Where can you perform a ceremony?
I am located in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  I can conduct a ceremony at any location of your choice, your home, a local park, a larger wedding venue, just about anywhere!   If your ceremony is held more than 25 miles away from La Crosse there will be an additional charge for time and travel expenses. 

Do you perform same-sex marriages?
Yes!  As of October 6, 2014 it is legal for same-sex couples to marry in the state of Wisconsin.  I have waited for this historic occasion for a long time and celebrate this historic recognition of marriage equality.  I have been an active participant in the fight for marriage equality across the United States and am thrilled that all couples are now free to marry across the United States.  

When do we pay you?
A non-refundable deposit of one half the quoted fee is due at the time of our first meeting or by mail after our phone consultation. The balance of the fee is due one week before the ceremony. You can pay by personal check or with a credit card online through PayPal or in cash on the day of the ceremony. If you choose to use PayPal I must add an additional three percent fee to cover PayPal's transaction fee.  I will send you an invoice for the initial deposit and contract once we agree to work together.

Why do you charge more for larger ceremonies?
My decision to charge different rates for smaller and larger weddings is a tough one.  I really should just charge the higher rate to all couples I work with because I put in a significant amount of time to writing the ceremony, helping you think through and plan your ceremony, and helping to coordinate the ceremony on your big day.  However, as many couples choose to have a very small wedding due to financial constraints alone, and the slightly lower amount of day-of coordination that is required in very small weddings, for now I am continuing to offer the lower cost ceremony to a small number of couples.  If you are able to hold a ceremony and celebration for twenty or more of your closest friends and family members I hope that my fee will be able to fit into your budget.  If you feel you have extreme circumstances, please do get in touch and we may be able to work something out.

Do you work with couples who are eloping?
Yes!  I am able to come to you, often at short notice.  Out of state visitors are also welcome to marry in Wisconsin and we can arrange to meet in a local park or at another location of your choice.  I am available to suggest suitable locations if you need assistance.  It is important to remember that Wisconsin has a standard six day waiting period between when the marriage license is issued and when a ceremony can be performed.  In certain circumstances, that waiting period can be shortened.  Please see the Your Ceremony page for more information about the “Simple and Sweet” Elopement Ceremony package. 

Do you have a contract that we must sign?
I will provide a short contract specifying our agreement for me to be your wedding officiant.  The contract is designed so that everyone will understand the scope of my services and our agreed upon fee. 

How do I get a marriage license?
Consult your local county clerk’s office for up-to-date information regarding the process and requirements of obtaining a marriage license.  In Wisconsin licences must be obtained at least six days prior to your wedding ceremony and you must bring several forms of identification to the clerk.  If you were married previously, additional documentation may also be necessary.  More information can be found here or you can consult your local county clerk.

Do you recommend a wedding rehearsal?
Not necessarily.  Many ceremonies go perfectly without the added stress and time of a ceremony rehearsal.  It all depends on the complexity of your wedding, the size of your wedding party and the wedding party's familiarity with the general flow of the wedding ceremony.

Will you stay for our entire wedding celebration?
I am always honored to be invited to the whole celebration.  However, the wedding reception following your ceremony is often one of the few times in your lives that you will be surrounded by all of your friends and loved ones.  For this reason, I often say my goodbyes soon after the wedding ceremony so that you and your wedding guests have as much time as possible to focus on what is important - celebrating your union!