Resources
Books you may find helpful:
Weddings from the Heart: Contemporary and Traditional Ceremonies for an Unforgettable Wedding, by Daphne Rose Kingma
http://www.amazon.com/Weddings-Heart-Contemporary-Traditional-Unforgettable/dp/1573248614/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221323918&sr=1-1
Promises to Keep: Crafting Your Wedding Ceremony, by Ann Keeler Evans
http://www.amazon.com/Promises-Keep-Crafting-Ceremony-Remember/dp/0966371534/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221323875&sr=8-1
Your marriage license - Hamilton County information: http://www.probatect.org/marriagelicenses/index.htm
Who can perform a marriage ceremony in the state of Ohio? http://www.sos.state.oh.us/Text.aspx?page=4734&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
useful websites:
http://www.theknot.com/
www.offbeatbride.com
Weddings from the Heart: Contemporary and Traditional Ceremonies for an Unforgettable Wedding, by Daphne Rose Kingma
http://www.amazon.com/Weddings-Heart-Contemporary-Traditional-Unforgettable/dp/1573248614/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221323918&sr=1-1
Promises to Keep: Crafting Your Wedding Ceremony, by Ann Keeler Evans
http://www.amazon.com/Promises-Keep-Crafting-Ceremony-Remember/dp/0966371534/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221323875&sr=8-1
Your marriage license - Hamilton County information: http://www.probatect.org/marriagelicenses/index.htm
Who can perform a marriage ceremony in the state of Ohio? http://www.sos.state.oh.us/Text.aspx?page=4734&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
useful websites:
http://www.theknot.com/
www.offbeatbride.com
The Cost of An Officiant
The average cost of an officiant in the state of Ohio is $250. I love to assist couples with their ceremony, and will work with you to make it possible. Please let me know about any special circumstances.
In general, my services include the following:
- two to three pre-ceremony meetings;
- unlimited questions and coordination by e-mail;
- an optional online relationship assessment tool, which I can review with you at your request;
- design and copying of a wedding program
- use of a microphone and amplifier with an ipod base. The amplifier has a chargeable battery, so an electrical outlet is not required at the ceremony site;
- I also have several ceremony items (candle stands, a pedestal, etc) available for use during the ceremony.
- coordination of the rehearsal
- the ceremony itself. I usually come an hour early to ensure setup.
In general, I do not attend receptions or rehearsal dinners unless there is a special request for a blessing or prayer during those occasions.
In general, my services include the following:
- two to three pre-ceremony meetings;
- unlimited questions and coordination by e-mail;
- an optional online relationship assessment tool, which I can review with you at your request;
- design and copying of a wedding program
- use of a microphone and amplifier with an ipod base. The amplifier has a chargeable battery, so an electrical outlet is not required at the ceremony site;
- I also have several ceremony items (candle stands, a pedestal, etc) available for use during the ceremony.
- coordination of the rehearsal
- the ceremony itself. I usually come an hour early to ensure setup.
In general, I do not attend receptions or rehearsal dinners unless there is a special request for a blessing or prayer during those occasions.
Ceremony Template
In general, these are the components of the wedding ceremony:
1) Prelude - may or may not include music. In general, the parents of the couple are seated just before the processional begins. In ceremonies with a unity candle, sometimes the mothers of the bride and groom will light two special candles during the prelude. The candles represent the two families.
2) Processional - Traditionally, the groom and groomsmen are standing at the front when the flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaids and then the bride process, but the groom and his groomsmen may process first - or just the bride may process - or everyone can be standing at the front before the ceremony begins.
3) Greeting - this is the part of the ceremony where the officiant welcomes the community and sets the tone for the ceremony. This will often include a prayer or meditation.
4) Reading(s) - these may be spaced throughout the ceremony, or there can just be one, or even none in a short ceremony.
5) Vows - these can be short or long, traditional or authored by you and your partner
6) Additional ritual(s) - the bride and groom might light a unity candle using the flames from their family candles. There is a tradition of celtic hand-binding that would take place at this point in the ceremony, or the couple might jump the broom.
7) Exchanging of rings - in most North American ceremonies, the couple exchanges rings and speaks additional vows about the meaning of the rings as a symbol of their commitment.
8) Pronouncement of marriage
9) Benediction
10) Recessional
11) Receiving line - this is an optional portion of the ceremony, and may be done directly after the recessional, or the couple may wait until the reception.
