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Howard Pendley, Ph.D.

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Scheduling

Responds in about 2 hours


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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 629 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.

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2025

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2024

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2023

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2022

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2021

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2020

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2019

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2018

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2017

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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

506 reviews

5

99%

4

1%

3

0%

2

0%

1

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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Amanda B.

4 weeks ago

Hired on Thumbtack

If you’re looking for an officiant who will make your wedding ceremony truly unforgettable, look no further than Howard Pendley! From the very beginning, Howard was professional, kind, and incredibly easy to work with. He took the time to get to know us and created a ceremony that felt personal, meaningful, and perfectly reflected our relationship. His warmth, humor, and genuine passion for what he does immediately put us at ease. On our wedding day, Howard delivered a beautiful ceremony that had our guests laughing, smiling, and even shedding a few happy tears. He spoke with such confidence and sincerity that everyone commented afterward on how wonderful he was. He helped make one of the most important moments of our lives feel effortless and incredibly special. We truly couldn’t have imagined a better officiant. Howard played such an important role in making our wedding day everything we dreamed it would be, and we are so grateful. We would recommend him without hesitation to any couple looking for someone who is professional, compassionate, engaging, and genuinely invested in making your ceremony unforgettable. Thank you, Howard, for giving us a ceremony we’ll cherish forever!

Details: Wedding • Non-denominational (mentions God) • 21 - 50 guests • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal

Wedding Officiant
pro avatar
Lea H.

2 weeks ago

Hired on Thumbtack

Howard was absolutely wonderful as our wedding officiant! From the moment we met him, he was so kind, genuine, and easy to work with. He made us feel completely at ease throughout the entire process, and his warmth really showed during the ceremony. He delivered a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony that felt personal and meaningful. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to marry us. If you’re looking for an officiant who is caring, professional, and truly makes your special day even more memorable, we highly recommend Howard. Thank you for helping make our elopement so perfect!

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
pro avatar
Alex E.

7 days ago

Hired on Thumbtack

Howard did us the great honor of officiating our wedding on 7/11/2026. He was fantastic in every way- down to earth, punctual, kind, professional, and personable. We truly cannot recommend him highly enough- he eased any stresses we had about the big day and engaged our guests throughout the ceremony in fun, meaningful ways. In the months leading up to the wedding, Howard was always available if I had questions and even accommodated a last minute change in date/venue with tremendous grace. We feel blessed to have met him and are very thankful that he was a part of our special day!

Details: Wedding • Non-denominational (mentions God) • 51 - 100 guests • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal

Wedding Officiant
pro avatar
Phoenix N.

Apr 16, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

Dr Howard Pendley is a lifesaver! We reached out to Dr Pendley two weeks before the wedding because our wedding planner dropped the ball on confirming our initial officiant. Fortunately he was available and happy to help! Dr Pendley is an incredibly compassionate man and officiant, we didn’t get a chance to tell him much about what we wanted outside of the basics, however he seemed to understand us as a couple and he hit on all of the things that are important to us. As much as he talked about the love between us, he also spoke of the importance of our own individuality, and our friendship, and the importance that all of it plays into marriage. My Wife and I were so touched and moved by his speech! Anyone who hires Dr Pendley to officiate their wedding will be extremely pleased and moved by his work! I cannot recommend him enough!

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
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Shawn C.

Apr 29, 2026

Hired on Thumbtack

Dr. Pendley was a real pleasure to work with. He worked with us every step of the way when planning our wedding. He responded quickly when we had a questions and took time to get to know us personally. The day of the wedding he arrived on time and worked well with the wedding coordinator and us to make sure the day went as smoothly as possible. He delivered a beautiful speech during the ceremony and provided us with valuable advice for the future. He is definitely a valued asset for your ceremonial needs.

Details: Wedding • Non-denominational (mentions God) • 21 - 50 guests • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will be needed at the rehearsal

Wedding Officiant
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Howard Pendley