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About
In 2017, I felt a need to make the world a better place, so I took a course to become a Humanist Celebrant. Being a Humanist Celebrant allows me to work with couples and family members to create unique ceremonies that reflect the love of a couple (weddings), celebrate the life experience of individuals (memorial services), welcome new family members (naming ceremony) or recognize name changes that better reflect their gender identity (renaming ceremony).
I enjoy working with a couple to craft a ceremony celebrating and sharing how their love developed into the aspirations for their marriage. To make my small part of the world a better place and promote human flourishing, I work with all couples regardless of their socioeconomic status, ethnicity, age, beliefs, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Mark (he/him/his) lives in Exton, Pennsylvania, a western suburb of Philadelphia, with his partner and his two dogs. He grew up in Colorado, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, served as an Armor Officer in Germany at the end of the Cold War, and is a Persian Gulf War veteran. He previously spent 20 plus years as an IT consultant and Senior Systems Analyst after receiving his Master's in Computer Science.
Overview
Hired 23 times
Background checked
1 employee
9 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, and Venmo.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2021
Services offered
Type of ceremony
Wedding
Elopement
Commitment ceremony
Vow renewal
Service type (affiliation)
Non-denominational (mentions God)
Non-religious (no mention of 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 work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Excellent 4.9
8 reviews
5
88%
4
12%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:
Kara C.
May 31, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Mark was great to work with us on short notice. He even left his vacation early to officiate our wedding! He put together a perfect simple ceremony that totally fit us as a couple- having never met us. He is extremely professional and definitely recommended him for any sort of ceremony.
Details: Wedding • Non-religious (no mention of God) • 101 - 150 guests • Help writing vows will be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal
Landes Lifecycle Ceremonies's reply
Kara,
Thank you for the kind review. I had a great time meeting you and Addison and am glad to hear that the ceremony added to the celebration. All my best to you, Addison and Elon.
Regards,
Mark
Wedding Officiant
Angela F.
Jun 15, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Mark created a custom ceremony for John and me, and it brought joyful tears to our eyes. Mark delicered Exactly what we wanted.
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 • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Sam M.
Nov 25, 2023
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Mark was great to work with! His questionnaire was in depth and we could tell that he used our responses when crafting our ceremony. The ceremony itself was really thoughtful and fit our vibe really well, people complimented us on it! Leading up to the ceremony, Mark was open to revisions and made the whole process easy. Day-of, he showed up early and was polite and professional. A fantastic experience all around!
Details: Wedding • Non-religious (no mention of God) • 51 - 100 guests • I'm flexible • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal
Wedding Officiant
Stephen A.
Oct 15, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Mark Landes was responsive and friendly from the moment we communicated. He helped make a home wedding ceremony the best day during covid restrictions. You will be grateful too!
Details: Elopement • Non-religious (no mention of God) • 20 guests or fewer • 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
Mostafa H.
Apr 9, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Overall, it was a great job well done. However, there are some areas of improvement that need attention. Announcement was made in the beginning of the ceremony to silence all cell phones, but then his own cell phone goes off during the ceremony. There were also some mispronunciation of names which could’ve been avoided if they were practiced prior to. A positive note is that he helped set the runner, which is outside of the scope of his work. He did have a nice tone when conducting the ceremony. If he can just correct some of these minor issues, it would make his work more professional, but as I said overall, I recommend him.
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
Credentials
Background Check
Kenneth Mark Landes
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My fees are in line with the standards for this area and are dependent upon the type of wedding. Since each wedding is customized to the individuals involved the amount of time required to prepare for the ceremony will determine the costs. LGBTQ wedding will receive a discount.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Free interview either in person or over the phone to determine if we are a good match. Then I would like to conduct an interview with both couples where we will discuss the ceremony and I will gather information to personalize the ceremony. We will then sign a contract and a deposit will be made. Follow can be done by email or by phone.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I completed The Humanist Society Celebrant training in October 2017. I am currently getting my second Masters in Theology to become a Humanist Chaplain.
