Weddings 101
The steps to the wedding of your dreams
Our booking process
Initial consultation
We typically conduct these initial consultations via Google Meets, FaceTime, or phone, but if you would prefer to meet the officiant in person somewhere near their residence you can make those arrangements.
We will hold your wedding date for 14 days after you’ve been matched with one of our officiants, so you will have plenty of time to speak with them and make a decision before you need to sign a contract.
Planning meeting
Your Officiant will ask you questions about what you feel is important to include in your ceremony and get to know the two of you and learn about your relationship. This session will include your officiant getting you acquainted with our Client Portal and Ceremony Creator.
Ceremony editing
You can revise your draft ceremony as much as you’d like until it is the exact wedding ceremony you want. We will have access to your progress via our Officiant Portal. They will be able to assess your progress and assist you as needed. We want your wedding ceremony to be perfect – if you need additional suggestions or guidance, we are always ready to help!
The ceremony!
Your Officiant will deliver the exact ceremony you’ve planned, and create a wonderful experience for you and your guests.
The marriage license
Wedding themes
Now, it’s time to decide on one of the most critical components of your special day: the theme. Finding the right theme for your wedding can be as difficult as selecting the perfect dress, but we’re going to help you have a little fun along the way.
Choosing a theme isn’t exactly a piece of (wedding) cake, so we’ve put together a list of creative motifs to inspire you. Take a look at the list below, or come up with a theme of your own!

Ambush Wedding
You've heard stories of celebrities flying their friends to exotic island vacations that are really for their secret destination wedding. While avoiding paparazzi is a great reason to have an ambush wedding, there are equally great reasons for non-celebrities to surprise their friends.
Because it is not a “traditional” wedding, you have much more leeway on what wedding traditions you want to keep. By keeping the affair simple, you cut the amount of planning down, way down!
If you also like to travel and do not want to deal with orchestrating a surprise event, then eloping still remains a popular option for an intimate and easy affair.

Barn Jamboree
You've heard stories of celebrities flying their friends to exotic island vacations that are really for their secret destination wedding. While avoiding paparazzi is a great reason to have an ambush wedding, there are equally great reasons for non-celebrities to surprise their friends.
Because it is not a “traditional” wedding, you have much more leeway on what wedding traditions you want to keep. By keeping the affair simple, you cut the amount of planning down, way down!
If you also like to travel and do not want to deal with orchestrating a surprise event, then eloping still remains a popular option for an intimate and easy affair.

Beach Wedding
A wedding by the water calls for less stress and more bubbles! Maybe you don’t care about the latest styles and trends. Perhaps you just want to relax, unwind, and have a great time. If that’s the case, why not head to the beach? Beach weddings are extremely popular for the too-cool-to-care kind of couple and the setting practically mandates that everyone has a good time.
There’s nothing quite like saying, “I do,” with your toes in the surf. So, make it a casual affair with bare feet or flip-flops, skirts or short dresses for the ladies and short-sleeved shirts for the guys. After the ceremony, gather around a fire pit for an oyster roast, or head inside to a beach-front club for drinks and dancing.

Extreme Wedding
Extreme couples, how about racing to the altar — literally? Are you and your betrothed the kind of people who throw themselves out of airplanes for fun? Does spending quality alone time with your sweetie usually involve scuba gear or skis and a helicopter? If so, you might consider bailing on your plans for normal nuptials and make your wedding as extreme as the two of you are.
It’s unlikely that the rest of your wedding party will be willing (or have room) to get into that hot air balloon with you or that any guests will be up for hiking Mt. Everest just to hear you say “I do.” However, you can always select an indoor reception area that can give your guests a taste of what you’re experiencing.
The event room at an aquarium, for example, would be well-suited for underwater ceremonies, and a cliff-top restaurant would be a great place for your guests to hang out while you wed on the summit of a nearby mountain. You can even hook up an Internet broadcast of your vows so the rest of your wedding party can witness the event. Meet them at the party after you land, climb down or swim up to the surface.
The decision is ultimately up to you. Don’t worry about making it too extreme! We can meet you anywhere and everywhere. You just tell us where and when! The more extreme, the more fun! So – what can you come up with?

