Ever After Events AZ Frequently Asked Questions
1.Q: What is your personal background?
A: I have been ordained through the Universal Life Church (ULC) and also the Saint Luke Evangelical Christian Ministries. My ordination credentials meet the requirements of the State of Arizona to perform weddings. I am a Celebrant and an Ordained Minister.I feel a personal commitment and passion for being a Celebrant. Participating in the special celebrations of life is a vocation for me. This is a specialized field, as I serve not in a church nor to a congregation, but to the public at-large. I'm flexible and do not proselytize. You do not have to be a member of any church to make use of my celebration services. I believe in celebrating love, in all its forms, and so will officiate at Christian, non-Christian, spiritual, religious, non-religious and many other forms of ceremonies.
If you'd like more detailed information about me and my personal philosophy, let's Get Acquainted.
For Your Information: The terms officiant and celebrant can be used interchangeably, although the meaning is not exactly the same. A celebrant or an officiant officiates at, conducts or performs a ceremony. There is not a religious significance to either of these words. The term minister, used in this context, does have religious significance. I am a Celebrant, and also an Ordained Minister. I can be the officiant for a wide variety of ceremony styles, including civil non-religious ones, and as an Ordained Minister, I can conduct religious ceremonies, as well. If you have specific questions about these issues, or terms, please ask. I’d be happy to talk with you about this.
2.Q: What are the questions I should ask an officiant before booking?
A: Please ask whatever questions you need to meet your comfort level. An easy and friendly rapport is most important to help you feel comfortable throughout the vow and script planning process, and of course, on the day of your celebration.
Remember, the officiant is the third most important person in your ceremony. On the other hand, the minister should not be the "star" of the ceremony. A celebrant must be able to present the context in which the couple is able to relax and communicate their love and commitment to each other, without herself becoming the center of attention. It is better that people remember the incredible ceremony and a couple’s love than that they remember the celebrant.
You’ll want to first of all make sure you like me and can trust me. Likewise, as your Celebrant, I want to know that we can communicate well, so that I know what you’re looking for, and can provide you with the best service possible. I appreciate clear and direct questions, and will not be offended by any questions you could possibly present. I welcome any and all questions and communication about your celebration.
3.Q: How can I reserve the date for our wedding with you as our celebrant?
A: When you sign my contract/agreement and pay the deposit (50% of the total fee), your date will be reserved. I encourage you to not wait too long to reserve your date. Dates are reserved on a first come, first served basis... and the first couple to send the deposit and signed agreement is the "first come".
4.Q: What should we consider for a customized wedding ceremony?
A: I can create a service that includes what you want, and excludes what you don’t want! Types of ceremonies include, but are not limited to the following: non-denominational religious; non-religious (civil); spiritual; traditional; and contemporary.Romantic readings and favorite songs are always wonderful to add to the ceremony. Your vows should reflect the commitment you are making to each other.Will the bride be "given away"? If so, what wording do you prefer to use? Do you want a short ceremony or a long ceremony? A formal ceremony, or one where laughter is acceptable?
These, and many other questions, will be easily answered with my Ever After Events AZ Celebration Information Form. We’ll use this to gather all the necessary details with which to create a fabulous, personal ceremony for you.
5.Q: Can we write our own vows?
A: Yes, absolutely! I can certainly help with suggestions.
6.Q: Do you require premarital counseling?
A: No, I do not require it. You are welcome to seek counseling, if you desire.
7.Q: Do you perform civil ceremonies?
A: Yes, I do. If you don’t want religious references in your celebration, then that is what I will create for you.
8.Q: What is a vow renewal ceremony?
A: This is a celebration of an already-existing union. Many vow renewal ceremonies are performed at special anniversaries, when a particularly difficult set of circumstances has been overcome in the life of a couple, or when a couple reunites after a separation. These services are very emotional and touching as there is more of a story to tell with plenty of memories. The ceremony is performed the same as the initial marriage with many couples writing their own vows and sharing romantic stories.
9.Q: What is a commitment ceremony?
A: This is a ceremony to recognize the love and partnership of two people. The State of Arizona only offers legal ‘marriage’ status to couples made up of one man and one woman. Commitment ceremonies are celebrations of love for those who are not granted legal marriage rights in Arizona, or for those who choose not to pursue a legal 'marriage' for other reasons.
