Leighann Starkey

Introduction: When I was married, I had a hard time finding an officiant I could trust. I realized that a lot of officiants will say or do whatever they want without consulting the couple. Several weddings I attended were disturbingly impersonal to the couple, yet another was tragi-comically offensive. Still, other officiants were too expensive for what should be a simple service. Luckily, a close friend who was already ordained volunteered to perform my wedding ceremony. After that, I registered as an officiant in the state of New York (via the Universal Life Church) in order to return the favor three years later. I'd like to use my powers to spare others the same headaches I have endured. I have performed one ceremony for a set of friends and will perform another in a month's time. Although my officiant experience is still growing, I am a confident and competent public speaker (I was an adjunct lecturer in the CUNY system for two years, to rave reviews). I would be happiest performing a ceremony that fits your needs as a couple, not my own agenda. I do anything, ranging from A-religious/atheist, non-denominational-religious, or offbeat ceremony to a traditional ceremony -- as long as it reflects your culture, values, and history as a couple. I am also firmly LGBTQ friendly. Because I believe in catering to your wedding needs, I will offer as little as reading a ceremony composed entirely by you (and simply taking care of the paperwork side of things). I could also help "assemble" parts of a ceremony to your satisfaction, or I can compose an entire ceremony for you. If desired, I can make appearances at a rehearsal and help direct/organize. Mostly, I guarantee a fair, "below-market" price and a personalized ceremony that is free of any wacky or unpleasant surprises (such as inappropriate ad-libbing, insincerity, and unwanted proselytizing). However, I am happy to include planned and welcome wackiness if you so desire.