Wedding Officiation
One of my great joys is officiating weddings and commitment ceremonies.
There’s nothing like helping a couple transition through this gateway in their life.
Carly worked with my husband and I to create a ceremony that was perfectly catered to our needs. I am Episcopalian and Jordan is Jewish and neither of us were very familiar with the other’s religions. Carly took the time to explain the various Jewish traditions and their symbolism to us and allowed us to make the choice to include what we wanted. In addition, she was an excellent partner to my minister, who had never officiated a mixed religion ceremony. He had nothing but the highest of compliments for Carly after the process was complete. In the end, Jordan and I thought our ceremony was very “us” and we have Carly to thank for getting us there. To top it off, we got several compliments regarding our ceremony and we felt proud to have created that unique experience for our guests. We truly enjoyed working with Carly!
I’m not a “rent a reverend/rabbi.” When I work with couples, I do my best to become their family clergy for the duration of the experience — and remain available to them even after the ceremony is over. Preparing for you wedding should be about more than choosing flowers, dresses, menus and bands. It should be about preparing for your marriage and the rest of your life. That’s what we’ll do together.
I don’t require per-marital counseling, but we will meet several times. We’ll talk about a lot of things, and ensure that you are able to not only have a beautiful wedding — but also experience your wedding as the rite of passage that it should be.
So, if you are looking to have a wedding, handfasting, or commitment ceremony that is about more than a party — contact me!
Questions & Answers
- What Types of Couples do You Work With?
- Does One of Us Have to Be Jewish?
- You Aren’t a Rabbi — What Are You?
- What Kind of Ceremonies Will You Do?
- When is a Good Time to Find an Officiant?
- Where can You Perform Weddings?
- What are Your Fees?
- Can I talk to Someone Whose Wedding You’ve Performed?
- Wait…You Didn’t Answer My Question!
What Types of Couples do You Work With?
I work with all types of couples. I specialize in interfaith and culturally “challenging” ceremonies, but I love working with any couple who is committed to the ceremony as they are the reception.
Does One of Us Have to Be Jewish?
Short answer — no. Generally one partner in the couples I work with is Jewish, but that is not a requirement. I help couples create ceremonies that align with their spiritual paths and religions. It’s a touch easier if someone is Jewish, since I am, but I’m comfortable in many modalities.
You Aren’t a Rabbi — What Are You?
I am ordained as a Kohenet, which is a new form of Jewish women’s spiritual leadership. I am also ordained as a Celebrant of a spiritual community called “Becoming.” Both required three years of training and dedication.
What Kind of Ceremonies Will You Do?
Are you asking if I will perform weddings for gay and GLBT couples? Yes. Yes, I will.
I perform legally binding weddings and civil unions. I also happily work with couples on commitment ceremonies, handfastings, vow renewals and anything else you need — whether the state recognizes it or not.
Any serious requests to have a rite-of-passage coupling ceremony will be discussed and explored. There may be things that you request that are not aligned with my spiritual path. If so, we’ll discuss it and try to find a solution.
When is a Good Time to Find an Officiant?
I recommend selecting your officiant approximately six months before your wedding, so we have time to get to know each other and create a ceremony that is right for you and your situation.
Where can You Perform Weddings?
Currently I can perform legally binding weddings in DC and Maryland (MD). I am exploring licensing in Delaware, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Each state has its own rules, sometimes by county, so it’s a bit complicated. Let’s start with, you think I would be a good fit for your needs and figure out legal after we talk! If I am not licensed where you are, and I am able to obtain licensing, I will definitely explore it for you.
What are Your Fees?
My fees are approximately $360 for co-officiation and $720 for solo officiation. This is approximately the same as the flowers for the bridal party at an average wedding these day. If you are on a budget, don’t let these numbers keep you from calling.
The service includes several in-person meetings, pre-marital discussion guide, custom ceremony development, rehearsal, and day-off (of course). Day-off services are not just showing up for the ceremony. I’m there to ensure a smooth rite of passage. If this means helping build a chuppah, getting some water for a bride’s maid, or helping calm jitters and nerves — I’m there for you.
The initial consultation is complimentary – we have to figure out first if we’re a good fit! By the way, if we’re not a good fit, I’m always happy to refer you to someone else.
Can I talk to Someone Whose Wedding You’ve Performed?
Sure thing! Just contact me and I’ll put you in touch with someone.
Wait…You Didn’t Answer My Question!
Okay — then contact me and let’s talk!
Mini Manifesto:
Culture: I am fascinated by both culture on most levels. I mostly focus on American culture and what makes us who we are as a country, but I'm also intrigued by sub-cultures in the USA and the growing global cultural trends.
Technology: Technology is one of the strongest drivers of cultural and even spiritual changes in the last 100 years, and possibly the next 100.