What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I prefer to have at least two meetings with customers, where I can get a sense of who they are and work with them to craft a service that reflects their personality and values. I typically will send at least two drafts of the service to the couple in advance, to be sure that the service I create matches their hopes and needs.
However, I appreciate that not all couples want a unique, tailor-made service. I am also available to offer a more formulaic service, which costs less and does not require as much work with me in advance.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a Masters in Divinity from Pacific School of Religion and a certificate in Women's Studies in Religion from the Graduate Theological Union. I am an ordained deacon in the Roman Catholic Womanpriest movement and commissioned minister in the Federation of Christian Ministries.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your service? If so, please share the details here.
Wedding ceremonies are a sliding scale between $200-700. A liturgy that has been specially crafted for you is generally no less than $500. However, some sliding scale prices are available for low-income couples who need to have their wedding on a budget.
Other liturgical events (baptisms, etc) are generally between $200-400, depending on the scale of the event.
I am also available for preaching and public speaking events for $150-300. You can read samples of my sermons and homilies on my website.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I primarily work with faithful people who have felt marginalized by institutional religion-- particularly people from a Roman Catholic background. These people are often women, LGBTQ, and/or people in interfaith relationships. They are always people that I find to be kind, thoughtful and committed to justice in our faith communities and our world.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
For those looking for wedding officiants: There is SO MUCH to consider when planning a wedding and it can get overwhelming. However, it's important to not overlook the importance of finding an officiant with the skills, experience and wisdom to create a service that will honor you in a way that you deserve. If you value professionalism in your florist, caterer and photographer, I invite you to consider how important it is for your officiant to be experienced, professional and someone that you can relate to and trust.
