How It Works
The most important component of my process is finding out about you. Let's meet for a free consultation that will tell us if we click.
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We will also talk about the other elements of your wedding; location, number of guests expected, and how much help you would like to have in creating your ceremony. Some clients want to elope, just the two of them, others want to be surrounded by their community and have rituals and readings that will include many of their closest loved ones. Maybe you want to get married in your back yard within Portland, or want to hike into the Columbia Gorge to say your vows at the base of a beautiful waterfall. Most importantly, why are you choosing to marry in the style of wedding you are creating? What does a wedding mean to you?
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Once we have an agreement and a deposit, I will begin the process of getting to know you a little more. I will draft a ceremony and share it with you - you approve every word - and we will communicate as much as needed to make your ceremony the transformative and memorable experience you are hoping for.
Reserve Your Date
Contact me early to confirm availability and plan ahead because certain times of the year book up more quickly than others. To hold a date for you, I will need to have a signed agreement and a deposit.
Offerings
Custom ceremony - $825
A custom created ceremony, unlimited email edits or email and phone consultation, officiation of the marriage, timely filing of the marriage license in compliance with Oregon law. I coordinate with other vendors as soon as possible and always arrive an hour before the ceremony to check in with everyone and provide a grounding presence.
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Rehearsal Facilitation - $100
The time of the rehearsal must be coordinated. Rehearsal times that are not booked in advance cannot be guaranteed. Changes to the date and time must be mutually agreed upon in advance. Old Ways Ceremonies will work in good faith to coordinate a date and time that is mutually acceptable and to be available for your rehearsal, but changes to rehearsal schedules are not guaranteed to be accommodated by Old Ways Ceremonies. Please contact Old Ways Ceremonies before planning or booking or changing the time and date of your rehearsal.
A Unique Officiant
It is important to keep in mind that I am not a religious minister from a sect who will be working your ceremony into the dogma of my beliefs. I am not a judge who will provide the basic civil ceremony. And though guests may comment that they believe I have known you for years, I am not that friend of yours who offered to get ordained as a gift to you. Most couples are looking for someone who balances somewhere in between the aforementioned officiant types. That somewhere in between is where I work.
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I am trained in storytelling, world cultures and religions, and symbolism. I nerd out on these topics and am always learning. My goal is to tell your love story. You will have approval of that story before anyone hears it and you can rest assured that they WILL hear it in my clear, professional voice.
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Leave the details to me. I will coordinate with your other vendors to make sure music cues are spot on and that photographers know where to capture the perfect shot even if you are incorporating non-traditional elements into your ceremony. I will happily work with venue contacts to explain why you might need a certain set up for your special ceremony.