FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. How much do you charge? I ask for $100.00 for the ceremony and $150.00 if there is a rehearsal. (Most of the weddings I officiate do not need a rehearsal.) No deposit is required. You can wait until the wedding day. I do ask that you have the fee and license ready for me when I arrive. After the wedding, you will be busy with pictures, parties and hugs. I just hate to interrupt and ask. Thanks.
Yes, I know I am the least expensive wedding minister along the Gulf Coast. Please don't misunderstand, because I love doing this, I'm very good at it. (If I do say so myself) I just don't do it for the fee.
In over 20 years, no one has ever complained about my services. I'm constantly being referred to brides by their friends and family or wedding planners, photographers, etc... I've performed ceremonies in cathedrals, historic homes around Mobile and beach homes along the Gulf. Some of the weddings cost thousands, even tens of thousands. My little fee never changes. I try not to add to the financial burdens of newlyweds.
You see, this is not how I make my living anymore. I do it because I love it. I love being able to help people who are looking for a sweet, meaningful, legal ceremony without any of the typical headaches. Some ministers don't marry people they don't know or are embarking on second marriages. Some sell "wedding packages" that are expensive. Judges are often hurried in an office building. The most special ceremony of your relationship should be handled by someone with experience, tact, compassion and an above average understanding of romance. (But, since my sweet wife isn't available, you'll just have to ask me.)
I am the Director of the Foley Public Library now, having retired from congregational ministry and loving my "encore" career. You can reach me there any day.
2. Can you make the ceremony "minimally" religious so as to accommodate various religious/non-religious relatives? Answer: Yes. The ceremony is about YOUR religious/non-religious beliefs, not mine. In fact, I often perform ceremonies with no religious component at all.
3. How long will the ceremony last? From the moment you step up to me until I pronounce you married, usually about 15-20 minutes. I try not to hurry through so as the lose the moment or make it seem rushed, but also keep in mind the heat, distractions, age of wedding guests, etc...
4. Does my fiance need to memorize anything? No. If he can repeat after me, he's fine.
5. How do you feel about alcohol at the wedding/reception? No problem. Have fun. Be responsible!
6. Can my mother call you? She is really freaking out because I found a minister on the internet. Of course she can. Try showing her the library website, www.foleylibrary.org and maybe that will help. I would be happy to do whatever I can to help her feel better about it. She can even talk to my staff. Librarians are typically pretty trustworthy. :)
