Great question! You’re right: there are a lot of other Officiants in the Seattle area…and we’re friends with most of them!
Choosing someone to officiate your wedding should be about trust and connection, but here are some things you might also consider while you’re making your decision:
If you’re still on the fence, perhaps a visit to our Testimonials page will give you a better idea of the quality of service we offer.
My fees are flexible, but as a general rule, in determining your fee, the following holds true:
Every event, regardless of size, receives the same level of professionalism, care and attention to detail.
You can use the Information Request Form to provide details of your wedding, request a discount, and get an exact price quote.
As long as I’m available to perform your wedding, I’m happy to make the change at no additional cost. However, if you elect to reschedule and I’m unavailable on the new date, then my obligation to you will end. Any money you’ve already paid (excluding your initial retainer) may be refunded at my sole discretion. In that event, I will do my best to help you find a suitable replacement.
The initial retainer to reserve your date and time is currently $200. There is no expiration date on the retainer, should you need to reschedule.
I can accept Venmo, CashApp, Zelle and Paypal* for both the initial retainer and the final balance.
I regret that I can no longer accept personal checks. I apologize for any inconvenience.
Click here for detailed payment information or to make a payment.
* For Paypal, please add an additional 3% for processing.
In accepting your initial retainer, we guarantee that I will be available at the desired date and time to perform your wedding. The only way I can make this guarantee is to turn away other couples inquiring about your date. For this reason, should you decide to cancel my services for any reason, your initial retainer will not be refunded.
I take my commitment to performing your wedding very seriously. Over almost 15 years, I have yet to miss a wedding (knock wood). However, I realize that eventually, something may occur that keeps me from fulfilling my obligation to you. Should that occur and I be unable to perform my duties as agreed, I will make every effort to find a qualified replacement to officiate your wedding. If that proves impossible, then I will offer my services at no additional charge on a date and time of your choosing (subject to availability). Finally, if all else fails, then any money paid will be refunded to you.
Your initial consultation in person, by phone or Zoom is always free. Subsequent meetings may incur a small additional cost, and will depend upon availability.
When I receive your retainer, I immediately send you a complete Ceremony Design Packet, consisting of multiple e-mail attachments in Microsoft Word format (if you have any problem opening or reading them, I can convert them to virtually any format you need). The Packet contains both complete ceremonies and enough individual “mix-and-match” ceremony design elements to enable you to create an unlimited number of unique combinations!
If at any point you need more material, I’m happy to provide it and, of course, I’m always available to respond to questions or concerns! Most couples have told me that creating their ceremony was the most fun…and least stressful…part of their planning!
I’m pleased to offer discounts for Active Military or First Responder. I also offer a discount if you’re getting married during the low season (Nov-Mar). Be sure to let me know if you believe you qualify for one of these discounts.
Sorry, only one discount per event.
I’m always happy to conduct or attend rehearsal on a separate day if you request it. There will be an additional charge for my time and travel to the location. For King and South Snohomish counties, this is currently $85.00. For other locations, the fee will depend on location.
As a money-saving alternative, I include a great “D.I.Y.” guide to conducting your own rehearsal in your Packet. This guide steps you through the entire rehearsal process in a clear, organized manner, just as I would if I was with you. Many of my couples have used this document with great success over the years.
Occasionally, situations do arise that may incur an additional fee:
After booking is confirmed, I’ll ask you to approve and sign (electronically) a standard Officiant Services Contract that confirms the pricing and booking details and provides other pertinent information regarding the event. The Contract was created by humans, not attorneys. It is for the protection of everyone concerned to preclude future misunderstandings.
Your outstanding balance can be paid any time on or before the day of the wedding.
Gratuities are never required or expected…but always appreciated!
I never assume I’m included in post-wedding activities (like dinner), but in most cases, if I have no subsequent engagements, I’m honored to stay if invited.
Most non-denominational weddings last from 15-20 minutes, including the walk-in and walk-out, but of course, the exact length really depends on the degree to which you “customize” your ceremony, since all ceremony content is up to you. In our experience, however, ceremonies lasting much more than 20 minutes tend to drag, and after 30 minutes, the snoring from the audience can become a serious distraction!
