Frequently Asked Questions

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I have over 10 years of experience in officiating weddings and other special events. I have worked with couples of all backgrounds and beliefs, and we are committed to creating a ceremony that reflects your unique love story.

Absolutely! I can work with you to create a personalized ceremony that reflects your beliefs, values, and vision for your special day. We can include any special readings, rituals, or traditions that are important to you.

Yes, I am available for travel for weddings and other special events.

To be legally married in Massachusetts, the following must be true on the day of your ceremony:

• Both individuals must be present — proxy marriages are not allowed
• You must have a valid Massachusetts marriage license
  • The license must be issued and signed by a Massachusetts city or town clerk
  • It must be received before the ceremony
  • It must not be expired (check the “Not Valid After” date)

💡 Important: A marriage license from another state is not valid in Massachusetts.
If the license is forgotten, missing, or expired, I am legally prohibited from performing the ceremony.

No witnesses are required under Massachusetts law. As your officiant, I serve as the legal witness to your marriage. You're welcome to include ceremonial witnesses (such as friends or family) for symbolic or religious reasons, but it's not required for the marriage to be legal.

I will sign your official marriage certificate immediately following the ceremony.

You (the couple) do not sign the certificate yourselves, and no additional witness signatures are needed.

Yes. As required by Massachusetts law, I maintain a handwritten, hardbound record of every marriage I officiate. This permanent, unalterable log helps preserve your marriage as part of the legal record. At the conclusion of the ceremony, you will be asked to sign my officiant record book as part of this process.

While I will return your completed marriage license to the issuing clerk, you will not receive a certified copy immediately. If desired, I can provide a non-legal, personalized keepsake certificate for display or as a memento.

Please note: I am not permitted to photocopy or reproduce the official marriage license. Once your marriage is recorded by the clerk, you may request a certified copy directly from that office.

Once I return the completed license to the city or town clerk who issued it, they will officially record your marriage. You can then request a certified legal copy directly from that office for your records.

Absolutely! You're encouraged to write your own vows if you'd like. 

Here are a few tips:

• Keep both partners' vows similar in length
• Try not to exceed 2 pages, double-spaced
• Use a sans-serif font (like Arial or Calibri), size 16–18, for easy readability when reading aloud

You're welcome to share your drafts with me in advance if you'd like feedback or support.

Yes! I provide a fully customizable ceremony script as a starting point. You're welcome to revise it, add personal touches, or include cultural or spiritual elements.

My fees are based on Massachusetts guidelines:

• $100 for a ceremony held in the city/town where I reside
• $150 for a ceremony held elsewhere in Massachusetts

Other services (rehearsals, extended consultations, travel) may be arranged by mutual agreement.