If you choose me to assist with your ceremony, our meetings will include a review of many different options for readings, vows, rituals, and other ways to enhance the ceremony and make it a reflection of the two of you as a couple. For more information, e-mail me at cincinnati.officiant@gmail.com
1) Prelude - may or may not include music. In general, the parents of the couple are seated just before the processional begins. In ceremonies with a unity candle, sometimes the mothers of the bride and groom will light two special candles during the prelude. The candles represent the two families.
2) Processional - Traditionally, the groom and groomsmen are standing at the front when the flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaids and then the bride process, but the groom and his groomsmen may process first - or just the bride may process - or everyone can be standing at the front before the ceremony begins.
3) Greeting - this is the part of the ceremony where the officiant welcomes the community and sets the tone for the ceremony. This will often include a prayer or meditation.
4) Reading(s) - these may be spaced throughout the ceremony, or there can just be one, or even none in a short ceremony.
5) Vows - these can be short or long, traditional or authored by you and your partner
6) Additional ritual(s) - the bride and groom might light a unity candle using the flames from their family candles. There is a tradition of celtic hand-binding that would take place at this point in the ceremony, or the couple might jump the broom.
7) Exchanging of rings - in most North American ceremonies, the couple exchanges rings and speaks additional vows about the meaning of the rings as a symbol of their commitment.
8) Pronouncement of marriage
9) Benediction
10) Recessional
11) Receiving line - this is an optional portion of the ceremony, and may be done directly after the recessional, or the couple may wait until the reception.
If you choose me to assist with your ceremony, our meetings will include a review of many different options for readings, vows, rituals, and other ways to enhance the ceremony and make it a reflection of the two of you as a couple. For more information, e-mail me at cincinnati.officiant@gmail.com
About Diane Wright
Diane Wright's brief biography:
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Miami University. I have lived in Cincinnati since 1989, where I have worked in social services all of that time. In the late 90's I went back to school to get my Master's Degree in Social Work, and I am now an Independently Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio.
For many years, I have been a lay leader and guest speaker at my church, St. John's Unitarian Church in Clifton. People would often ask me if I would do their wedding, and I was always disappointed I couldn't say yes.
I discovered the Universal Life Church, which allows ordination on demand, and is recognized by The State of Ohio. So while I am an ordained minister, and a Unitarian, I am not a Unitarian minister.
My background as a social worker gives me very helpful experience in listening, learning, and coming to know the couples I marry. I take a special interest in working with people to create a ceremony that solidifies their commitment to one another, and helps them come to a deeper understanding of themselves as individuals and as a couple.
If you are interested in discussing your wedding ceremony with me, you can contact me at cincinnati.officiant@gmail.com
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Miami University. I have lived in Cincinnati since 1989, where I have worked in social services all of that time. In the late 90's I went back to school to get my Master's Degree in Social Work, and I am now an Independently Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio.
For many years, I have been a lay leader and guest speaker at my church, St. John's Unitarian Church in Clifton. People would often ask me if I would do their wedding, and I was always disappointed I couldn't say yes.
I discovered the Universal Life Church, which allows ordination on demand, and is recognized by The State of Ohio. So while I am an ordained minister, and a Unitarian, I am not a Unitarian minister.
My background as a social worker gives me very helpful experience in listening, learning, and coming to know the couples I marry. I take a special interest in working with people to create a ceremony that solidifies their commitment to one another, and helps them come to a deeper understanding of themselves as individuals and as a couple.
If you are interested in discussing your wedding ceremony with me, you can contact me at cincinnati.officiant@gmail.com
Welcome - Read This First!
Congratulations!
Thanks for your interest in working with me to create your wedding ceremony!
This blog should help you find resources, plan the order of service, and consider the many choices you have for creating your special day.
A quick checklist related to the wedding ceremony itself (I'm leaving out the steps related to the reception and your wedding attire...)
1) Plan the date - think about the number of people you hope will come from out of town, and times that might be more "travel-friendly." Consider important dates for you and your partner.
2) Determine the venue. Consider the size of your ceremony. Do you want the wedding and reception in one place so people don't travel from one place to another? Do you want an outdoor wedding? Are you and your partner particularly attached to a special location? (a library? a park? a school?) There are lots of options.
3) Identify your officiant. I hope you'll consider me for your ceremony. Wedding ceremonies are something I love to do, and something I wanted to do from the time I was an adolescent! But think about what is the best fit for you - do you and your partner want an officiant who comes from a specific religious tradition? Would you have a preference regarding gender? Will the people in your community of family and friends have specific expectations about the ceremony and the officiant?
4) Meet with your officiant. For the weddings I officiate, I ask that we meet two to three times to review your plans, your hopes, and your vision for your ceremony and your partnership. This doesn't mean I can't work with you if the wedding is close at hand (I'm flexible), but it's nice to take things step by step.