Fairytale Wedding
The perfect day for a princess bride includes champagne and a handsome prince. Have you been searching for the perfect tiara since childhood? Are you pining for a celebration that would put Cinderella’s ceremony to shame? You don’t actually have to be royalty to feel like a princess for a day.
Go for the full-skirted wedding gown, top-tier plated dinners, a giant chocolate fondue fountain and a ceiling-high wedding cake. Rent out a ballroom to fit hundreds of guests, hire a small orchestra to provide the music, and take off with Prince Charming in a limo after the reception.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to you and your dream, fairytale wedding. When you close your eyes, what do you dream? We want to make that a reality!

Flash Wedding
A flash wedding is a twist on the quirky flash mob performances that have been popping up in public squares, shopping malls, and YouTube channels around the world for the past few years. In a flash wedding, the bride, groom, officiate, wedding party and guests gather quietly in a public place to perform a quick wedding ceremony before dispersing to a reception or after-party.
Flash weddings are unique, fun and quick; but, most importantly, they can save the bride and groom big money! You can say goodbye to the big costs associated with the venue, decor, and ceremony music–while still having a memorable and beautiful day in a free, public space, the possibilities are endless!

Great Outdoors
Have you always loved nature? Maybe that’s where you and your significant other connect best? Why not take your once-in-a-lifetime ceremony out where you are most comfortable–in the great outdoors.
Invite guests to bring their tents as you say your vows in a large wildflower field. For the reception, bring some speakers and groove to the beat as you dance the night away under the starts. Cozy up by the fire as you eat s’mores and swap stories with family and friends.
Of course, these are all just suggestions. Create your own dream experience. Nothing is impossible.

Macabre Wedding
If the idea of big, white dresses and sugary, sweet wedding cake makes you shudder, you might find inspirations off the beaten path. In fact, what gives you that bridal glow might be what makes others shudder! Sure, some might find it kind of creepy to exchange vows surrounded by carved pumpkins or sylized skulls, but for a creative couple with a wicked sense of humor, a macabre wedding theme can be light, festive and – believe it or not – fun!
Love Halloween? Really dig the Mexican Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)? If you have tastes that run a little dark, this theme might suit you perfectly. Plan a fall wedding, preferably in late October or early November. For Halloween-themed nuptials, incorporate festive accents like Jack-o-Lantern table markers and a bouquet made from orange tulips or pansies. Day of the Dead celebrants should showcase vibrant colors in the decor, as this holiday is incredilby rich in color. It’s also about tradition, family, and having a good time–not unlike a common wedding.

