Frequently Asked Questions
Let's answer your questions!
Please read the frequently asked questions below, and contact us directly if you need additional details!
What is required to get married?
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)
What is your price?
My fee is based on location and distance from my home.
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 many guests or the length of the ceremony.
The cost may also be based on the PACKAGE
>> Officiant + Phone Rehearsal between $180 to $325
>> Officiant + Physical Rehearsal between $340 and $625
Do we have to meet before the ceremony?
We are not required to meet in person.
If we do, we meet in my home in Kirkwood, Missouri.
The meeting may last up to 60 minutes.
Please read the frequently asked questions below, and contact us directly if you need additional details!
What is required to get married?
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)
What is your price?
My fee is based on location and distance from my home.
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 many guests or the length of the ceremony.
The cost may also be based on the PACKAGE
>> Officiant + Phone Rehearsal between $180 to $325
>> Officiant + Physical Rehearsal between $340 and $625
Do we have to meet before the ceremony?
We are not required to meet in person.
If we do, we meet in my home in Kirkwood, Missouri.
The meeting may last up to 60 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.
Can we write our own vows?
Absolutely! OR I also provide a list of vows that are used in a 'repeat after me' format.
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 or wedding planner can coordinate a rehearsal.
If you have a large wedding party (grandparents, parents, attendants) walking down the aisle, it would be WISE to have me there to coordinate.
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.
What do you wear at the ceremony?
I wear a black pants outfit, but not a robe. I perform the ceremony without a mask on.
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 18+ 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.
Can we write our own vows?
Absolutely! OR I also provide a list of vows that are used in a 'repeat after me' format.
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 or wedding planner can coordinate a rehearsal.
If you have a large wedding party (grandparents, parents, attendants) walking down the aisle, it would be WISE to have me there to coordinate.
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.
What do you wear at the ceremony?
I wear a black pants outfit, but not a robe. I perform the ceremony without a mask on.
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 18+ 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.
What Is a Minimony or Micro-Wedding?
A minimony is a smaller and intimate wedding that takes place on your planned wedding date. It's a mini wedding ceremony. Most couples plan a micro-wedding when they can no longer stage their grand wedding day on the same date.
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
Contact Us for more information on my services.
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.
What Is a Minimony or Micro-Wedding?
A minimony is a smaller and intimate wedding that takes place on your planned wedding date. It's a mini wedding ceremony. Most couples plan a micro-wedding when they can no longer stage their grand wedding day on the same date.
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
Contact Us for more information on my services.