Rev. Dr. Marita

Wedding Ceremonies

Basic Package: 

This package is ideal for the couple who wants a quick, private wedding ceremony. This is a simple, pre-written ceremony performed at your site. No preliminary meetings or rehearsal is necessary.  Basic elements include a brief introduction, a brief oration about marriage, exchange of simple vows, optional giving of rings, pronouncement of marriage, and filing of marriage license to the appropriate authorities. Religious or non-religious. 10 guest maximum.

Standard Package:

For the couple who is seeking a simple wedding ceremony. Choose your ceremony from four samples. This package differs from the Basic Ceremony in that it includes a more elaborate section for the vows and ring exchange. The wording is particularly beautiful and is popular with many couples and guests. However, this standard ceremony does not contain any of the elements that bring other people into the ceremony (i.e. giving flowers to mothers, readings by friends, etc.), or that add symbolism and/or cultural richness (i.e. Unity Candles, breaking the glass, sharing wine/water/food, tying the knot, jumping the broom, religious elements, etc.), though one of these options could be added for an additional $50 fee. Religious or non-religious. Since this ceremony is not personalized, it does not require preliminary work or meeting with the couple. Rehearsal optional. Includes limited emails and telephone consultations and filing of the marriage license.

NOTE ON CUSTOMIZED PACKAGES:  The level of customization needed and changes that occur can be avoided by preparation on your part. Please read through any materials that I send to you and discuss with your partner, in a general way, what you feel about what you want. This will help give me some direction when discussing your special ceremony. Once you receive the script, walk through it and see if I’ve addressed all the aspects you want to include. This is the time to make corrections and/or additions. Later changes involve more preparation and, thus, an increased fee.

Do-It-Yourself/Semi-Custom Package:

For the couple interested in putting together their own custom ceremony, but needs a little direction. You can create your own ceremony using my extensive collection of vows, ceremonies and readings, and follow the outline I provide. I recommend this option only if you are comfortable with your own ability to put together a complete wedding ceremony using the resources I provide. I will provide minor editing of your “rough draft”, turning it into a beautiful, custom ceremony. Your final approval must be received no later than two weeks prior to the ceremony or additional charges will be incurred. Includes limited emails and telephone consultations to decide what elements you want in your ceremony, final customization of your ceremony script and filing of the marriage license.

Custom Package: 

For the couple who is seeking a more personalized wedding ceremony written by me. Your final approval must be received no later than two weeks prior to the ceremony or additional charges will be incurred. Includes unlimited emails and telephone consultations to decide what elements you want in your ceremony, custom ceremony script, and filing of the marriage license.All customized ceremonies start at this level. Increases in level and cost come about only if either 1) ongoing changes require ongoing work, or 2) I am given less than three weeks to prepare a complex ceremony. All customized ceremonies also include my expertise in coordinating what occurs at the ceremony. I work with your attendants, family, friends, service providers, and/or various site coordinators to make sure that there is a smooth flow from before the ceremony starts to its conclusion. This is the time for you to relax!

Additional Services

Rehearsal:  $25, $50 or $100

Rehearsals are often not needed. Keep in mind that I coordinate the actual wedding ceremony. However, I am very good at running fun, efficient rehearsals. A rehearsal is often helpful if the processional is complex or involves many people. Rehearsals are also often valuable if the wedding site is small, configured in an unusual way, or if there are many potential obstacles (either physical or choreographic) to be considered. I am happy to work with site coordinators if they understand that the flow of events has already been worked out uniquely for your wedding…and that I am most familiar with the needs and the choreography of the ceremony.

An initial run-through usually takes about 15 minutes, and a quick second run-through usually takes another 10 – 15 minutes. This all depends on everyone being present within a short time after the rehearsal is scheduled. Please make sure that everyone who is needed will be present when they’re expected. If the rehearsal doesn't start within 10 – 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time, then you are on your own!For a “mini-rehearsal” that takes place 30 – 60 minutes beforehand on the day of the wedding, there is a $25 charge. A 30-minute rehearsal is $50, or – if you’ve got members of your bridal party who are notoriously late or a particularly complex ceremony – you may want to book my services for an extended rehearsal of up to 1-1/2 hours for $100.
 
Vow Renewal:  

A vow renewal is a ceremony in which an already-married couple re-affirms their love for one another and their commitment to their marriage by either repeating their original wedding vows, or by writing new vows to reflect their relationship as it currently is. Many times, a renewal is held on a significant anniversary as part of the anniversary celebration. Or the desire to have a vow re-affirmation may be brought on by the end of a hard time in the marriage, the overcoming of a personal hurdle, a change in lifestyle, etc. Still others want a formal renewal ceremony following a civil ceremony or elopement. This may be the only opportunity to have their commitment to one another blessed and/or witnessed and celebrated by their family and friends (usually when budget, pregnancy or other circumstances warranted a small wedding). Because a vow renewal is not a legal ceremony, there are fewer do’s and don’ts than in a wedding ceremony. What is appropriate and meaningful to each couple is different. Because it is so open-ended in its possibilities, couples should put a little extra time and thought into what they want to say and do at their renewal.

Reservations:

Reservations and Retainer Fees

A retainer fee of $100.00 MUST be paid in advance and is required, along with a signed contract, to book a date and time for a wedding. Retainer fees are not refundable should the wedding be cancelled for any reason. Payment in full in the form of cash or cashier’s check or PayPal is due three weeks prior to ceremony date. To pay by mail, please make retainer fee payable to:  Rev. Dr. Marita A. Lawler, 1150 South Colony Way, Ste3PMB352, Palmer, Alaska 99645. Or you may make your payment by credit card online. Go to: www.paypal.com. There will be an additional $10 fee to cover costs associated with PayPal. The retainer fee should be sent to: revdrmarita@alaskaofficiant.org. You will receive a notice (via mail or email if available) acknowledging the receipt of the retainer fee and confirming your date and time booking. A copy of this document in its entirety will be returned to you by First Class Mail within 30 business days.

Travel and Expenses--Any travel of over 20 miles or more than 30 minutes (one way) from Palmer, Alaska shall be charged at 75 cents per mile (round trip). Mileage and/or travel time are determined by using Mapquest.com. Additional travel expenses may include a one- or two-night hotel stay, if the rehearsal and/or wedding are more than 100 miles away from Palmer, Alaska. These details MUST be discussed prior to signing of contract. (Hotel accommodations are required for any of the following conditions:  a) If the wedding is before 11 a.m. and more than 100 miles away from Palmer, Alaska for the night before the wedding; b) If the wedding is after 6:30 p.m. and more than 100 miles away from Palmer, Alaska for the night after the wedding; c) If the wedding is more than 100 miles away from Palmer, Alaska and service is requested for rehearsal the night before the wedding.) All travel expenses are in addition to the total ceremony cost and need to be paid prior to the ceremony.

Please do not hesitate to talk to me
 if there is something you want or need that you didn’t see here!

 

* I reserve the right to make changes to any prices or services offered at any time.