Engagement season is upon us {shout out to all those with a ring hidden deeply in their closet and those who are making their way over to the jeweler soon}. While many choose to hold their weddings in a church, temple, or another religious place, many like the idea of marrying the love of their life in a different setting. But with that decision comes one important task — hiring a wedding officiant. Don’t fret, as we have rounded up some wonderful ordained officiants to help along the process. Check out some local officiants who would be happy to help you and your S.O. tie the knot.
Celia Milton
Celia Milton is a well-known and very loved non-denominational pastor who began her journey in the business {catering and event planning} nearly 20 years ago. She works with a team of four incredible individuals: Michael, Cari, Laura, and Laura {both Lauras being bilingual Spanish speakers}. When it comes to planning a wedding, “it is best to talk to all of our officiants, so you can see who you vibe with and who works for you,” explained Celia. Everything can be completely customized and can be religious or non-religious. Getting to know each other is a step in the process that Celia and her team take to heart. What’s unique about Celia’s team is that they are always open to adding personalized touches. Instead of a unity candle, as many brides and grooms choose, couples can try a tequila or chocolate sharing. Typical weddings range in price from $500-$800, depending on the type chosen.
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Father Vince Corso, M.Div., MSW
Father Vince was ordained by the Roman Catholic Church in 1980 and has been involved in wedding celebrations ever since. He loves what he does and sharing that moment between a newly married partnership is something truly special to him. He left the Priesthood in 1990, got married, and had two children, but still continues to serve as a minister. He is also a licensed social worker, which is reflected in his practices. His services include relationship counseling, ceremony planning, and day of services. Father Vince likes to meet in person a few times before the wedding so that he can get to know the couple getting married, both as individuals and as a couple. He works to transform all that he learns into a wedding that reflects the couple’s preferences, beliefs, and traditions. It is his mission to help the couple grow together and deepen their relationship through this process and beyond. His fee is $750 but would never turn away a couple for whom the fees were beyond their means. Father Vince is licensed to witness marriages in all states. “The ceremony is your gift to your guests; what do you want it to be?” is what Father Vince asks those who he works with. More information is available at www.FatherVince.com.
Rev. Jill Dillner
Rev. Jill Dillner’s main focus is to help couples create an unforgettable wedding. She has over 15 years of experience and performs weddings, baptisms, and vow renewals all over New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Her ceremonies truly reflect the relationship and commitment of the couple. Many who have used her boast about her humor and calm nature, saying that she makes everyone feel welcome and loved. She listens carefully to each couple, learns about their hopes and wishes for the perfect experience, and helps them create the perfect event. Each is personalized and authentic, creating an environment for the couple and their guests to feel part of the experience. She begins the process by offering a complimentary consultation prior to booking and continues planning with the couple to help her create a wedding tailored to their ideas. Fees for Hoboken range from $750 -$900 depending on the extent of her services — Jill is also available for rehearsals, too. She is best reached by email at jill@revdillner.com.
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Mitch the Minister
Mitch the Minister has been officiating non-traditional weddings for the last 24 years. Each wedding is created especially for the couple and truly encompasses all that they are together. He performs spiritual, religious, interfaith, civil or non-denominational, as well as LGBTQ+ ceremonies that are tailored to the couple and their love for each other. He also helps couples through the paperwork necessary for filing for a marriage license, which can seem like a daunting task. Not to worry, Mitch is an expert and knows exactly what to do. His ceremonies are personalized and tailored to each couple, making for a beautiful and meaningful event. Pricing is based on the location and is an all-inclusive fee which includes an initial pre-wedding meeting, unlimited phone calls/emails, writing, and officiating the ceremony plus the filing of the marriage license.
Kris Bruno
Kris Bruno has a love + passion for all things bridal and tying the knot. Kris officiates in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania for couples of all faiths, cultures, and orientations. She works with each couple from start to finish, ensuring that every step of the process is carefully planned so that each wedding is special and memorable. She begins by meeting with each couple to get a sense of who they are as a pair. As she gets to know them, Kris works with the soon-to-be newlyweds to create a personalized ceremony to showcase their love for each other. She is available throughout the process and works carefully to create something special for each couple. Kris also provides license guidance, signing, and filing + coordination of ceremony details. She also does vow renewals and elopements, too. She truly gets to know her couples and helps them to make their day perfect.
Have you used any of these local officiants? Are you planning to use one? Let us know in the comments!
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