FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My complicated pricing system is to ask you to pray about what to put into that envelope and follow your heart. Even if you give me an empty envelope, that is OK. This is whether I merely officiate at the ceremony with a basic service, or provide referrals to assist in all aspects of planning the wedding event. Even after spending 8 or more hours of pre-marital counseling with the couple, I still look to you to consider prayerfully what you believe to be an appropriate gift. I do, however, need to have reimbursement for travel out of town. I also provide referrals to a church or other venue on request, but the financial arrangements are the responsibility of the couple.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Every customer is new, by nature. I've yet to officiate at a second wedding for either or both of the parties to a marriage. That being said, I reach out via Thumbtack's process which involves my statement about the seriousness of the marriage covenant, my willingness to be flexible, my insistence on premarital counseling and my requirement that the wedding service honors God. I state in my outreach that I do not charge a fee, but invite the couple to give whatever they feel led to give.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Since I consider premarital counseling to be potentially of infinite benefit, I meet often with other clergy to share resources and insights, discussing new trends in counseling and culture. All of this is in addition to several years of seminary education and self-study.