all you need to know about officiating!

I’m so excited to officiate your ceremony. We’re passionate about marriages, and we see your wedding day as the first day of marriage. That’s why we feel a tremendous sense of honor to create personalized ceremonies to reflect the two of you.

Joe is our default minister, but both Shannon and I (Joe) are legally licensed Ministers, and we create, produce, and officiate personalized wedding ceremonies. In the unlikely event that I can’t officiate last minute, Shannon will step in as the licensed Minister. Our ceremonies are conducted in either a religious or non-religious manner, and you can decide what’s right for your marriage. Religious ceremonies are either Christian-based/Jesus-focused, or non-religious ceremonies with an emphasis on love and the uniqueness of the marriage vow.

I’ll dress in a professional black or navy blue suit and will conduct services in a respectful and professional manner. I’ll arrive 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony time, and leave 30 minutes after the ceremony after signing the marriage license. Be sure to review your contract for all officiating information.

When choosing your vows, you’re free to choose one option or even combine two of them to fit your needs. As promised, below are some "alternative/modernized" weddings vows organized by two sections: religious and non-religious vows.

Please email me (centurytreeco@gmail.com) back 7 days before your ceremony date with:
+ both of your names & phonetical spelling if your name is tricker to pronounce — Joe Terrell (Ter-Ul)
+ your wedding date
+ if you are choosing religious or non-religious vows
+ the vow option(s) you are choosing. (i.e. Religious Vows - Modern Christian Option 2)

Non-Religious Vows

Minimalist/Modern Option 1:

Officiant: Repeat after me:

I (NAME/NAME) take you (NAME/NAME) with all your faults and strengths, as I offer myself to you with all my faults and strengths.

I will help you when you need help, and turn to you when I need help.

You are not perfect, but you are perfect for me.

I (NAME/NAME) choose you (NAME/NAME) as the person whom I will share my life.

Modern Option 2:

Officiant: Repeat after me:

I take you (NAME/NAME), to be my (NAME/NAME),

loving you now and as you grow and develop into all that were made to be.

I will love you when we are together and when we are apart;

when our lives are at peace and when they are in turmoil;

when I am proud of you and when I am disappointed in you;

in times of rest and in times of work.

I will honor your goals and dreams and help you to fulfill them.

From the depth of my being, I will seek to be open and honest with you.

I say these things believing that love is in the midst of them all.

Modern Spiritual Option 3:

Officiant: Repeat after me:

I love you (NAME/NAME) as I love no other.

All that I am I share with you.

I take you to be my (wife/husband) through health and sickness,

through plenty and want,

through peace and turmoil,

through joy and sorrow,

In the name of the creator of Love, now and forever.