Question 1

What are your qualifications?

Accepted Answer

I'm an ordained Minister through the Universal Life Church and I've written and performed over 250 wedding ceremonies across the United States. I'm also a professional actor, playwright, and event host with over 30 years of stage experience.

Question 2

Where do you officiate weddings?

Accepted Answer

I serve Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington County, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and all of Southeast Wisconsin.

Question 3

What's the difference between your ceremony packages?

Accepted Answer

Quickie Ceremony ($300) - About 5-7 minutes with option for your own vows. Classic Ceremony ($500) - Traditional wedding elements, beautifully personalized, 15-25 minutes. Original Ceremony ($850) - Totally custom, love-story driven ceremony based on your unique relationship. All packages include marriage license guidance, ceremony script work, and coordination.

Question 4

Do you require a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes! A non-refundable deposit is required when we book your date. You can pay via ACH, credit card, CashApp, Zelle, check, or cash.

Question 5

How do we pay the remaining balance?

Accepted Answer

You can pay the remaining balance via ACH, credit card, CashApp, Zelle, check, or cash. I usually collect the final payment a week or so before your wedding.

Question 6

Do you charge extra for travel?

Accepted Answer

For most locations in Milwaukee and the immediate metro area, travel is included. For venues further out or in other counties, there might be a small travel fee depending on distance.

Question 7

Will we meet you in person before our wedding?

Accepted Answer

All pre-wedding meetings are done via Zoom for convenience. If you're local and prefer an in-person meeting, we can arrange that.

Question 8

Do you do wedding rehearsals?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Rehearsals are available for an additional $150. We'll walk through everything so your wedding day flows perfectly and everyone knows exactly what to do.

Question 9

How far in advance should we book?

Accepted Answer

As soon as you know your date! Popular wedding dates (especially summer Saturdays) book up fast. However, I've also married couples who called the day before, so don't panic if you're planning last minute.

Question 10

How do we apply for our marriage license?

Accepted Answer

You can use Milwaukee County Clerk's online system with photo IDs, birth certificates, proof of residency, and $110. HOT TIP: Go through Dane County instead - they have virtual Zoom appointments, it's legal in any Wisconsin county, and costs $120.

Question 11

Who submits the signed marriage license after our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

I handle that! I'll coordinate with you or your planner to sign the license before, during, or after the ceremony and submit it to the Clerk's office on your behalf.

Question 12

Do you perform courthouse weddings in Milwaukee?

Accepted Answer

Milwaukee doesn't allow courthouse ceremonies. I offer a private, personalized alternative that meets all legal requirements anywhere you choose - like a courthouse that comes to you!

Question 13

Where can we hold our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere you like! Your home, a park, your venue, or any special location in southeastern Wisconsin. I've married couples in living rooms, on lakeshores, in breweries, and even in driveways.

Question 14

What if it rains on our outdoor wedding day?

Accepted Answer

I always come prepared with backup plans! We can move under a pavilion, into a nearby building, or embrace the romance of a light drizzle (I bring umbrellas!). Your love story doesn't stop for a little rain.

Question 15

How far do you travel in southeastern Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

I'm based in Milwaukee and travel throughout the metro area and nearby towns. Just let me know your location so we can factor in any travel fees if needed.

Question 16

How do we book and what's required?

Accepted Answer

Fill out the contact form or call me, choose your date, time and location, pay the deposit, sign the paperwork and you're all set - no courthouse lines required!

Question 17

Can we personalize ceremony elements like vows or readings?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Both the Classic and Original ceremonies can be totally tailored to your preferences - from custom vows to favorite readings. Let's make it yours!

Question 18

Can we write our own vows?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I absolutely love personal vows. All my ceremony packages give you the option to write your own vows, and I'm happy to help guide you through the process.

Question 19

Can you do religious ceremonies or interfaith weddings?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! While I'm not affiliated with any specific denomination, I'm comfortable incorporating religious elements, prayers, blessings, or traditions from any faith. For interfaith couples, I love blending different traditions beautifully.

Question 20

Do you require us to be religious or have specific beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! I welcome couples of all backgrounds, beliefs, and non-beliefs. Whether you're deeply religious, spiritual, agnostic, atheist, or somewhere in between - I'll create a ceremony that feels authentic to YOU.

Question 21

Can family members participate in the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I love involving family and friends. Whether it's readings, unity ceremonies, ring presentations, or special blessings - we can find meaningful ways to include the people who matter most to you.