Kidding aside, the idea is for your guests to remember your ceremony for how interesting, beautiful, intimate and elegant it was, not for how long it lasted!
I cannot purchase your Marriage License for you. You should apply for it in person or online through the office of the County Auditor/Recorder. The cost of the license packet is currently $65.
Bear in mind that there is a mandatory three-day waiting period from the date of issue before you can use your Marriage License, and the day of issue is not counted. That said, since the License is valid for 60 days, it makes sense to purchase it sooner, rather than later.
There may also be specific requirements which vary from county-to-county. You should always do your homework to avoid unanticipated surprises.
No. You can purchase your License from any County Recorder/Auditor’s office in Washington state, regardless of where you plan to be married.
If rehearsal was held on a separate day, then I try to arrive about 30 minutes early to answer any last-minute questions and coordinate with your other vendors (disc jockeys, musicians, photographers, etc.) If you’ve chosen to rehearse before the ceremony, then I will normally arrive 45-60 minutes early to allow time for a run-through. I’m also happy to rehearse the men and the women separately if the bride and groom don’t want to see each other before the wedding.
I don’t offer premarital counseling at this time. Should you request it, I will be happy to refer you to an appropriate provider.
Absolutely, and I have done many times in the past. Different voices always make a ceremony more interesting for everyone in attendance!
Not from me, at least! If it’s legal in Washington state, bring it on!
Forever, Together has been providing Officiant services to couples in Western Washington since 2008.
In a word, yep!
Of course. I’ve performed weddings all over Washington state, and I’m familiar with hundreds of appropriate locations. Just let me know the type of venue you’d like, and your approximate budget, and I’ll do whatever I can to help.
In addition, be sure to check out the Favorite Vendors page for a list of some of my favorite venues.
Not only allowed, but encouraged! The wedding vows are the most intimate part of your ceremony, and should always come from the heart. However, if you hit a creative wall, I also include dozens of sample wedding vows in the Packet for you to use as-is or modify to suit your wishes. There’s also a great little document entitled, “Writing Your Own Wedding Vows,” that many couples have found extremely helpful over the years.
Well, if there is, I haven’t found it yet! I have performed weddings at hotels, restaurants, State Parks, private homes and condos, forest preserves, chapels, golf courses, hiking trails, on planes, trains and automobiles! I’ve even performed weddings on the Seattle Wheel! If I can get there without killing myself, I’m happy to go where the wedding is!
My attire for the ceremony is always appropriate to the formality of the occasion. If in doubt, I confirm with the couple prior to my arrival at the venue. Since I’m a non-denominational Officiant, I don’t wear religious robes or vestments.
Absolutely. I find the wedding customs and traditions of other cultures and religions fascinating, and would be happy to learn about, and incorporate, appropriate elements into your wedding ceremony.
I do not, sorry. You are responsible for any “props,” such as sand, candles or cords, that your ceremony requires. Most of these are readily available from local wedding and hobby shops (e.g., Michael’s, Hobby Lobby), and you can also purchase them online. I’m always happy to help you find whatever you need.
I’m happy to say I’ve been performing Spanish and bilingual wedding ceremonies for over 10 years.
Joanne and I always offered commitment ceremonies for LGBTQ+ couples. We were overjoyed to be able to start performing same-sex weddings legally in 2009.
I’m proud to say I performed the first legal same-sex wedding in Washington state at exactly 12:01 AM on the very first day it became legal!
Short-notice weddings are generally not a problem. If I’m available, I’m happy to help, and I normally won’t charge extra for last-minute bookings.
Of course. Just tell me when, and what you would like me to say.
By the way, I always start every wedding with requests that audience members silence their cell phones (Standard Operating Procedure these days) and confine their photography to their seats to avoid interfering with the professionals.
After the wedding, I can help you with information about the process required to officially change your name. This is done through the Social Security Administration.