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
I will be delighted to officiate your wedding whether it be religious, non-religious, or interfaith. Although it's not required, I am willing to meet with you for for premarital consultation; I'm as interested in your marriage as I am in your wedding. I've officiated weddings for almost 60 years. I have a variety of ceremonies available, or you can structure your own so long as the dignity of the occasion is maintained. I will be available to you for any pastoral needs for as long afterwards as you want me to be.
In addition, if you require a day-of wedding director, my wife is available for a modest charge.
Please note that I am available only for weekend weddings.
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 639 times
Serves Raphine, VA
Background checked
1 employee
61 years in business
Business hours
Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMonClosed
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash and Check.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
Services offered
Type of ceremony
Service type (affiliation)
Christian
Catholic
Jewish
Muslim
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, responsiveness, and work quality.
Exceptional 5.0
516 reviews
5
99%
4
1%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Sophie T.
2 weeks ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Howard is a MUST if you are looking for an Officiant for your wedding!! He was on time, helped out with many things (like how to put on a boutonniere), was super responsive and respectful, and was just so so nice overall!! Our ceremony went through without a hitch and his words were beautiful and got everyone teared up! We recommend him 10000/10!! Thank you Howard for being part of our magical day!
Details: Wedding • Non-religious (no mention of God) • 51 - 100 guests • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will be needed at the rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
John W.
Sep 13, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Howard was absolutely incredible! Throughout the chaos of getting ready to start the ceremony, Howard showed up right on time, calm, professional, and offered advice. During the ceremony, Howard was very comforting, and has the most beautiful way with words. Absolutely recommend for anyone needing a weddingofficiant. Thank you Howard!
Details: Wedding • Christian • 51 - 100 guests • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Garrett S.
Aug 25, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We could not have asked for a better officiant for our wedding! From the very beginning, Howard was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in getting to know us as a couple.
A few weeks before the wedding, he took the time to meet us for lunch and talk with us about our relationship, our story, and what we wanted the ceremony to feel like. That effort really showed on our wedding day. The ceremony felt incredibly personal and authentic to us rather than something generic or scripted.
Howard was warm, professional, and made both of us feel completely comfortable throughout the entire process. He struck the perfect balance between heartfelt and lighthearted, and made the ceremony feel intimate and meaningful.
We’re so grateful he was the person who married us and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an officiant who genuinely cares about the couple and goes the extra mile to make their ceremony special.
Details: Wedding • Non-religious (no mention of God) • 21 - 50 guests • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Mya M.
2 weeks ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Howard was AMAZING! The ceremony he performed was so touching and intimate between the two of us. He was professional and friendly. We eloped before our wedding to keep the moment just between us, and it was one of the best decisions we made.
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
Madison S.
2 weeks ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Howard was absolutely wonderful to work with! He was punctual, kind, and helpful throughout the process leading up to our wedding, which made everything feel easy and stress-free. The poem he read during our ceremony was absolutely beautiful and made our special day even more meaningful. We are so grateful Howard was part of such an important moment in our lives. We highly recommend him to any couple looking for a kind, professional, and thoughtful weddingofficiant! ❤️
Details: Wedding • Non-religious (no mention of God) • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Credentials
Background Check
Howard Pendley
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Although I do have standard prices for my services, everything is negotiable. For local weddings, I have a very competitive flat rate. If I must travel beyond Augusta County, the fee will increase to compensate for mileage and/or travel expenses.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
After being contacted by new customers, I do my best to convert them from clients to friends, and from friends to family. Whenever possible, I want to meet in person with the couple in order for us to get to know one another. It also allows me to find out the couple's preferences regarding their wedding ceremony. As the Shenandoah Valley is a popular destination for weddings--and people come here from all over the world--it's not always possible to meet with couples in advance. In that case, we must do our work by telephone and/or online.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been officiating weddings for almost 60 years. I am an ordained minister with college and seminary degrees including B.A., M.Div., and Ph.D., as well as three-and-a-half years of additional chaplaincy training. I was a parish pastor for 25 years. For the last 25+ years, I have worked as a chaplain in hospitals, prisons, substance abuse recovery, and, for the past 15 years, in hospice.
