Your ceremony should feel like a true reflection - not a reflection of expectation, but a reflection of who you are together and how you live that reality in everyday life.
Photo: Geneva Boyett Photography
Planning a wedding means tackling lots of different to-do lists. Many couples who reach out to me have picked out their venue and know just what they’ll wear. But they don’t know where to begin when it comes to planning their ceremony.
Do you really need one more thing to research or figure out on your own?
Achieving the heartfelt, intentional ceremony you want by having a friend or family member officiate will take much more of your time and attention than you realize.
(And you may not end up with the beautiful and unique expression of your love that you imagine.)
Good news! Everything you dreamed your ceremony could be - and more - is possible. And you don’t have to DIY it.
Wouldn’t it be great if you found someone who could give you a sense of the possibilities? Someone who could help you put into words what you want your ceremony to feel like? Someone with answers who’s there to cheer you on, but not steer you?
I have the experience and a tried-and-true process to provide these things - and more.
‘Katherine takes the time to get to know the couple and wants to perform the ceremony you want - but if you are unsure of what you want, she can handle that too!’ - Stefani & Kevin
‘You can tell that Katherine truly cares about what she does. Her process is extremely thorough; every detail is accounted for, which gave us total peace of mind.’ - Jen & Justin Photo: Candid Moments Photography
Are you looking for something…
There’s a stress-free solution
My Signature Ceremony Service delivers both a beautiful ceremony and total peace of mind. Years of experience have helped me develop a process that makes our collaboration fun and ensures that no detail is missed.
I’m always here to offer guidance, expertise and inspiration. You’ll be in good hands before - and on - your wedding day, so that all you need to do is celebrate.
Your ceremony is the most important half hour of your wedding day. It’s the part you spend the rest of your day celebrating with friends and family. To me your wedding day is much more than just a date on my calendar.
I will take the time to get to know you, listen to you, and understand what is meaningful to you, so that your wedding ceremony becomes a true expression of you and your love.
‘All of our guests loved it! We had multiple people come up to us during and after the wedding asking, “Was that a friend that officiated your wedding?” She really gets to know your story!’ - Dana & Neal
I don’t use a predetermined script, because my vibrant couples don’t fit into a stale template. I want you to have a wedding ceremony that is yours alone. Here’s how that happens…
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We’ll arrange a time for the three of us to meet (virtually) so we can get acquainted and see if there’s a good fit. During this free consultation, I’ll listen, gather information, share information, and ask questions that help me - and perhaps you, too - get a clearer sense of what you’re looking for.
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If we move forward from there, you’ll get access to my library of resources, answer detailed questionnaires, and have me as your go-to for all things pertaining to your ceremony. I’ll take some time to reflect on our meeting and your questionnaire responses, and then write a first draft for your review. I’ll make our collaborative process stress-free and enjoyable!
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Following a structured timeline, we will perfect your ceremony. You’ll tell me exactly what you like, and what (if anything) you’d like to change. I welcome your honest feedback. It’s your ceremony, and it’s my job to improve whatever could be better. Together we’ll revise until your ceremony is more than you ever imagined it could be.
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In the lead-up to your wedding day, I will keep you on track, guide you through the little details you never thought to consider, and prepare you in many ways for your big day. We’ll meet again for a Virtual Rehearsal. This meeting ensures that every aspect of your ceremony is as you would like it to be and sets the stage for your physical rehearsal.
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On your wedding day, you’ll both be excited - and at ease! I will show up early, coordinate with your other professionals, and present your exceptional ceremony with warmth and eloquence. Your guests will recognize the ceremony as uniquely yours. Afterward, your marriage license will be properly filed with the courthouse.
From the moment we begin working together, to your wedding day and beyond, I’ll share resources, be your sounding board, help you think of all the little details, and give you the benefit of my experience. I’m here to make your wedding a beautiful day that you can relax into and enjoy.
A complimentary discovery consultation
A handwritten wedding ceremony, with unlimited revisions
Help with your personal vows, if you choose to include them
Expert guidance, a clear timeline to follow, and help staying on track
A Virtual Rehearsal
A professional interface with your other vendors
Skillful and warm delivery of your unique ceremony
One hour of travel to/from your venue
Proper and timely filing of your marriage license with the courthouse
Peace of mind
My Signature Ceremony Service includes…
Starting at $975
An additional travel fee may be quoted.
