FAQ

I am a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary where I earned a Master of Divinity degree (M.Div.). I have served as a college chaplain (Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA), as a Hospice Chaplain (Hospice of The Central Coast in Monterey, CA), and as an Interim Pastor. For 20 years I was on the staff of Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA.

It depends on what you want. I believe that couples choosing to get married should have the opportunity, if they wish, to participate in the creation of their own wedding ceremony. I have a lot of experience in helping couples find ways and words to honor their spiritual values and create a ritual that has meaning for them. Sometimes the ceremony looks very traditional and sometimes it is less so. In all cases I strive to create a mood and atmosphere that is sacred and heartful but not stiff and uncomfortable. Ideally, we would have one or more conversations by phone or in person to get to know each other a bit so that I could develop a ceremony in consultation with you that is a reflection of your most deeply held beliefs and intentions for your life together.

Again, it depends on what you wish. We can do a simple, traditional ceremony with no frills and take as little as ten minutes. (Not really my preference) Or, we can take 20 minutes or longer, and know that we have done something very special together that you and your loved ones will be glad to remember for the rest of your lives.

Absolutely! I find that most people want more than a civil ceremony. They may not be sure what they believe about God or may not want a lot of religious terminology, but they do want to frame their commitment in spiritual terms.

Yes, I believe that together we can create a ceremony that honors your spiritual roots and also honors your decision to grow beyond the confines of any one tradition. The important thing to remember is that you are planning the first major event in your new life as a married couple, the wedding ceremony itself. This ceremony, ideally, should be a reflection of your values, beliefs, and intentions for your life together. At the same time you don’t really want to offend anyone on this most special of days. I’m sure we can find a way to keep our balance on this tightrope.

About you personally, I’d like to know as much as you’re willing to share. I’d love to hear the story of how and when you first met. When did you realize that this relationship was special? What kinds of challenges does this relationship present to each of you? Have either of you been married before? What happened in that marriage? Do you have any children? Would you like to involve them in the ceremony in some way? Who will be in the wedding party? Will your parents be in attendance? Will someone “give the bride away?” Will you be exchanging rings? Are you planning any music, anyone singing or playing a special song? Are there any particular readings you’d like as part of the ceremony? Are you planning a rehearsal? Would you like to write your own vows?

If you want something very simple and traditional with nothing to make it personal to you, I can do that immediately. But if you want a ceremony that really speaks to who and where you are, that puts this moment in the context of your life, I would appreciate as much notice as possible. In any case my calendar tends to fill quickly so it’s best to call as soon as you know your date and location.

I typically wear a black suit.  I used to wear a simple black robe, but it’s been in the sun too many years and has been retired.

My fee depends on a variety of things. How complex is the ceremony? Is there a rehearsal? How many consultations will we have? Is there significant travel involved? There is no charge for an initial consultation, and after that first meeting, we will determine the fee.  I never want money to be the reason couples don’t work with me.

Now that the Supreme Court has declared the Defense of Marriage Act to be unconstitutional, it is now legal in California for couples, regardless of their sexual orientation, to marry. While I’ve been happy to officiate sacred union ceremonies for same sex couples before this ruling, none of them had legal status.  With this decision same sex couples in this state may now enjoy all of the rights, benefits and responsibilities of marriage. I am pleased to honor such relationships with the ceremony of their dreams.

I began Life Celebrations primarily as a wedding website and it has been very successful in connecting me with couples who want an opportunity to celebrate their love in a way that affirms their values and the spiritual connection that binds us all together in the human family. Most of the couples that find their way to me are not looking for a church wedding (though some are, and I’m happy to work with them as well.) They’re seeking to be more inclusive and they want a personal touch and a relationship with an officiant who has time for them and their concerns.

I’ve enjoyed doing the premarital (and post-marital) counseling that some couples have chosen to do with me, and I’ve been delighted to hear from couples whom I’ve married who have been blessed with a child and have asked if I would be willing to do a baptism or Christening. I find that this is an opportunity to explore with them the meaning of baptism and it’s role in the life of faith. I’ve also been asked to officiate at memorial services for families with whom I’ve worked. Having come to know and trust me from the wedding experience, they thought of me when the need arose to celebrate the life of a loved one who passed on.

In addition I’ve created home blessing ceremonies and even parting ceremonies for couples who found themselves going in different directions, and after counseling, realized their marriage was not healthy for them. Such a ceremony is an opportunity to affirm their love for each other and their gratitude for a shared journey while also releasing each other from those wedding vows.

Still others contact me when they wish to affirm their love in a vow renewal ceremony. Sometimes this occurs after the couple has endured some period of stress and uncertainty about their relationship. Having worked through the difficulty, often with professional help, they want to celebrate this victory of love and forgiveness with an appropriate ceremony.  And other times they simply want to celebrate their love and the journey they’ve taken together.

What’s true is that life is full of transitions of various kinds, and what’s also true is that in our culture we are impoverished when it comes to acknowledging these transitions with appropriate ceremony. Many people today do not have an ongoing relationship with a community of faith. They may have grown up in a particular religious tradition, but many have left it by the time they entered college. Though some find their way back later in life, many do not, and feel the loss of their connection with Spirit.  My work, my calling, if you will, is to be there for such people to create with them a meaningful ceremony to mark a time of transition. If you would like to talk with me about such in a time in your own life, or in the life of someone you love, please contact me.