. Q "CAN WE WRITE OUR OWN VOWS?"

     A - Absolutely! It’s a beautiful addition to any ceremony. Just let me know, and I’d be happy to provide helpful ideas to make it as stress-free as possible for both of you!

 12. Q "WHAT IF WE ARE TWO DIFFERENT FAITHS?"

    A - No problem at all! I’ve performed many interfaith ceremonies and will work closely with you both to ensure that both faiths and/or traditions are beautifully represented.

13.  Q "HOW DO YOU HANDLE LAST-MINUTE CHANGES OR UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS DURING THE CEREMONY?"

      A - As an experienced officiant, I always prepare thoroughly for each ceremony to ensure everything runs smoothly. However, I understand that weddings can be unpredictable, and I’m prepared to handle any last-minute changes or unexpected situations with professionalism and grace. Whether it's a sudden change in the ceremony order, an issue with the weather, or a delay in the timeline, I remain calm and flexible to adapt as needed. My priority is to ensure your ceremony is as stress-free and memorable as possible, no matter what surprises might arise. I’ve handled these situations before, and I will be there to guide you and your guests through them with minimal disruption.