Carolyn Burke Wedding Officiant Frequently Asked Questions
What is your price?
My fee is based on distance from my home and averages $140 to $300.
A separate fee is added if you want me at the rehearsal.
The cost to perform your wedding is not based on the number of guests or the length of the ceremony.
It is based on the distance and time it takes for me to arrive and perform the ceremony.
No matter how sweet and simple the ceremony is.
I perform weddings from 2 to 200+ people.
The cost may also be based on the PACKAGE
>> Officiant + Phone Rehearsal
>> Officiant + Physical Rehearsal
>> Deluxe Elopement
What are the minimum requirements?
In most cases, you must provide a Marriage License.
We must talk on the phone (314-821-4844) to check the date, time and location.
You can bring a Missouri marriage license from anywhere in the state and use it in St Louis.
(Example : Greene, Phelps, Lincoln, Dunklin, Boone, Cape Girardeau)
In Illinois, the ceremony must be performed in the same county where your received the license.
(Example : Madison, St Clair, Monroe)
Do we have to meet before the ceremony?
We are not required to meet in person.
If we do, we meet at a coffee shop in Kirkwood.
The meeting may last up to 30 minutes.
My fee is based on distance from my home and averages $140 to $300.
A separate fee is added if you want me at the rehearsal.
The cost to perform your wedding is not based on the number of guests or the length of the ceremony.
It is based on the distance and time it takes for me to arrive and perform the ceremony.
No matter how sweet and simple the ceremony is.
I perform weddings from 2 to 200+ people.
The cost may also be based on the PACKAGE
>> Officiant + Phone Rehearsal
>> Officiant + Physical Rehearsal
>> Deluxe Elopement
What are the minimum requirements?
In most cases, you must provide a Marriage License.
We must talk on the phone (314-821-4844) to check the date, time and location.
You can bring a Missouri marriage license from anywhere in the state and use it in St Louis.
(Example : Greene, Phelps, Lincoln, Dunklin, Boone, Cape Girardeau)
In Illinois, the ceremony must be performed in the same county where your received the license.
(Example : Madison, St Clair, Monroe)
Do we have to meet before the ceremony?
We are not required to meet in person.
If we do, we meet at a coffee shop in Kirkwood.
The meeting may last up to 30 minutes.
What style is the ceremony?
The ceremony is basically in four parts.
1) Opening Words
2) Question of Intention (where you answer I DO)
3) Exchange of Rings and Vows
4) Closing Words / Pronouncement
The ceremony is mostly secular or non-religious with the option to add readings, scripture, prayer.
You can symbolize your union with things like:
unity candle, sand/glass crystal ceremony, wine ceremony, roses to mothers, hand-fasting, even a tree ceremony if you want.
Do you come to the rehearsal?
Most of the time I do not attend a rehearsal, but I can. (Requires a rehearsal fee.)
All couples are required to rehearse over the phone up to 48 hours before the event.
Check to see if your venue has a coordinator to run a rehearsal.
If you have a large wedding party (grandparents, parents, attendants) walking down the aisle, it would be WISE to have me there too.
Is there a deposit to hold the date? Do you have an agreement?
In most cases, there is a Retainer Fee to hold the date, the remainder is due 10 days before.
For the Officiant + Physical Rehearsal Package, there is a specific payment plan to follow.
You are required to fill out a Confirmation Form and I respond with an Email Confirmation.
The Email Confirmation is considered our agreement.
Do you need a microphone for my guests to hear you better?
If your wedding is outdoors or you have more than 40 guests I recommend audio for the officiant.
I have a simple amplifier and a wireless microphone on a stand that you can rent for a $50 fee.
If your wedding has more than 100 guests, I recommend a professional sound system from a DJ or audio company.
What do you wear at the ceremony?
I wear a mask and black pants outfit, but not a robe.
What can we do to make the ceremony last longer?
You can add parts to the ceremony like a reading, scripture or prayer.
We discuss these details on the phone or via email.
You can symbolize your union with a unity candle, sand, roses to mothers etc.
These choices to add MUST be discussed and approved by Carolyn Burke.
What happens if you become unavailable due to illness or conflict?
In the 15+ years of performing ceremonies, I have needed to find a substitute only a few times.
Depending on the circumstances, I provide a substitute to perform the same ceremony or you have the option to find someone else.
The ceremony is basically in four parts.
1) Opening Words
2) Question of Intention (where you answer I DO)
3) Exchange of Rings and Vows
4) Closing Words / Pronouncement
The ceremony is mostly secular or non-religious with the option to add readings, scripture, prayer.
You can symbolize your union with things like:
unity candle, sand/glass crystal ceremony, wine ceremony, roses to mothers, hand-fasting, even a tree ceremony if you want.
Do you come to the rehearsal?
Most of the time I do not attend a rehearsal, but I can. (Requires a rehearsal fee.)
All couples are required to rehearse over the phone up to 48 hours before the event.
Check to see if your venue has a coordinator to run a rehearsal.
If you have a large wedding party (grandparents, parents, attendants) walking down the aisle, it would be WISE to have me there too.
Is there a deposit to hold the date? Do you have an agreement?
In most cases, there is a Retainer Fee to hold the date, the remainder is due 10 days before.
For the Officiant + Physical Rehearsal Package, there is a specific payment plan to follow.
You are required to fill out a Confirmation Form and I respond with an Email Confirmation.
The Email Confirmation is considered our agreement.
Do you need a microphone for my guests to hear you better?
If your wedding is outdoors or you have more than 40 guests I recommend audio for the officiant.
I have a simple amplifier and a wireless microphone on a stand that you can rent for a $50 fee.
If your wedding has more than 100 guests, I recommend a professional sound system from a DJ or audio company.
What do you wear at the ceremony?
I wear a mask and black pants outfit, but not a robe.
What can we do to make the ceremony last longer?
You can add parts to the ceremony like a reading, scripture or prayer.
We discuss these details on the phone or via email.
You can symbolize your union with a unity candle, sand, roses to mothers etc.
These choices to add MUST be discussed and approved by Carolyn Burke.
What happens if you become unavailable due to illness or conflict?
In the 15+ years of performing ceremonies, I have needed to find a substitute only a few times.
Depending on the circumstances, I provide a substitute to perform the same ceremony or you have the option to find someone else.
Do you book weddings or elopements at the last minute?
Call 314-821-4844 or EMAIL US to check on availability and pricing.
Requires a 3-day advance notice and full payment is due upfront via Venmo, CashApp, Zelle.
I can provide a LEGAL SIGNING of the marriage license in your home at a private meeting.
What if we don't have a location?
I have tons of resources, but I do not have my own location.
Here are a few ideas. I am happy to give you advice over the phone.
Elopement Locations | Pop Up or Off Beat | Pinterest Boards
Do you have any special deals or features?
If you come to Kirkwood, MO my fee is $60 which is due upfront with a 3-day advance notice.
See Elope in Kirkwood for more information.
I live in Kirkwood and can help you find a location such as a park or restaurant that will accommodate your style and capacity.
What Is a Minimony?
A minimony is a mini ceremony held with your loved ones, or simply a legal commitment shared between the couple. Given the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, couples have been opting to move forward with weddings or mini ceremonies.
What happens once we get our Marriage License?
Read this great article on my BLOG
Do you have reviews and images that I can look at?
Go to..... Wedding Wire | Portfolio | The Knot | Elopement
Can we write our own vows?
Absolutely! OR I also provide a list of vows that are used in a 'repeat after me' format.
Contact Us for more information on my services.
