If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
For over 50 years as a wedding officiant, I’ve believed that a personal touch is essential. I work closely with each couple so their ceremony truly reflects who they are and what they value.
Whether you’re dreaming of a very traditional service or something completely non‑traditional, my goal is to honor your unique needs and help bring your vision to life. Cultural rituals and customs are always welcome.
I love getting to know why you’re in love, where you call home, and what makes your story special—especially for couples coming from other parts of the country or the world. From hotels and beaches to mountain settings and more, I’m honored to join you wherever you choose to say “I do.”
If this sounds like the kind of ceremony you want, I’d be happy to talk about your plans.
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 836 times
41 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
1 employee
50 years in business
Business hours
Sun7:00 am - 10:00 pmMon7:00 am - 10:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
Services offered
Type of ceremony
Service type (affiliation)
Christian
Catholic
Interfaith
Non-denominational (mentions God)
Need help writing vows?
I can work with couples who need help writing vows
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
427 reviews
5
97%
4
2%
3
0%
2
0%
1
1%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Bryanna C.
4 weeks ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Pastor John was amazing! He perfectly blended humor and heartfelt for our ceremony and all of our friends as family told us how much they loved the ceremony and his words. He was so easy to work with, super responsive and helped guide us through everything. It felt like having a family member officiating for us. Highly recommend him for your wedding!
Details: Wedding • Non-denominational (mentions God) • 51 - 100 guests • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • I'm flexible
Wedding Officiant
Gaochang L.
1 month ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Pastor John was wonderful to work with and did a great job officiating our wedding. He was professional, warm, and made the entire experience easy and stress-free. We especially loved the readings he chose for the ceremony—they were thoughtful and fit the moment perfectly. We had a great experience and would definitely recommend him!
Details: Elopement • Non-denominational (mentions God) • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Shuangsheng L.
Jul 6, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We had the pleasure of having Pastor John officiate our wedding at SF city hall and we could not have asked for a better experience.
From our very first conversation, Pastor John was warm, professional, responsive, and incredibly helpful in guiding us through the entire process. He took the time to understand our preferences, answered all of our questions, and made us feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
The ceremony itself was beautiful, heartfelt, and perfectly tailored to us. Pastor John delivered it with sincerity, warmth, and a personal touch that made the moment truly special. Many of our guests commented on how meaningful and well-conducted the ceremony was.
What stood out most was Pastor John’s kindness and attention to detail. He made the entire experience stress-free and memorable, allowing us to fully enjoy one of the most important days of our lives.
We are incredibly grateful for Pastor John’s support and would highly recommend him to any couple looking for a caring, professional, and experienced officiant. Thank you, Pastor John, for helping make our wedding day so meaningful and unforgettable!
Details: Elopement • Non-denominational (mentions God) • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Garrett R.
Jul 8, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We are so thankful we chose Pastor John to officiate our wedding. He truly made our day feel so special, and we couldn’t have asked for a better person to marry us. From the start, he was kind, warm, and easy to work with. We had let him know that we only had a one-hour time slot at the Mayor’s Balcony at San Francisco City Hall, and he did an amazing job keeping everything on time without making the ceremony feel rushed. It was personal, meaningful, and exactly what we had hoped for. Thank you, Pastor John, for being such an important part of our wedding day. We will always appreciate the joy you brought to our ceremony. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for an officiant who is professional, thoughtful, and genuinely cares about making your day unforgettable.
Details: Elopement • Christian • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Sara M.
Jul 9, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Pastor John was absolutely incredible as our weddingofficiant! From the very beginning, he made the entire process feel so easy and stress-free. His ceremony was heartfelt, personal, and beautifully delivered—it truly reflected our love story and made our wedding day even more meaningful.
One thing we especially appreciated was how organized and attentive he was. He made sure we received our completed marriage license after the ceremony, giving us one less thing to worry about on such an important day. His professionalism, kindness, and genuine care for us were evident every step of the way.
If you're looking for an officiant who is warm, dependable, and truly invested in making your wedding day special, we wholeheartedly recommend Pastor John. Thank you for helping make our day absolutely perfect!
Details: Wedding • Christian • 21 - 50 guests • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Credentials
Background Check
John Freesemann
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My basic pricing structure for weddings is $300 for the ceremony.
This cost covers all communication, ceremony preparation, my presence at the wedding service and transportation costs.
If the couple wishes to have a rehearsal a day or two prior to the ceremony I charge $150.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Relationships generally begin electronically on Thumbtack. I explore with all clients what it is that they want in their ceremony by sending them a standardized set of forms. We may talk by telephone if one of us feels the need to do so. Over time I provide whatever helps the bride and groom may need/request -- readings, vows, benedictions, rituals, etc. If requested I meet with the bride and groom for coffee and a discussion of their desires (in the area this is easily accomplished/outside of the area I generally attempt to tie this to another wedding so that the travel is not so extensive). As the date of the wedding approaches I generally check in to make sure that they have everything they need (it is amazing how many forget that they need a license!). I try to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes early for weddings in order to make sure there are no last minute changes or to accommodate last minute changes if there are any, and to chat with both the bride and groom to put them at ease..
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Anyone who says there is no continuing education involved in this profession doesn't know much about the profession. Continuing education is a constant -- I "book study" with a colleague and attend a minimum of 3 education classes a year, in addition to the self study that I do. I also study wedding services and research vows, committals, rituals and other things online in order to provide the most appropriate and up to date materials and services that I can for brides and grooms..
