Celebration of Marriage--Ceremonies


We’ll work together to plan
a meaningful ceremony
that truly celebrates your union.

Photo by Jennifer Thomson

Ideas for what you could include in your ceremony are listed below under “Some Ceremony Options.” This options outline is designed to help you begin to imagine and plan the celebration that will mean the most to you.

  • Choose only the parts you want; most people would not include all of them.
  • Feel free to add parts—it’s your ceremony. (I have to know ahead of time so I can prepare.)
  • Feel free to ask any questions.
Some Ceremony Options
1.  Prelude
2.  Processional
3.  Welcome/Opening Words
4.  Family Blessing of the couple/union
5.  Intro to Vows:
     a) Charge to the Couple (or story/homily—reminder of what the day means to you)
     b) Reading(s)
6.  Question to the Couple (the “I do” part—Questions can vary)
7.  Exchange of Vows (The “I, Name, take you, Name, to be my . . .” part—)
8.  Exchange of Rings
9.  Ritual                                                 
     Examples of Rituals 
     a.  Call to the 4 Directions (usually used to open/close a ceremony)
     b.  Unity candle/Chalice for UUs
     c.   or sands, rocks or other joining symbol that has meaning for the couple
     d.  Family Candle/Chalice (especially for blended families)
     e.  Handfasting (cloth or cord)
     f.    Crush wine glass
     g.  Jumping the Broom
     h.  Wishes/Blessings
          1)    From family
          2)   From congregation
     i.  Signing the Marriage License (as part of the ceremony—best if accompanied by music)
12.  Meditation/Prayer
13.  Wine Ceremony or Unity Candle Ceremony
14.  Special Music
15.  Pronouncement (“I now pronounce you . . .”)
16.  Blessing
17.  Couple’s Kiss
18.  Recessional

How We Work Together

 My Part
Jennifer at Seminary

      As minister (or “officiant”), I help you plan the ceremony.


      To ensure your ceremony runs as smoothly as possible, I will:
Provide as much of the wording, readings and formatting of your ceremony as you’d like—or I’ll use materials you provide.

 Advise you on various choices for words, readings and rituals and provide examples, which you may use if you wish.

 Talk with you about your relationship, how you met, what impresses you about each other—and any stories that might help me put together a personalized ceremony that will be meaningful to you.

 Write a story about your relationship, based on our conversations, that highlights a theme important to you and to your lives together.

 Include, if you wish, some of the incidents from the stories you tell me in appropriate parts of your ceremony.

 Provide couple survey material.

 Discuss any relationship issues you’d like to discuss, especially those that may arise from the couple survey material.

 Conduct a rehearsal of your ceremony.

 Perform your ceremony.

 Complete your marriage license and file it with the county.


Your Part
All the arrangements (music, programs, candles or other accessories needed for rituals, a place for the wedding!, etc.) are in your hands.

Remember, especially:

 apply for your marriage license (with the county) in time to have it for the ceremony.
arrange to use the same space for the rehearsal as for the wedding—plan about an hour for rehearsal (ask all ceremony participants to attend).

 Each of you fill out separately the couple survey material.

 BREATHE! (It helps you enjoy the day more!)


Our Part Together
1.  Meet in person, including both members of the couple, to discuss your vision for the ceremony, get to know each other and decide whether I will perform your ceremony.
2.  Discuss, perhaps via phone or email, the parts you’d like to include in your ceremony. I’ll need names of the participants and important family members/friends you’ll want me to acknowledge (parents, etc).
3.  Meet a second time in person, including both members of the couple, to:
a.  Finalize the parts of your personalized ceremony.
b.  Discuss any relationship issues you’d like to discuss, especially as related to the couple survey material.
4.  Rehearse, usually the day before your ceremony.
5.  Celebrate your union!








The Paperwork

Fee:
$450
+ Mileage of $1/mile
round trip from East Troy, Wisconsin, to the rehearsal and ceremony.

Price includes:
  • 2 in-person meetings,
  • couple survey,
  • optional discussion of couple survey,
  • phone & email discussions,
  • a ceremony designed personally for you,
  • a personalized homily,
  • a rehearsal of your ceremony and
  • the ceremony itself.

 Payment is due
at least
two weeks
before the ceremony.
Thank You!


Thank you for inviting me to share in the
celebration of your union.
I look forward to crafting a meaningful and
joyful ceremony designed just for you.


—Jennifer

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