Novelty Geek Wedding
Did you meet your betrothed during a Halo death match? Did you share your first intimate moment while watching Han and Leia kiss? Have you both already requested time off work when the next Star Trek movie comes out? If so, you might want to geek up your vows with a novelty-themed wedding.
It can be anything you want. Dress up as Han and Leia, get married on a makeshift Starship Enterprise, or eat a delicious cake as your favorite princess and red-wearing plumber.
Civil Ceremony Basics
Don’t want a religious wedding? Get married in civil style
And you thought a civil ceremony meant high-tailing it to City Hall or Vegas! You could tie the knot either of those ways, but more and more couples today are choosing to have secular ceremonies in traditional ways–before their nearest and dearest, at a serene setting, like on the beach or in a garden, or at their fabulous reception site.
Why have a Civil Ceremony?
Couples who opt for civil ceremonies usually fall into one of the following groups:
- Neither person is religious or subscribes to an organized religion, or they feel uncomfortable with the idea of a religious ceremony.
- The bride and groom have religion come from different religious backgrounds, so they choose the civil route to avoid potential problems with interfaith ceremonies. (But know that interfaith ceremonies are increasingly more common and not the headache they were once considered!)
- Your ideal ceremony is more creative than clergy will allow. For example, maybe you want secular poems and prose read; you want rock songs for your processional and recessional; or you want to include Native American and Buddhist rituals.
Who officiates?
Your officiant must be able to legally perform your wedding (i.e., offiially sign your marriage license). A justice of the peace is one choice, but a judge, magistrate, county or court clerk, mayor, or notary public can also officiate. (Contrary to popular belief, a cruise-ship catain cannot automatically officiate a wedding; he must hold one of the above civil titles). You can also have a secular ceremony performed by a licensed member of a group, like the Ethical Humanist Society–he or she will not “bless” your wedding in a traditional sense, but will most likely be open to readings and traditions you want to include.
How do they differ?
Most civil ceremonies bypass Christian traditions, like communion, or Jewish traditions, like the seven blessings. Still, your officiant may let you include some religious rituals to make your families happy. Otherwise, a secular ceremony has the same basic structure as a religious one: procession, call to order/opening remarks, vows, ring exchange and other unity gestures, pronouncement (“I now pronounce you husband and wife”), kiss, closing remarks, and recession. You can include special readings and musical selections, if you like, or keep it short and sweet.
5 tips for a smooth ceremony
- Keep it simple. Choose an all-in-one venue. Some sites, such as historic homes, hotels, and country clubs, have the space to let you hold your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in one location. This makes transportation a snap–and no lost guests.
- Honor your relatives. Give close family members and friends that you couldn’t include in the wedding party a job for the ceremony. Have them be a reader, help you with the programs, or give a blessing after you’ve said your vows.
- Incorporate nature. Instead of bringing in extra lighting and floral arrangements, take advantage of your surroundings by using outdoor elements. Think seashells for a beach ceremony or fall leaves for an autumn wedding.
- Consider your transitions. Come up with a plan for handling the in-between times. If your ceremony and reception are taking place at one venue, transition guests with an exit strategy. One idea: before the ceremony, ask attendants or ushers to hand each guest a candle on the way into the ceremony, then have them give guests a handful of rose petals to toss after the ceremony.
- Beat the heat. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding in a warm climate, make sure that your guests are taken care of. Get double-duty wedding programs shaped like fans; hand each guest a glass of sparking water at the entrance of the ceremony space; and provide parasols to help block the sun.
License Directions
State-specific considerations for marriage licenses
The process of getting a marriage license in Pennsylvania is fairly simple.
Required documents
To obtain a marriage license, both applicants must appear at a county courthouse in person with the following:
- Driver’s License or photo I.D. which shows your date of birth.
- Your social security number (your social secuirty card is preferred, but if unavailable, please provide in written form).
- You will need to know your mother’s maiden names, your parent’s current address, the state where your parents were born, and your parent’s occupations.
- $45.00 filing fee (cash only).
- If either applicant is divorced, or divorced more than once, they must bring in your latest divorce decree. If either spouse resumed their maiden name (or birth surname) after the divorce, they must submit proof of resumption.
- If your prior marriage was terminated by death, you must provide the death certificate, or at least a copy of the death certificate, as to your former spouse.
Waiting and validity periods
There is a three-day waiting period between the application and the issuance of license and either applicant can pick up the license after the three-day waiting period.
Your license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and it can only be used in Pennsylvania.
Underage applicants
If either applicant is under 18 years of age, the consent of the custodial parent or Guardian is necessary. The applicant’s original birth certificate is required. There will be an additional $10.00 fee for each underage applicant.
If either applicant is under the age of 16, the consent of the Court must be obtained.
Where to obtain a license
You can obtain a marriage license through any county courthouse. To locate a courthouse visit statelibrary.pa.gov.Non-Pennsylvania residents may also secure a license in our office, but the license can only be used in Pennsylvania.
Before the big day arrives, know the intricacies specific to obtaining a marriage license in New York State so when the time comes to finally say “I do”, it’s official by law, too. It’s a fairly straightforward process that can be taken care of easily in an afternoon as long as you’re prepared.
Waiting and validity periods
There are two layers of time limits to keep in mind as you plan when to go and apply. A New York State license is valid for 60 days—so you’re wedding date needs to be two months away or sooner—but at least two days from when you go, as there’s a 24-hour waiting period before you can get married.
Apply anywhere in the state — together
No matter where you’re getting married in New York, the same license applies. Go to the most convenient local town or city clerk’s office, even if it’s in a different town (or city) from where you’re getting married. Both of you need to be there to sign the application in front of the clerk at the same time, so plan your trip together.
