Please call me at (810) 516-7381 to plan your perfect wedding ceremony.
My fees for conducting your ceremony are simple and differ mainly on whether or not you want a standard or customized ceremony, or a rehearsal.
Option 1 – Simple Ceremony – $150 (paid in advance)
This will be a standard ceremony at a location of your choosing, as well as unlimited phone and email communication before the big day. I arrive just before the time you set for your wedding. Please be sure to have two legal adults present to sign your license as witnesses. Following your ceremony, your part of the license is signed, you get a copy and I return the other to the County Clerk.
Option 2 – Custom Ceremony without Rehearsal – $300
This option includes a custom ceremony at the location of your choosing, a face-to-face “get to know you” meeting and unlimited phone and email communication to plan your ceremony.
Customized ceremonies can include readings of poetry, scripture or favorite quotes. These can be read by friends and/or family members, or if no one else can do it, I will gladly read those pieces. You may add music or songs of your choosing, but these must be done by friends or family because I don’t sing!
On the day of your ceremony, I arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your wedding time to fill out the minister’s information on your marriage license and answer any last-minute questions. Following the ceremony, you will sign your part of the marriage license, allowing the opportunity for photography of the signing, then you get a copy of the license and I return the other to the County Clerk. Again, please be sure to have two legal adults present to sign your license as witnesses, (many people use bridesmaids or groomsmen for this).
I do ask that license signing be done prior to the rest of your photography unless you’ve had most of your photos taken before the ceremony. When we’re all finished, I will give you your custom ceremony booklet that I used to conduct your service, as a keepsake for you! I will then take care of sending your license in to the County Clerk’s office.
Option 3 – Custom Ceremony with Rehearsal – $400
This option includes everything in Option 2, plus a rehearsal at the time and place of your choosing, usually lasting 45-60 minutes. Last minute ceremony changes can be made as we smooth out any issues during the rehearsal.
Many couples like a rehearsal if they’re having a larger wedding with more elements in the ceremony or more attendants standing with them. A rehearsal helps everyone know their parts and places and makes the bride and groom feel more relaxed about how everything will flow. If your ceremony is simpler, smaller or perhaps you’ve done this before, maybe you don’t need a rehearsal.
Extra fees
The only thing that I possibly charge extra for is travel more than 50 miles from my home outside of Flint. The extra amount is determined on an individual basis and is determined by the distance and whether or not you have a rehearsal. I accept cash, checks made out to Dr. Stephan Smith, and credit cards over the phone and through PayPal. I can be reached at 810-516-7381, or via the Contact Dr. Smith tab at the top of the page.
Deposits – When you book your ceremony, please be prepared to pay a 50% deposit to hold your date, which can be paid at our initial meeting or within a week afterwards, by the methods stated above. Since deposits are meant in part to save your date from other bookings, they are sadly non-refundable unless you cancel my services at least 60 days prior to the booked date. The balance of the fee is due either at the rehearsal or, if there is no rehearsal, prior to the ceremony on your wedding day.
Stephan J. Smith – Wedding Officiant