Brenda Owen ~ Wedding Officiant, Minister & Notary

"This will be my first attempt at a Blog"

So many wonderful, unusual, funny, sometimes crazy and down right irritating things happen before, during and after a wedding ceremony I have often been told I should keep a log and write a book!

I guess the first thing I should address is the fee that an officiant charges. Many couples call and ask 'how much'. Then decide the fee is too much. Let me try and explain a little about what is involved. Often times we meet with the couple to discuss their 'wedding vision'. I do not charge a fee for a meeting, some do. Numerous emails and sometimes phone calls to try and get the couple to get the info to me needed to write their ceremony. Write the ceremony, get it approved by the couple. If I am booked for rehearsal, I must get a list, by name and of everyone involved in the wedding processional / recessional and their relationship to the bride and groom. I must get dressed, drive to rehearsal and be the 'point person' - usually lasts about an hour. Day of wedding I have to get dressed for a wedding and I do try to look my best! Drive to the wedding, get the paperwork signed, get everyone lined up and perform the ceremony....sometimes in freezing cold or awful heat with the sun in my face!?! (couples like to get married outside) After the wedding I email any photos that I took to the couple, email the bride a name change info package. I personally take the marriage license to the post office and mail it (Certified) back to probate court (SC/GA) or Register of Deeds (NC)! - Whew! We're worth every penny!