Fees
You’ll need to pay $35 in New York City, $40 everywhere else at the time of your application. Bring your checkbook just in case, as some clerk’s offices have different payment policies.
Exams
You don’t need to worry about blood tests or premarital exams, as New York is not one of the states that requires these
Required documents
To obtain a marriage license, you need to show proof of identity and age (not unlike getting a passport). You must bring two separate documents, one for each.
- Proof of identity documents include: Driver’s license, passport, employment picture ID or immigration record.
- Proof of age documents include: Birth certificate, driver’s license (if you also have a passport) or naturalization record.
Once you’ve obtained your marriage license, hold onto it (in a safe place!) until the big day—and be sure to bring it with you. It’s common to ask your parents or wedding party to be responsible for it, so it’s one less thing for you to keep track of that day.
Wedding day signatures
The person who officiates your wedding needs to sign the marriage license following the ceremony in order for it to be validated.
After the wedding
Make sure to return the signed marriage license to the town or city clerk who issued it so they can complete the process and make it official. You’ll receive your marriage license in the mail once it’s been validated. For more information, visit health.ny.gov.
Getting a marriage license for a wedding in Ohio is not a difficult process. There are a number of requirements you will need to follow, however, so it’s good to be prepared before you apply for your license.
Where to obtain a license
In Ohio, marriage licenses are issued through each county’s Probate Court Office. You can find a full list of county courts in ohio.gov.
The cost of a marriage license varies by county. For example, in Fulton County, a marriage license costs $50; in Cuyahoga County, it’s $60. In addition, some counties offer online marriage license applications. Check your local county’s Probate Court info.
Residency and ID requirements
You do not have to be a resident of Ohio to get married in the state. Residents need to apply for the license in the county where one or the other lives. You may get married anywhere in the state. If you are not a resident, then you must apply in the county where the wedding will take place.
The requirements for each county can vary, so check with your local probate court. In some counties, you may be able to begin the marriage application online, however, you must both appear in person to complete it and obtain the license.
When applying, you will be asked to prove your identity and age. This can be done with valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license, visa, passport, or state-issued ID. You will also be asked for your Social Security numbers, place of birth, and occupation. Additionally, be prepared with your parents’ birth names and the name of the person who will marry you.
Previous marriages
If one of you was previously married and the union ended in a divorce or annulment, you will need to show proof of that. Bring a certified copy of the court’s decree along with the case number, date, and location. Some counties require only your most recent divorce decree, others will ask for information on all previous marriages. The court may also want to know about any children who are minors.
In the case of a spouse’s death, some counties will require a death certificate while others will not.
Waiting and validity periods
There is no longer a waiting period in Ohio. Once you receive the marriage license, you can have the ceremony.
Keep in mind that your license is valid for 60 days, so make sure to get it well in advance of your wedding date to ensure everything’s in order. You have that amount of time to have your wedding ceremony. Failing to do so means you will have to apply for a new license and pay the same fee.
Fees
The fee for a marriage license varies by county. Some counties charge around $40 while others will require $70 or more. Call the probate court where you want to get married to verify the cost and how to pay for it as some will only accept cash.
Exams
Blood and other tests are not required to get a license.
Special marriages
- Covenant marriages: Ohio does not have a covenant marriage option.
- Proxy marriages: Not allowed in Ohio. Both of you will have to apply for the license and be present at the ceremony.
- Cousin marriages: It is not legal to marry a first cousin or any relative closer than that in Ohio.
- Common-Law marriages: If you entered one before October 10, 1991, it is still valid. However, the state no longer allows them to be formed.
Same-sex marriage
In November 2004, voters passed a constitutional amendment to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. This banned same-sex marriages in the state. However, in June of 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the case of Obergefell vs. Hodges that it is unconstitutional to deny gay couples the right to marry. This legalized same-sex marriage everywhere in the country, including the state of Ohio.
The recognition or extension by the state of the specific statutory benefits of a legal marriage to nonmarital relationships between persons of the same sex or different sexes is against the strong public policy of this state.
Underage applicants
If either of you is 16 or 17, you can only marry under certain circumstances. Each probate court has different requirements and it may make a difference if you’re male or female.
For instance, some counties specifically state that minor girls need the consent of both parents (or the sole parent with legal custody) as well as a “Minister’s Statement.” The boy, on the other hand, must have parental consent and permission from the judge.
Other counties do not explicitly state that a girl of 16 needs permission or they require that both minors have parental consent. Some judges will only grant the marriage license if you’re pregnant and premarital counseling is typically required.
In Mahoning County, if the male is under age 18 or the female is under age 16, the County Juvenile Court must consent to the marriage. In addition, the minors are required to provide a letter from their minister or marriage counselor stating that they have previously received marriage counseling. check with your local county’s Probate Court for more information.
Officiants
You can be married by an ordained or licensed member of the clergy who has presented their ordination credentials to the county probate judge. A judge of a municipal or probate court and mayors can officiate weddings as well. Each county should be able to provide you with officiants available for civil ceremonies.
Copy of Certificate of Marriage
You can receive a certified copy of your marriage certificate by requesting one through the county court where your license was issued. In Ohio, it is officially called a “certified marriage abstract.” The fee is minimal and a copy can be requested in person or by mail, though some counties offer online ordering as well.