Frequently Asked Questions
I want to book you for our ceremony. What is the next step?
You can contact me by phone or text at 1-360-332-9439 or contact me via e-mail. I will ask you a few basic questions about the type of ceremony you want and if nearby, suggest that we meet to discuss your wedding plans. During our conversation, I will explain the different parts of the ceremony and answer any questions you may have.
Will I meet you in person before the ceremony?
In almost all cases (location permitting), I will meet personally with you to discuss your wishes for the ceremony. In case of distance and convenience issues, everything would then be handled via phone and/or the internet. All meetings are handled personally by Officiant Brooke Bakogeorge, who will be officiating at your ceremony.
Do you require pre-wedding counseling?
No. Counseling is not required as both of you are adults and your choice to get married is strictly your own. However, I will gladly talk with you about any concerns or issues regarding the wedding you may have.
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Is there a reservation/booking fee?
In almost all cases a non refundable deposit of $100.00 is required in advance by cash/check/money order/Paypal made payable to The Marriage Mate. Receipts issued at request.
Will you do out of town weddings?
Yes. Depending on your package choice, there may be a mileage charge. Any wedding over 3 hours from my residence will require a overnight hotel stay, which will be added to the cost of the wedding package.
At what type of locations will you perform weddings?
I will perform ceremonies in reception halls, churches, in parks or lake fronts, restaurants, outdoors, on boats, at the beach, at private residences - wherever you like! Just be certain that you have acquired any necessary permits beforehand. If you require my presence for longer than an hour ceremony - for example, an afternoon on the lake on a boat - add an additional $50.00 per hour for my time.
Can we write our own vows?
Definitely! ... In fact, personalizing a ceremony can make it truly rich and meaningful. I am available for help and inspiration if the need should arise.
What do you wear during the ceremony?
Typically, I wear a black suit/dress. I can also wear matching attire if that is your request, or any costume/themed clothing of your choosing-provided & funded by you.
We want a non-religious wedding - will you do that?
It is your ceremony, and I will do it YOUR way. Except for a couple of legal restrictions, you have ultimate say over how your ceremony is to be conducted. What matters is that I serve you in a matter that brings joy to your day. I will help you to bring your own spiritual experience to the ceremony, whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Druid, Atheist, Buddhist, Wiccan or purely spiritual.
How do we work together to create our ceremony?
During our first contact, I will ask a few basic questions. I will then arrange a meeting with you. At this meeting, I usually start with a few questions designed to give me an idea of your wishes for your ceremony and the particulars of the ceremony. For weddings, I learn about your relationship, how you met, what made you fall in love, etc. Between those questions and an the initial phone conversation or meeting, I get a sense of who you are, as individuals and as a couple and we begin the process of customizing your ceremony for your needs. If I custom create the ceremony for you, you will always have the opportunity to look over the ceremony text, and make any changes. You will usually receive a rough draft of the ceremony within a few weeks of your wedding. I will be happy to make available several sample ceremonies from which you can pick parts of to customize your ceremony. Feel free to mix and match.