love knots
faq
officiant details
Q: What do you wear for the ceremony?
A: We can only assume that you have planned everything, from the gowns, flowers and music, to table linens and centerpieces, invitations and entertainment. Why wouldn't you have a say in what we wear? We can discuss your specific wishes at the initial consultation and we are both open to being dressed for just about any theme wedding you can imagine. Seriously. Just ask — neither of us is easy to shock or offend.
Q: What do you charge?
A: Our fees vary on a case by case basis. A ceremony that we spend just a few hours planning and executing will certainly cost less than a theme wedding in which we provide a costume, props and/or must do significant research to craft the service itself, for example. This is truly a labor of love for us both, so please consult with us regarding your desires and budget. We will make every effort to provide the service you want at a fair price.
Q: What is included?
A: Please refer to our fees page, or read about our typical process for specific details on what we can offer. Remember, our initial consultation is always free, at a time convenient to you and your significant other. Additionally, we serve as ‘full-service’ officiants, facilitating all elements of your ceremony including offering assistance and resources to obtain your marriage license and adhere to the laws of your marriage location, staging of the ceremony, coordinating with musicians, the wedding party and site staff, and more. From the time you reserve your date until your special day, your thoughts, beliefs, and wishes are of utmost importance. We do this because we love to do it, and will work with you providing advice and care, through all the steps. Together, we will make sure that your wedding is meaningful, special, and uniquely yours.
Q: Will you travel?
A: We primarily serve the Delaware Valley region including Northern Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Northeastern Maryland. If you are within a 45 minute drive of Wilmington, Delaware there are no additional travel fees. This area roughly includes:
- Northern Delaware, from Dover north
- Southeastern Pennsylvania including Philadelphia and most suburbs
- Northeastern Maryland, from the Susquehanna River and northeast
- Southern New Jersey including all areas between the Philadelphia suburbs and the Delaware Memorial Bridge
Outside of this area, additional fees for travel expenses may be included in our quoted price. We will discuss these expenses at our initial consultation.
We are happy to provide services for destination weddings to any location that recognizes our authority as officiants. Travel expenses (transportation, accommodations and meals) will be discussed at the consultation. If you're headed somewhere we want to go anyway, these expenses could be minimal!
Q: What time will you arrive?
A: We plan our arrival to be one hour prior to the ceremony, and allow for any known or perceived circumstances (rush hour, construction, etc.) that may delay our arrival.
By the day of your wedding, we will have consulted on the phone and via email and we will have met in person, you will have received your wedding ceremony and scripting for your review and we will have worked together to fine tune it to suit your desires, and we will have conducted your wedding rehearsal, so there will be few surprises.
By the time your wedding arrives, you will be totally comfortable and anticipating your beautiful ceremony. You will have so many other wonderful things to think about on your wedding day, so it will be reassuring to know exactly what to expect from your ceremony!Q: What happens if you can't officiate at the ceremony due to an emergency?
A: We take our pledge to officiate at your wedding very seriously. Once we receive your deposit, your rehearsal and wedding date are secured in our calendars. You will have both of our mobile phone numbers for contact in case you are worried, and we will always call if we are delayed. In the instance that one of us is unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, the other would make arrangements to perform your ceremony instead - we never book weddings concurrently. The only circumstances that would prevent us from being there are those that would literally and physically prevent us from arriving, and all are too unpleasant to detail here. If this were to ever happen, please rest assured that all of your monies would be returned along with our sincerest apology.
Q: Do you require premarital counseling?
A: No, we do not require premarital counseling. You and your beloved are the most important parts of your wedding, and your choices in such matters are strictly your own. If you would like suggestions or advice for pre-marital counseling, however, we are happy to provide resources.
Q: Do you require being included in the reception?
A: That is entirely up to you. According to etiquette expert, Emily Post, “Your wedding officiant and his or her spouse should be invited to the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception. Although they might elect not to attend either celebration, inviting them is a respectful and considerate gesture.” Of course, many marrying couples already have an existing relationship with their officiants so it is natural to invite them. While we would be honored to continue celebrating your special day beyond your ceremony, we certainly do not require an invitation. Even with an invitation extended, during the busy spring and summer month’s time may not permit us to participate.