My Signature Ceremony Service would be a great fit if…
You want your wedding to be much more than the biggest party you’ll ever throw.
Your ceremony feels like the heart of your wedding day, and you intend to express something important.
Your wedding is a milestone, not a finish line. You have relationship goals that extend well beyond your wedding day.
“Supposed to do” is lower on your list than “excited to do.”
The Signature Ceremony Service might not be the best fit if…
Your faith is central to your idea of marriage.
One of you says, “The wedding is entirely for her/him. Whatever makes them happy!”
You feel that your ceremony is just a legal hoop to jump through.
You would prefer a cut-to-the-chase, 5-minute script that gets you to cocktail hour as quickly as possible.
Let’s dig a little deeper. How does this work?
Recently one couple said they booked me because they liked the idea that they would be putting in real work to develop a personalized ceremony.
It’s true: creating a Signature Ceremony requires thoughtful responses to questionnaires and honest feedback on ceremony drafts. This will need your time and attention.
But I promise to do the heavy lifting and make it enjoyable. Hearing excited responses from couples telling me they laughed and cried while reading their ceremony for the first time never gets old!
Your participation is essential
The Signature Ceremony timeline ideally begins at least four months ahead of your wedding date! I ask for questionnaire responses 12 weeks before the wedding, and deliver a first draft two weeks later. Then we spend six weeks polishing the draft, and preparing in other ways. My goal is to finalize your ceremony by four weeks before your wedding day, so that neither I nor your ceremony needs your attention while you’re in the home stretch of your preparations.
Timeline
Couples tell me (sometimes with surprise) that our Virtual Rehearsal meeting is incredibly informative, reassuring, and puts their minds at ease. That’s the whole point! I wouldn’t ask for your time so close to your wedding day without delivering value! During the Virtual Rehearsal, we’ll go over your ceremony with a fine-toothed comb, resolve any remaining questions, and make sure we’re on the same page in every particular.
I’ll explain the legal issues around your marriage license, provide tips for each aspect of your ceremony, and prepare you to get the most out of your physical rehearsal, and the other wedding professionals you’ve hired.
Virtual Rehearsal
Photo: Geneva Boyett Photography
‘We had a lot of work to do as well - answering questionnaires, picking out vows, and helping edit the ceremony - but Katherine made the process very enjoyable and easy for us. She was very organized, regularly checking in with “homework” for us, which kept everything running smoothly.’ - Mairead & Chris
“But we want a personalized feeling for our ceremony.”
It might seem that asking a friend or family member to officiate your wedding would give you the most personalized ceremony, and also save stress and planning. There are a few reasons why this can turn out not to be the case.
The truth is, many amateur officiants simply copy and paste a generic script from the internet. And they don’t have the knowledge to guide and support you. In other words…
The friend or family member officiant becomes one more item for you to manage.
Professional officiants like myself are highly trained. We know ceremonies inside and out. We’ll ask questions - respectfully - that give us the material to write a very personal ceremony. We have answers to your questions, actively seek your feedback, help you avoid pitfalls, and work hand-in-hand with your other wedding professionals so that everything goes smoothly on your wedding day.
My Signature Ceremony Service will save you time, effort, and uncertainty - and deliver a ceremony your guests will rave about.
‘Our guests approached us all night going on and on about how beautiful, genuine, and different our ceremony was. I could recommend Katherine to any couple.’ - Samantha and Adam Photo: Tessa Marie Images
PERSONALIZATION + AUTHENTICITY + PROFESSIONALISM
Aside from being reliable, professional and warm, there’s another quality that I strive to bring to every wedding day: authenticity. It’s important to me, as I’m standing with you in front of your family and friends, that everything I say feels - and is - true.
Truth resonates. In its simplicity, truth is powerful without the need for fancy vocabulary.
Together with my couples I find the words to represent their values, intentions, and personalities - to capture something essential about the way they laugh together, and have each other’s backs. This is why I don’t work with scripts or with other people’s words.
