FAQ's

Wedding Officiating FAQ's

Bartending FAQ's

• Do you provide the alcohol, or do we purchase it ourselves?

  I am able to purchase on behalf of the couple. I have discount connections with local vendors and can easily curate a custom drink list as well as handle the purchase and delivery of alcohol and mixers. I will have the receipt handy for reimbursement.

• What equipment and supplies do you bring?

  I bring my own bar tools, juices, syrups, and garnishes. I do not bring ice, coolers, cups, straws, napkins, etc.

• Are your bartenders licensed/certified and insured?

  I am licensed to serve alcohol, and can provide documentation to any given venue that requires couples to provide their own certified bartender.

• How many bartenders will we need for our guest count?

  If it is only beer, wine, and simple mixes (i.e: vodka soda), one bartender per 100 guests. If opting for custom cocktails, two bartenders per 100 guests at double the pricing.

• Can you help us design custom signature cocktails or calculate how much alcohol to buy?

  Yes. I am very experienced at creating enjoyable drink menus custom-fitted to the couple's preferences and taste. I am also able to provide a rough estimate of the costs for those beverage items.

General/Overall FAQ's

• How far in advance do we need to book your services?

  4 weeks minimum

• What areas do you serve, and do you charge a travel fee?

  Chattanooga and surrounding areas within 30mi. No Travel fee.

• Can we bundle multiple services (e.g., Officiating + Bartending), and do you offer discounts for packages?

  Yes. You can book the "Bartender Pastor Package" which includes all 3 services with a savings of $50.

• What is your deposit and cancellation/refund policy?

  Must pay full pricing to book. 50% returned if cancellation is not within 2 weeks of requested date. No refund if within 2 weeks.

• Are you legally ordained to perform weddings in Tennessee (and surrounding states)?

  Yes. As an ordained minister of a local church, I am licensed to sign marriage certificates, regardless of the state the wedding is performed.

• What type of ceremonies do you perform?

  I perform non-denominational, religious ceremonies. I am unable as a Christian pastor, by federal constitutional law, to officiate a same-sex wedding ceremony, however, I am able to bartend the reception. I also do vow renewals.

• Can we write our own vows or customize the ceremony script?

  Yes absolutely! I've never done two wedding ceremonies the same. Each ceremony is custom made from input from the bride and groom.

• Do you attend or direct the wedding rehearsal?

  No. By wedding time, the details of the ceremony should already be finalized. I will have already coached the couple on what is to be expected. Otherwise, I do a good job of providing direction during the ceremony, so that couples just have to follow my lead.

• How does the marriage license process work, and when do you file it?

  It is every couple's responsibility to obtain their marriage license application at their county clerk's office and have a witness to sign the application. I have a legal obligation to sign and keep the application, and ensure it is postmarked within 7 days of the ceremony. However, I make sure to have it mailed immediately the next day.

Pre-Marital Counseling FAQ's

• What format do the pre-marital counseling sessions follow, and how many sessions are included?

  I do three, 1-hour sessions. They can be done in person (if within 30min of Signal Mountain, TN) or virtually through Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet.

• Do we need to be getting married by you to book pre-marital counseling?

  No. Counseling is always offered regardless of who you have chosen to officiate.

• Does completing your pre-marital counseling qualify us for a discount on our Tennessee marriage license?

  Wholeheartedly YES! The state of Tennessee incentivizes couples to do pre-marital counseling by offering them a $60 discount off their $100 marriage application fee. All you need is a signed document from me after we have completed 3 hours of counseling.

• Is your counseling faith-based, secular, or tailored to our preferences?

  The counseling is not necessarily geared to be faith-based, although most of the advice can be and often is found in Scripture. However, the overall "feel" is aimed to be realistic and practical.

• What topics do you cover in counseling?

  I hit the three most common areas of struggle: fighting, finances, and family. Couples need to learn how resolve and repair conflict, manage their money agreeably, and prioritize family boundaries.