5) For heterosexual couples - get your marriage license. This is a process you go through together, in person, NO MORE THAN 60 days before your ceremony. The Hamilton County Probate Court processes marriage licenses in Hamilton County, Ohio. You can see their locations and procedures at: http://www.probatect.org/marriagelicenses/index.htm
6) Consider whether you need to obtain legal advice. This is especially important for gay and lesbian couples, but should be considered by everyone, especially if you have property and/or children from a previous marriage. Not everyone needs or wants a prenuptial agreement, but committing to a lifelong partnership has many important implications for both your lives. Don't be afraid of these important conversations. How well you can handle these topics is a sign of how well you will be able to handle important issues that come up over the course of your life together.
7) The Ceremony Details. See my blog entry on the ceremony "template." Think about whether or not you would like special people in your lives to participate with readings, candle-lighting, or other rituals that would hold meaning for your community. Think about your choices for music, and whether or not you would like to distribute a program to the people who attend.
8) Think about your vows. You have many, many options for how to approach this core element of the ceremony. I can help you review options ranging from traditional vows, to guidelines for writing your very own.
9) Think about your rehearsal. Do you want or need to have an actual rehearsal the day / evening before the ceremony? It can be helpful if you have a large wedding party, but it is not required. Will the venue permit you to be there the day before your event? Will the people in the wedding party need special instructions or special accommodations?
10) THE DAY OF YOUR CEREMONY: Enjoy one of the most important events of your life! My goal is to help you plan a ceremony that allows you to be truly present for one another as you make a lifelong commitment to one another.
If you are interested in contacting me about assisting you with your ceremony, just e-mail me at cincinnati.officiant@gmail.com
- Diane Wright
Thanks for your interest in working with me to create your wedding ceremony!
This blog should help you find resources, plan the order of service, and consider the many choices you have for creating your special day.
A quick checklist related to the wedding ceremony itself (I'm leaving out the steps related to the reception and your wedding attire...)
1) Plan the date - think about the number of people you hope will come from out of town, and times that might be more "travel-friendly." Consider important dates for you and your partner.
2) Determine the venue. Consider the size of your ceremony. Do you want the wedding and reception in one place so people don't travel from one place to another? Do you want an outdoor wedding? Are you and your partner particularly attached to a special location? (a library? a park? a school?) There are lots of options.
3) Identify your officiant. I hope you'll consider me for your ceremony. Wedding ceremonies are something I love to do, and something I wanted to do from the time I was an adolescent! But think about what is the best fit for you - do you and your partner want an officiant who comes from a specific religious tradition? Would you have a preference regarding gender? Will the people in your community of family and friends have specific expectations about the ceremony and the officiant?
4) Meet with your officiant. For the weddings I officiate, I ask that we meet two to three times to review your plans, your hopes, and your vision for your ceremony and your partnership. This doesn't mean I can't work with you if the wedding is close at hand (I'm flexible), but it's nice to take things step by step.
5) For heterosexual couples - get your marriage license. This is a process you go through together, in person, NO MORE THAN 60 days before your ceremony. The Hamilton County Probate Court processes marriage licenses in Hamilton County, Ohio. You can see their locations and procedures at: http://www.probatect.org/marriagelicenses/index.htm
6) Consider whether you need to obtain legal advice. This is especially important for gay and lesbian couples, but should be considered by everyone, especially if you have property and/or children from a previous marriage. Not everyone needs or wants a prenuptial agreement, but committing to a lifelong partnership has many important implications for both your lives. Don't be afraid of these important conversations. How well you can handle these topics is a sign of how well you will be able to handle important issues that come up over the course of your life together.
7) The Ceremony Details. See my blog entry on the ceremony "template." Think about whether or not you would like special people in your lives to participate with readings, candle-lighting, or other rituals that would hold meaning for your community. Think about your choices for music, and whether or not you would like to distribute a program to the people who attend.
8) Think about your vows. You have many, many options for how to approach this core element of the ceremony. I can help you review options ranging from traditional vows, to guidelines for writing your very own.
9) Think about your rehearsal. Do you want or need to have an actual rehearsal the day / evening before the ceremony? It can be helpful if you have a large wedding party, but it is not required. Will the venue permit you to be there the day before your event? Will the people in the wedding party need special instructions or special accommodations?
10) THE DAY OF YOUR CEREMONY: Enjoy one of the most important events of your life! My goal is to help you plan a ceremony that allows you to be truly present for one another as you make a lifelong commitment to one another.
If you are interested in contacting me about assisting you with your ceremony, just e-mail me at cincinnati.officiant@gmail.com
- Diane Wright
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