You read that correctly. Not only am I a wedding DJ, I am also a newly licensed wedding officiant in the state of Ohio. Ordained by The Church of the Latter Day Dude (learn more about Dudeism below), I am able to officiate the most important occasion in the lives of two people in love, then fill their dance floor immediately after.
For those who know me well, it will come as no surprise that I have always wanted to do this. I am a romantic, and I love love. As a wedding officiant, from my fortunate vantage point standing between bride and groom, I'm privileged to experience the incredible love they share. My heart warms when I spy the adoring eyes of a groom as he watches his bride walk down the aisle. My soul thrills when I catch the radiant bride smiling expectantly at her groom, her bouquet and her chin slightly quivering as he speaks his vows. I can think of nothing more rewarding than marrying two people in love.
As an officiant, I draw inspiration from everywhere: from the wonderful memories and future promises of my own marriage; from poetry, nature, and travel; from artists and the subjects they bring to life; from the lyrics of love songs as they dance upon the notes; but mostly, I draw inspiration from the love my couples share with one another.
I have been blessed with 25 years of love, laughter, and happiness in my own marriage. As your officiant, I wish you the same.
When you purchase my Romance Package, we begin with an introductory video call to get to know each other. At that time, I interview you both, first together, then separately. Before the call ends, I make sure that I understand your vision and expectations for your ceremony. I then go to work creating a personalized outline using questionnaires that draw from your emotions and memories to tell your story. I offer a variety of resources, recommend readings, and suggest rituals based on your cultural backgrounds and artistic expressions, and in pre-wedding meetings, we discuss revisions and edits until we find the voice and tone that fulfills your individual wishes; I am not happy until you are happy, and having a writer and English teacher on your team guarantees your ceremony is uniquely you and everything you dream it to be. Working together, we will craft a soul-driven ceremony that is steeped in raw emotion and deep reverence for your relationship. But we're not done. We will also add a touch of humor, a bit of whimsy, and an abundance of romantic gestures.
As an officiant, I am a calming, reassuring presence during what is inevitably a stressful event, no matter how well-rehearsed or happy the bride and groom may be. I am there to remind the groom to not lock his knees, and I am there to remind the bride to breathe—just...breathe. I assure them that if anything goes wrong, only three people in the world will know—them and me. But what truly makes me a great officiant is that I specialize in telling love stories. I hope you will let me tell yours.
If you are a resident of Ohio, you must apply for a marriage license in the county in which you reside. If you are from two different counties, either one will work. Out of state newlyweds must apply in the county in which they will be married. I am a resident of Stark County. The Stark County probate court/marriage license department is located at:
110 Central Plaza, South
Suite 501 - 5th Floor
Canton, Ohio 44702-1413
Phone (330) 451 - 7755
For all other counties, confirm the correct county with your venue.
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:15 pm
No blood test or waiting period is necessary to obtain a marriage license in Ohio.
The current fee to apply for a marriage license is approximately $50.00.
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A travel fee of $50.00 may be applied if your venue is greater than 60 miles from Canton, Ohio.
LGBTQIA+ Friendly.
I happily marry all couples.
Signing Package
$100
The Signing Package is for couples who want to marry privately without spending a fortune; it is the perfect package for couples who have already committed to and lived with one another for many years, as well as those who have already started a family together.
The exchange of rings is not necessary, witnesses are not required, and you do not have to leave your vehicle.
How It Works:
You drive to my home with your marriage certificate.
Stay in your vehicle, and call me upon arrival.
I come to you in your vehicle and sign your legal documents to make your marriage legal.
No down payment required;
pay when I sign.
This package is available by appointment only. Call 330-704-1857 to schedule.
$300
The Elopement Package is the perfect choice for couples who do not want the expense or attention that comes with a traditional wedding day.
I will travel to your location to perform a traditional wedding ceremony. You can choose to hold the ceremony with friends and family in attendance if you wish, but it can also be a private ceremony with just the three of us. The exchange of rings is not necessary, and witnesses are not required.
This package includes the following:
A one hour private consultation in person or by Zoom
Legally ordained officiant licensed by the Sate of Ohio
Officiant's travel to the ceremony's venue
Non-customized, secular ceremony
Signing and mailing of your marriage license
Details and instructions for what follows the wedding day
$500
The Romance Package includes everything found in the Elopement Package as well as a personal and customized ceremony.
A one hour initial consultation in person or by Zoom
Legally ordained officiant licensed by the Sate of Ohio
Officiant's travel to the ceremony's venue
Signing and mailing of your marriage license
Details and instructions for what follows the wedding day
A personal and fully customizable secular ceremony
Bride and Groom Questionnaires
Editable and shareable access to your ceremony script
Up to three script revisions
Unlimited consultations by phone call, text, email, or Zoom
Officiant early arrival
Collaboration with your photographer, videographer, and DJ
What is Dudeism?
From dudeism.com
"While Dudeism in its official form has been organized as a religion only recently, it has existed down through the ages in one form or another. Probably the earliest form of Dudeism was the original form of Chinese Taoism, before it went all weird with magic tricks and body fluids. The originator of Taoism, Lao Tzu, basically said “smoke ’em if you got ’em” and “mellow out, man” although he said this in ancient Chinese so something may have been lost in the translation.
Down through the ages, this “rebel shrug” has fortified many successful creeds – Buddhism, Christianity, Sufism, John Lennonism and Fo’-Shizzle-my-Nizzlism. The idea is this: Life is short and complicated and nobody knows what to do about it. So don’t do anything about it. Just take it easy, man.
Stop worrying so much whether you’ll make it into the finals. Kick back with some friends and make yourself a White Russian and whether you roll strikes or gutters, do your best to be true to yourself and others – that is to say, abide.
Incidentally, the term 'dude' is commonly agreed to refer to all genders. Most linguists contend that the diminutive “dudette” is not in keeping with the parlance of our times."
Learn more at dudeism.com/faq