10.Q: What blessings do you offer?
A: Many different situations can be enhanced with a blessing. These are very personalized services, and will depend entirely upon your needs and wants. If you have a new baby, a new home, a new boat, or want to add that extra something to an anniversary celebration, a customized blessing may be just what you need. A unique blessing may be the perfect finishing piece for a going-away celebration, or a graduation party. Please contact me with specific questions regarding blessings.
11.Q: We eloped to Las Vegas and no one knows, or we just want to retake our vows. Can we get married again in a ceremony with our friends and family?
A: Of course. The only thing that changes is that now there is no filing of any paperwork, as you should have already received and recorded your license. It would be up to you as to how to present the ceremony to your friends and family. I would perform the ceremony as an officiant the same as I would any couple. Most call this a "re-commitment" ceremony but no one needs to know if you don't want them to.
12.Q: Do we have to get married in a church?
A: You can be married in your home, your yard, a hall, a garden or park, on a riverboat, on an overlook, in a restaurant or a reception hall. The options are almost endless.
13.Q: Do you participate in the rehearsal?
A: Generally speaking, most wedding venues include a wedding coordinator and their services when you hire the location. They are typically responsible for running the rehearsal. This consists of organizing the order of the wedding party members and walking through the physical movements of the ceremony. It's usually not necessary for me to attend. Should you not have a person at your wedding venue to handle this for you, I may be able to assist. There is an additional fee for this service.
14.Q: Is it a requirement that you be included in the reception?
A: No, it isn't. Of course, I am happy to stay for a photograph with you, if you like, following your ceremony. As I may have other celebrations scheduled, I will most likely leave shortly afterward.
15.Q: What do you wear for the ceremony?
A: I will suit your wishes. Clothing is a big part of life’s celebrations, so I’m happy to meet your needs. I can wear robes, formal or casual outfits, and can even wear themed or costume attire… as you like!
16.Q: Will you travel?
A: Yes, I will. I can travel most anywhere within Arizona. Please see my Fee Schedule for details of additional fees for travel. My starting zip code is 85205, and you may use mapquest.com to calculate the distance to your wedding site. For out of state locations, please inquire specifically regarding fees.
If you’d like me to be the officiant for your celebration in any number of vacation spots… Laguna Beach, Cancun, Vancouver Island, the Florida Keys, or Hawaii … please let me know! Please read the rest of this note when your laughter dies down… All additional costs, such as airfare and accommodations, will NOT be the responsibility of Ever After Events and must be paid in advance. As you might guess, I’m still waiting for my first wedding in the Keys!
17.Q: Will you officiate on a Sunday?
A: Yes! If I have the date available, I will be happy to officiate a Sunday celebration.
18.Q: May I call you on a Sunday? What are your office hours?
A: My business phone number is also a residence, so I am readily available. Once you have booked my services, you may call me during the day and into the evening, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Arizona time. Yes, you may call me 7 days a week.
19.Q: Why do you like to meet at a casual restaurant for the first meeting?
A: Restaurants are neutral territory: either party can leave easily if they should feel the need to do so. A friend or parent is always welcome to attend our meeting. A casual restaurant is great because there is no expectation that you’ll need to spend money buying my drink or food (I’ll pay for anything that I order). Also, we’ll be free to spend as much time as we need to discuss your ceremony, without feeling like we’re taking up costly restaurant space. Of course, we can meet at another location, as needed.
20.Q: Where can I find information regarding a name change, such as for Social Security purposes?
A: You can use this link to get information about Social Security issues, including name changes. You may need a certified copy of your marriage license to do this. Please verify with your local Social Security Office.
21.Q: How do I pay for Ever After Events AZ services?
A: Your initial deposit may be paid for with cash (preferred), money order, check or PayPal. For your final payment, I prefer cash only. Checks or money orders may be made out to Sandi Miller OR Ever After Events AZ. Please inquire specifically for details before sending a PayPal payment.
22.Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: No, although you may pay me through PayPal, if you like.
Please don’t hesitate to Get In Touch if you have questions that have not been answered in this FAQs section. Thank you. |
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