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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! My name is John. As a licensed wedding officiant, my specialty is smaller, intimate, nonreligious marriages. I can also work with you on incorporating religious elements, and I can work with a larger-scale event that has the traditional order of service. At this point I have served in well over 60 ceremonies.
Please consider me in your search for an officiant. I conduct civil wedding services in addition to holding down a regular job. Officiating at weddings is a way for me to do something good for my community.
Some close friends asked me to perform their wedding ceremony many years ago, which led other friends to request this of me, and so on. I discovered that I really enjoy the experience. A wedding represents a very happy occasion and also one of the most important events in a person's life. You want professionals to help you with something so precious.
Allow me to craft a ceremony that is meaningful to both of you. We can incorporate literature, quotes, poetry, whatever represents who you are and what you believe in. Once I get an idea of who you are, I can seek out what best reflects your personalities. If you'd like to have spoken vows as part of your ceremony, an exchange of rings, a procession, I can help work that out. Family and friends want to read something or sing? We can integrate that. Want a sand ceremony, or a symbolic tree (seedling) planting, or some other meaningful ritual? Sure thing. Got a wedding coordinator or photographer? I can work with him or her as well. We can work on it together. You should have a ceremony that reflects who you are.
It is my pleasure to officiate for anyone who wants to create a legal marriage bond, regardless of your religious background or sexual orientation.
I am licensed in Virginia and the District of Columbia; most other jurisdictions in the United States honor my credentials as well.
A wedding is important, not only for you two but also for your family and friends. The memories should last a lifetime. Let's make some.
Overview
Hired 22 times
6 similar jobs done near you
Background checked
1 employee
23 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Venmo.
Services offered
Type of ceremony
Service type (affiliation)
Christian
Interfaith
Non-denominational (mentions God)
Non-religious (no mention of God)
Need help writing vows?
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
13 reviews
5
100%
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0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Anna R.
Jun 29, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
John is absolutely incredible! From our very first meeting, he was so kind, professional, and genuinely personable. He took the time to get to know us as a couple and created a ceremony that perfectly reflected who we are. Leading up to the big day, he made sure we were completely comfortable and did a wonderful job calming our nerves. We couldn't have asked for a better person to marry us! We highly recommend him!
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
Nuptialz: Bringing People Together in Marriage's reply
Anna and Miguel, it was my pleasure to be there for you on your day. Thank you for trusting me to be your wedding officiant.
Wedding Officiant
Josh G.
May 6, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
John was an amazing officiant throughout. He made sure the ceremony was smooth, personal and about the couple. I highly recommend John to officiate anyone’s wedding. Thanks John!
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
Oliwia D.
Jun 6, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
We couldn’t have asked for a better officiant for our wedding. He was so kind and accommodating, making sure every detail was just right. His calming presence and beautiful words made our ceremony unforgettable. We highly recommend him to any couple looking for a perfect officiant!
Details: Wedding • 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
Wedding Officiant
Steve K.
Jun 3, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
We had such an amazing experience with John and he really mad our big day very special. John took a considerable amount of time to get to know us and crafted a beautiful and customized ceremony that we all enjoyed. He is warm, engaging, thoughtful and will be part of our wedding day memories for years to come.
Details: Wedding • 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
Wedding Officiant
Anisha S.
Mar 29, 2015
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Hired on Thumbtack
John was absolutely wonderful to work with. He helped my husband and I plan out our entire ceremony, and worked with us to make sure it was exactly what we wanted. John was extremely professional the entire time and delivered an excellent service during our wedding ceremony. If you're looking for a fantastic, affordable weddingofficiant who really strives to make your ceremony just the way you want it, John is your guy!
Wedding Officiant
Credentials
Background Check
John Bell
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My base rate is $250. Very simple ceremonies with just the couple and a few guests (and few extras) on the wedding day are the least expensive. For participating in a rehearsal before the actual ceremony, I charge n additional $25 or $50, depending on distance. Regardless of any extras, I always perform the three most *important* tasks: working with you to create the wedding ceremony that fits you, officiating at the ceremony, and then forwarding the signed marriage license to the appropriate county office for recording.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We correspond or talk at first, and I learn a little about you and what makes you unique. Then I draw up a draft of the service with your input and help with writing vows and any other elements that you would like. I hope to meet the couple at some point before the wedding. I like to walk everyone through the service once to increase their comfort level, often preceding a rehearsal dinner, if that is part of the event (you are under no obligation to invite me to your rehearsal dinner, though). I can work with wedding planners and photographers to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
At this point (2025), I have performed well over fifty ceremonies, and I have received very positive reviews. I do this for the joy of it more than for the money. I feel that it is a good service to my community, and it allows me to accrue good karma and make up for any wrongdoing on my part in the past. :)