Question 22

How long does the ceremony last?

Accepted Answer

Quickie Ceremony: About 5-7 minutes (short, sweet, and to the point!). Classic & Original ceremonies: About 15-25 minutes (perfect for getting those happy tears flowing).

Question 23

Are your ceremonies LGBTQ+ friendly?

Accepted Answer

100%! I celebrate love in ALL its forms. Every ceremony I write is inclusive and welcoming to couples of any orientation or identity. Love is love, and I'm here for all of it!

Question 24

What do you wear to ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

I dress appropriately for your venue and style! For formal weddings, I'll wear a suit. For casual outdoor ceremonies, I might go more relaxed. I always ask about your dress code and venue so I fit right in with your vision.

Question 25

What happens if you get sick or have an emergency?

Accepted Answer

I have a network of amazing officiant friends who can step in if needed. In 250+ weddings, I've never had to miss one, but I always have a backup plan because your wedding day is too important to leave to chance.

Question 26

What's your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

The deposit is non-refundable since I'm holding your date exclusively for you, but if you need to reschedule due to circumstances beyond your control, I'm usually flexible about moving to a new date (subject to availability).

Question 27

Do you perform ceremonies for couples who are already legally married?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Sometimes couples do the legal part quietly and want a big celebration later, or maybe you eloped and want the party you missed. I love doing vow renewals and celebration ceremonies - they're pure joy!

Question 28

Can you perform a same-day wedding in Milwaukee or Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I regularly officiate same-day weddings throughout Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. If you've got your marriage license in hand, I can marry you today or whenever you're ready.

Question 29

What's the fastest way to get married in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Apply for your marriage license with the County Clerk (there's a mandatory 4-day waiting period unless waived), then book me for a quick ceremony! My Quickie Ceremony is perfect for urgent elopements and last-minute weddings.

Question 30

Do you offer emergency wedding officiant services?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I'm available for emergency ceremonies when your original officiant bails or plans suddenly change. I've stepped in for countless couples at the last minute and can perform legal, heartfelt ceremonies with very short notice.

Question 31

What should I include in a last-minute wedding checklist?

Accepted Answer

Marriage license, government-issued photo IDs & birth certificates, two witnesses over 18, rings (optional), something to wear that makes you feel awesome, a quick ceremony plan (I'll help!), an officiant (that's me!), and bonus emergency kit: tissues, water, and a charged phone for photos.

Question 32

Where can we have a same-day wedding in Milwaukee?

Accepted Answer

Pretty much anywhere! Your home, Lakeshore State Park, that cute Airbnb you booked, or even your backyard. Since Milwaukee courthouses don't do weddings, I'm like your personal courthouse that comes to you.

Question 33

Do you help with urgent elopements?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I specialize in urgent elopements and quick weddings throughout Milwaukee, Racine, Waukesha, Kenosha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties. Whether it's same-day or next-week, I'll guide you through the whole process.

Question 34

What if our wedding officiant canceled last minute?

Accepted Answer

I can help! If your officiant ghosted or canceled suddenly, I offer emergency services with fast response times. I'll step in, prepare everything needed, and perform your ceremony legally and professionally - even on crazy short notice.

Question 35

Can you suggest ideas for a last-minute wedding or quick elopement?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Getting married in your living room with just your closest people, a sunset elopement at a local park or by the lake, renting a cute Airbnb and hosting a mini celebration, or a 'pop-up' wedding with just rings, vows, and happy tears.

Question 36

Do you offer affordable urgent elopement options?

Accepted Answer

Yes! My Quickie Ceremony ($300) is perfect for couples who need to get married fast without breaking the bank. It's legally binding, totally heartfelt, and still feels special.

Question 37

Can you help us plan a quick wedding from start to finish?

Accepted Answer

While I'm not a full-service planner, I'm happy to help with writing your ceremony script and timing, suggesting amazing locations, walking you through marriage license stuff, and quick coordination to make it all flow smoothly.

Milwaukee Wedding Officiant & Elopement Specialist

Customized, Inclusive & Unforgettable Ceremonies for Every Couple in Love

Milwaukee Wedding Officiant & Elopement Specialist

Customized, Inclusive & Unforgettable Ceremonies for Every Couple in Love

Send me your info and I'll get back to you ASAP to let you know if I'm available! - Schwa