Every couple has a story. Will I get to tell yours?
We still have questions…
Curiosity is good. I like it!
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Most often throughout eastern Pennsylvania. From Philadelphia to Lancaster to the Poconos, including Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and the greater Lehigh Valley. Occasionally in NY, NJ, DE, or beyond. If you want to hire me for your destination wedding, let's talk!
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If you’re hoping for a custom wedding ceremony that tells your story and celebrates what is unique about you, I’d recommend starting your officiant search six months to a full year before your wedding date. Custom work takes time. Because I don’t like to be rushed with such important work, and because it doesn’t benefit you to leave such an important part of your wedding day to the last minute, I strongly prefer to have a couple booked at least four months before their wedding day.
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It really is! If you’ve read this far, I hope you’re beginning to get a sense of how I work. Our discovery consultation will be a chance for all three of us to explore and get to know each other. I don’t like high pressure sales tactics, and don’t use them. Whether you choose to work with me as your officiant or not, I want our meeting to be time well spent for you. My goal for our time together is that it leaves you feeling better informed about ceremonies and officiants, and better equipped to make the decisions still on your to-do list.
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Sure can! While I won’t write them for you (-they wouldn’t be personal if I did, now would they?) I have lots of guidance and advice to help you with this, and I’ll happily look over what you come up with if you need a second pair of eyes.
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No. Since most wedding venues are already charging couples for a "walkthrough" when they book, the pricing for my Signature Ceremony Service is set so as not to double charge you. If I’m available on your rehearsal date and you want me to be there, I’ll be happy to lead a thorough physical rehearsal for you for an additional fee. The Virtual Rehearsal is included in the Signature Ceremony Service pricing.
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My services for your date are secured upon receipt of a signed contract and 50% of the fee for the Signature Ceremony Service. This retainer is not refundable, but does entitle you to rebook me on any date I’m available should you need to reschedule for any reason.
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A total of one hour of travel from my home just west of Allentown, PA (half an hour in each direction) is included in the Signature Ceremony Service at no charge. Beyond that, a charge of $75 per hour of travel will be added. Parking and tolls may be additional. An accurate quote for this fee will be provided during our initial meeting.
These Lehigh Valley wedding venues fall within my no-extra-travel-fee area. And my travel fee to these New Hope, PA wedding venues comes to about $150.
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I do. And I want you to understand why. First and foremost, my Celebrant work isn’t a side hustle. I’m a professional; each couple I partner with receives the full focus of that professionalism, and the benefits of many years of experience. Your ceremony itself will be the tip of the iceberg. 25+ hours of work by a meticulous, trained, and highly experienced officiant will go into the 20-30 minutes of your ceremony. And preparing you to be joyously present in that moment.
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Start by reaching out to me with the date & location of your wedding so I can let you know if I’m available. If I am, we’ll set up a no-obligation discovery call for all three of us to meet virtually. You’ll then receive a custom proposal outlining services and all fees. In our meeting I’ll explore what you’re looking for. We can discuss possibilities, and go over the Signature Ceremony timeline. If you want to move forward, I’ll send a contract and we’ll go from there.
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While I want you to make the decision about your officiant without pressure, I am unable to hold unbooked dates. During our initial meeting I’ll provide as much information as you want or need to help you make this decision. I can also tell you honestly whether I have other inquiries for your date at that time. Your booking will be confirmed as soon as I receive your signed contract and retainer.
Photo: Cauanne Photography
Nobody wants to sit through a ceremony they’ve heard a dozen times before.
Your guests will show up to celebrate your story, your personalities, your love. I’ll partner with you to develop a unique ceremony that invites your guests to do exactly that.
Let’s get your ceremony off your “figure it out later” list!
On your wedding day, you want to have fun and be relaxed, and you also want it to be special. I’ll look out for you and work with you to craft a truly heartfelt ceremony.
You’ve chosen a venue, something fabulous to wear, and a handful of wedding professionals. Let me assist you with the oh-so-important item that remains.
I have the experience, the resources, and a clear plan to make your ceremony the best part of your wedding day.
I can’t wait to hear from you!
