As the bride and groom (see note below), you are the stars of the show. But without an officiant, the show doesn't go on at all. That's why it's so important that you find an officiant with whom you are compatible, who understands what kind of ceremony you want, what kind of language reflects who you are as a couple, and what kind of rituals are most meaningful to you.

I don't expect to "click" with every couple I meet. I don't expect you to sign on the dotted line at our first meeting, just so you can check "Hire officiant" off your wedding To Do list. Instead, my hope is that, after our initial meeting (whether by phone or in person), we will connect in a way that ensures that together we will create a ceremony that will be everything you have dreamed it will be.

So, what services do we provide?

• Classic Ceremony
• Short and Sweet Ceremony
• "Simply Legal" Ceremony

Classic Ceremony Package:

• One initial face-to-face meeting, plus unlimited communications with you as necessary for the crafting and preparation of your personalized ceremony. Communication may take place by phone, email, text, or actually in person.
  
  Does not include totally custom vows, unless you contract for them. (See also: What's the difference between "personalized vows" and "customized vows"?)
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• Availability during normal business hours for questions and concerns regarding any aspect of your wedding planning. Other times by appointment.
  
• Inclusion of additional rituals (i.e. unity candle or blending of sands, for example).
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• Conducting the rehearsal (up to 60 minutes).
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• Arrival at the wedding venue 30 minutes before the ceremony.
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• Keepsake wedding folder that includes a printed copy of the complete wedding vows.
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• Substitute officiant in the event of illness or emergency of originally scheduled officiant.
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• Submission of the marriage/civil union license per Illinois statute via US Postal Service.
  
  Note: The marriage/civil union license must be issued by the county in which the ceremony takes place (not the county in which you live). You must designate a representative who will provide the marriage/civil union license to the officiant prior to the ceremony
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• Any necessary hand-holding, hugs, sanity restoration, etc. as needed.

"Short and Sweet" Ceremony Package:

• Traditional vows
• Travel to your ceremony venue
• Limited personalization of ceremony.
• No additional rituals (i.e. unity candle or blending of sands, for example)
• No rehearsal (See also "Do I need a rehearsal?")
• Arrival at the wedding venue 30 minutes prior to ceremony
• Lasts about 15 minutes.
• Also appropriate for elopements and other special circumstances.
• Substitute officiant in the event of illness or emergency of originally scheduled officiant.
• Completion and submission of marriage/civil union license per Illinois statute via US Postal Service

"Simply Legal" Ceremony

Pefer something just a little warmer and more personal than 5 minutes in a judge's chamber to mark one of the most important occasions of your life, but don't want all the work and expense of planning even a small, simple wedding?

This ceremony also only takes 5 minutes, but you won't have to stand in line for a cookie-cutter, assembly-line experience!

• Ceremony performed in my home or office.
• You may bring up to 4 guests to share your joy, and cameras are welcome.
• Completion and submission of marriage/civil union license per Illinois statute via United States Postal Service
• By appointment only.

Please also check out our Frequently Asked Questions for our policies on delayed ceremonies and cancellations. You may also review a sample contract.

Also, a word about outdoor ceremonies....

*Please note: We're all about the KISS here at Joyful Promises (No, not the smooch you exchange at the end of your ceremony... as in Keep It Simple, Sweetheart). So in describing our services, we have used the term "weddings" and refer to the "bride" and "groom", just to keep it simple. However, our services apply equally to commitment ceremonies, civil unions, and for vow renewals. The only difference in this context is that there are no legal requirements to be met with commitment ceremonies and vow renewals regarding filing a license.