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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Weddings are far more than the fancy food, the nice flowers, and the
nice gifts. In reality, they are one of the few times in our lives when
people come together to share their support for others as they witness
a sacred moment. Weddings offer you the moment to publicly
demonstrate your love and commitment to the world and no matter
the size of the event, this is a time for celebration. Whether it is a
simple elopement, a small family event, or a formal church wedding,
each ceremony will create the bond that will last a lifetime.
No matter how many weddings I perform, I am still amazed at the many
simple ways that couples bring parts of themselves to the ceremonies.
A hippie wedding in a field where everyone is barefooted, a short
ceremony in a mountain cabin surrounded only by family, a brief
elopement in the apartment of a Marine who was deploying the next
morning - each of these events were special in their own ways. My
goal is to help you create an experience that no matter how
complicated, or simple it may feel during the planning phase, will
live in everyone's memory as "that perfect day."
My goal is simple: to help couples celebrate the joining of their individual paths into a collective and joyful future. It doesn't matter which religious tradition they follow (or none at all), their gender, race, or sexual orientation - everyone deserves to be happy and I am here to make that a reality. So, reach out to me and together we will create just the right combination of love and safety.
Overview
Hired 54 times
Serves King, NC
Background checked
2 employees
15 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, and Zelle.
Services offered
Type of ceremony
Service type (affiliation)
Christian
Catholic
Buddhist
Interfaith
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.
Excellent 4.9
31 reviews
5
97%
4
0%
3
3%
2
0%
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Laura M.
Apr 27, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Reverend Max was very professional and was able to keep our ceremony lighthearted so my husband and I didn’t get too emotional and were able to read our vowels to each other. Thank you so much for all the help!
Details: Wedding • Non-denominational (mentions God) • 101 - 150 guests • I'm flexible • English • Officiant will be needed at the rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Vincent E.
Nov 14, 2024
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Rev. Max was very responsive and helped us to create the ideal ceremony. We are very pleased to have chosen him to officiate our wedding.
Details: Wedding • 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
Wesley V.
Jun 21, 2023
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Absolutely loved working with Rev Max and his wife. We lost our officiant 2 weeks before our wedding and they enthusiastically jumped in to save the day. They were great about answering all of our questions and included every request we had for our ceremony. Our guests all assumed that we had known them for years when we met them in person only half an hour before the ceremony. Would definitely recommend them to anyone searching for an officiant.
Details: Wedding • Non-religious (no mention of God) • 51 - 100 guests • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Lisa B.
Dec 3, 2023
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We cannot say enough about our experience with Mr. Max & Mrs. Debra ! They took a nervous emotional situation and family and made the ceremony special and in order! I have told everyone when and if you , me or we are in need they are definitely who we’ll be calling on the made a very special day run smoothly and it was awesome so from all of us we Thank you both from our hearts.
Details: Wedding • Christian • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Nathalia A.
Aug 16, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I wanted to thank Pastor Max for performing our wedding for Karol and I. First i have to say i contacted Max on a very short notice. He quickly assured me that it wouldn’t be an issue and he would perform our ceremony.
After our conversation Karol and myself felt amazing. We knew we had made the correct decision with Pastor Max. I might add. It was only one week notice. So thank you again.
The day of our wedding Pastor Max was absolutely great. He managed to keep me clam while i waited patiently for my bride to be to arrive. Max was so friendly with all my friends and family as well as Karol’s. Karol’s family primarily speak Spanish. It was even more comforting to learn Pastor Max could speak some Spanish as well.
When the ceremony began Pastor Max started the ceremony in Spanish. Which was so pleasing to myself and Karol. He truly made everyone feel so welcome. Pastor Max had such a great message about God and just life. His words were so encouraging for Karol and I.
After the ceremony he visited with everyone as well as staying for some photos. Also we would like to thank his wife Debra for taking so many wonderful pictures and sending them to us.
If you and your forever are looking for the correct Pastor. Please reach out to Max.
Karol and I can’t thank him enough.
Sincerely
Gwyn and Karol Havens
Details: Wedding • Christian • 21 - 50 guests • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Credentials
Background Check
Max Goelling
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Having discussed how best to price our services with numerous minsters, priests, and officiants, I found a wide range of opinions. Some say, charge nothing and just ask for a donation to their church (or favorite charity). Others say charge a significant amount so that potential brides and grooms will appreciate the value of your services. We have chosen to charge a fair price that covers our time, travel, and expertise. Ours is not a commodity that can be simply valued by a market analysis - it's far more of a personal touch.
We also know that now is a time where budgets are stretched thin and that no matter how much a couple may want to have a ceremony, they think it is too expensive. I say where there is a will, there will be a way - contact our Wedding Coordinator and I guarantee you we can find that way.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Regardless of how we are introduced, my first goal is always to
Our first goal is always to establish an environment of trust. My preference is to meet in person and when we do, I begin by asking some questions about the couple's vision of the event. If they would like to engage in any counseling sessions (finance, property ownership issues, religious challenges, etc.), we will find the best place and time for me to share a few ideas. If, on the other hand, they wish to continue the conversation by email, telephone, or text, I am more than happy to do so. Again, my goal is to create a high level of trust and comfort while exploring the best way forward.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Academically, I hold a Doctor of Theology, a Master of Christian Education, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and am a credentialed member of The National Association of Christian Minsters.
As a counselor, I hold several licenses in the fields of financial advising, investment management, and protection strategies. I also am a certified sexuality educator and can provide counseling in this are as well. I have conducted many pastoral counseling sessions and continue to work with new couples as they process the many challenges that bringing two lives together can bring.
