Wedding Ceremonies
The Wedding Ceremony is an important ritual and rite of passage and one of the most important elements of the couple's special day!
I work closely with each couple to create a meaningful and personalized ceremony that best reflects who they are, their unique love story and their hopes and dreams for their marriage. As an Interfaith Minister/Chaplain, I help each couple envision and craft their desired ceremony, whether it is spiritual, secular or religious and guide them through the process providing as much guidance as needed. Please see my sister site for more information: ncweddingminister.com
My Mission is 1) To listen closely to both partners about what they do and do not want in their ceremony.
2) To honor spiritual, religious, non-religious backgrounds and traditions, as well as cultural traditions.
3) To craft a personal, sacred and meaningful ceremony that each couple will remember fondly.
4) To think through all logistics and craft a seamless Order of Service.
I am available to serve the Eastern NC area: Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, Clayton, Garner, Wilson,Rocky Mount, Goldsboro, Greenville, Fayetteville, Emerald Isle, and the Crystal Coast.
I offer a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to couples who are in the process of selecting their Wedding Minister/Officiant. Please e-mail sanctuaryspiritualcare@gmail.com, or call or text 919-649-6953 to check on availability for your wedding date.
​
Please Note: As a general rule, it is very important to secure the services of your chosen wedding officiant as soon as possible.
As a long time marriage equality advocate, LGBTQIA+ Couples are Warmly Welcomed.
​
To get married in North Carolina, couples need to apply for and obtain a NC Marriage License at the Register of Deeds offices in one of the 100 NC counties, no more than 60 days in advance of the wedding. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, please obtain specific information about procedures from the particular office you are applying at. Typically, couples can start the application procedure online and go in person to the Register of Deeds office with specified identification to receive the marriage license. There is a license fee (typically $60.00) to be paid to the Register of Deeds office. There are special guidelines and instructions for divorced applicants or non-American citizens. The wedding ceremony must be performed by "an ordained minister of any religious denomination, a minister authorized by a church, or a magistrate." (North Carolina GS 51-1) The NC marriage license specifies, "any ordained minister of any religious denomination, minister authorized by a church, federally or state recognized Indian nation or tribe, magistrate, or any other person authorized to solemnize a marriage under the laws of this State." It is important to verify the legal credentials of the minister/officiant you choose to perform the ceremony. The minister/officiant must be in possession of a valid marriage license before performing the ceremony. After the ceremony, the wedding minister/officiant and 2 witnesses (age 18 or older) must sign the 2 copies of the marriage license. The minister/officiant is required to return the signed license to the Register of Deeds office where the license was issued within 10 days. After the license has been received and recorded, couples may purchase certified copies of the license. Certified copies will be needed for the Social Security Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, passports, medical, legal, estate and financial documents. Please check with each agency or institution for their requirements and guidelines.
​
For more information about Marriage in North Carolina, please see:
https://www.ncaj.com/index.cfm?pg=Marriage_in_North_Carolina
​
I do not require pre-marital counseling to officiate a wedding, however I do offer it.
I am a certified facilitator for the Number One PREPARE/ENRICH® online assessment tool. As an Interfaith Minister/Chaplain and Spiritual Director with training in psychology and coaching, I am well qualified to guide engaged couples throughout the process.
PREPARE/ENRICH® is a customized online assessment tool that identifies a couple's strength and growth areas. As a certified facilitator, I provide feedback and skill building sessions to help couples understand their results and learn important relationship skills.
PREPARE/ENRICH® can help couples:
--Explore strength and growth areas
--Strengthen communication skills
--Identify and manage major stressors
--Resolve conflicts
--Develop a more balanced relationship by understanding their family of origin dynamics
--Understand personality differences and maximize teamwork
--Create a vision for the future