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Hi, my name is Steve Horn and I am an ordained minister who has officiated over 300 weddings over the past 20 years, many of them Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area of the Alabama gulf coast.

I have a B.A. in Religious Studies (Comparative Religion) and Speech Communication from the University of Alabama, an M.Div from Lexington Theological Seminary and a D.Min from the Graduate Theological Foundation, where I am an Oxford Fellow. I was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1991. Even so, the ceremony is not about my beliefs, it is about your love and making this a special day for YOU.

I am fully authorized to officiate any wedding in the U.S., but I try to stay in Alabama most of the time.

I specialize in beautiful wedding ceremonies that have that "traditional" feel, and draw from the inspiration of various religions and philosophies. They are designed to remain true to the bride and groom's wishes without offending those in attendance who may have different religious/philosophical perspectives.

My ceremonies typically include the popular "Unity Candle", "Sand Ceremony" and other aspects of a traditional wedding that give special meaning and romance to the wedding.

No matter the size or type of wedding you desire, I am happy to help!

May our hearts be open and filled with joy and peace as Katie and Charlie unite their hearts and minds with ours during this sacred moment. May we remember and be grateful for the “longing for love” and the “capacity to love” one another. May we give thanks for Katie and Charlie, for their beautiful hearts and willing spirits, and for the example of love that they embody here today. May we remain aware and grateful for the Sacred and the Eternal Spirit we celebrate at this defining moment in their lives.

And may we resolve to offer ourselves as true gifts to Katie and Charlie as they make their vows. For as their witnesses, we seek to inspire, delight and empower Katie and Charlie on this most wonderful day.

OF COURSE, YOU ARE WELCOME TO WRITE YOUR OWN VOWS!

Yes, I love to include children in "Family Vows" as appropriate!

It is important to include children in the formation of your "new" family.

For a simple wedding diagram and sample ceremony, Click Here

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1. How much do you charge? I ask for $120.00 (it went up Feb. 24, 2011 when gas hit 3.35 a gallon, sorry) 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.)

2. Do you make the ceremony "feel" religious so as to accommodate various religious/non-religious relatives? Answer: Yes. My ceremonies reflect the wisdom and poetry found in many religions, but are not superstitious in nature or addressed to any particular concept of "God." It is my position that YOUR religious/non-religious beliefs are YOURS, not mine. In fact, I often perform ceremonies with no reference to religions 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. Can we include our children in the ceremony? Yes! I even have vows for new parents if you like.

6. How do you feel about alcohol at the wedding/reception? No problem. Have fun. Be responsible!

7. Can my mother call you? She is really freaking out because I found a minister on the Internet. Of course she can. I would be happy to do whatever I can to help her feel better about it.

Legalities

You will need a State of Alabama Marriage License, obtainable from any Alabama County Probate Court.

You DO NOT have to be a resident of Alabama. You just have to go to any Alabama county seat and get a license to be married in this state.

Alabama does not require a waiting period or blood test. The license is good for thirty (30) days from the day you purchase it. You may be married the day you get the license.

The legal age to marry in Alabama is 18. However, if you are 16 to 17, you may obtain a license if both parents are present with valid identification and they consent in writing. You must also present a copy of your birth certificate certified by the State or County. A non-certified hospital birth record will be insufficient. If you are 18, the only acceptable form of Identification is a copy of your birth certificate certified by the State or County. A Social Security card must be presented when purchasing your marriage license. Again, a non-certified hospital birth record will be insufficient.

If you are 19 or older, you must show one of the following forms of identification: a valid driver’s license, a copy of your birth certificate certified by the State or County, a military identification, or a certified school record. A Social Security card must be presented when purchasing your marriage license. (Trust me, they mean this!) Again, a non-certified hospital birth record will be insufficient.

If you have been divorced, please be prepared to tell them when. You may not apply for a license within 60 days after your divorce was granted unless you are remarrying your former spouse. (You do not have to bring the divorce decree. Just know the date it was final.)

Marriage Licenses are issued at the central office in Bay Minette, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

If you plan to arrive in the afternoon, you should be there no later than 2:30 to avoid last minute delays. The licensing process takes about 15 minutes. The prospective Bride and Groom must be present to obtain a marriage license.

You DO NOT need witnesses at the ceremony.

The County's fee for a Marriage License is $40.00.

The only acceptable form of payment they will take is cash.

I will file the license after the ceremony. They will tell you how to get certified copies.

Click here for a map to the Bay Minette Courthouse.

You may want to obtain your license from the Mobile County Courthouse in downtown Mobile if you are coming from Mississippi (and all points west) to the Gulf Coast of Alabama.

Click here for the the Mobile Courthouse Website