What happens when you meet a minister that you do not know?
Many people planning their wedding already have a minister, priest, pastor, or friendly judge to perform their ceremony. Others turn to Arizona Ministers because of many years of experience and trust earned by thousands of couples. Meeting me is a breeze, and there are no surprises!
Rather than meet in a noisy coffee shop or cavernous hotel lobby, my Phoenix Wedding Studio is located in North Phoenix. The studio is conveniently located on Union Hills Drive, just west of the 51 Piestewa Freeway. The marriage license office is the first driveway east of the 51, so you can plan to meet me and get your marriage license on the same trip.
Phoenix Wedding Studio is a professional, comfortable, and private place to discuss your ceremony plans. You’ll find me wearing resort casual attire. Restrooms and cold water are always available. When we meet, we simply get acquainted by letting you ask questions and tell me what you already know about your wedding day.
Next, I’ll ask a few relevant questions to guide me further. I take copious notes during our meeting so your ceremony can have all the elements you desire. I also go over a ceremony outline to discuss each and every point. You’ll have every opportunity to add, delete or change any aspect of the ceremony content.
I’m comfortable with all couples and sensitive to family issues. I’ll give you a copy of our three-step rehearsal guide you can use, or you can hire me to lead the rehearsal. Finally, I will give you a copy of my wedding services agreement and discuss the details. You can book me on the spot or take a few days to meet other officiants. You’ll never feel pressured.
We can discuss others participating, themes, and more.
I am an unpretentious “down-to-earth” person. You will find me a leader. I will gladly & openly discuss my education, ordination credentials and will provide exceptional references. Don’t expect judgment or disappointment. I’m friendly and truly want your wedding ceremony experience to be fun and stress-free.
GWEN WARING
Cell/Text: 602-619-7277, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., calls and messages returned the same or the next day.
DO YOU SPEAK WEDDING?
You don’t have to call me “Rev.” and you don’t have to understand a religious language to be married. I’m not a judge or lawyer, but here is some Marriage Terminology we can explore further together…
- Wedding Ceremony: Arizona marriage law requires couples to be married in a solemnizing ceremony. That’s the moment I pronounce you “married!”
- Non-denominational Ceremony: Christian content, but of no specific Christian denomination (Lutheran, Catholic, Baptist, etc.). For some, this term has evolved to mean non-sectarian.
- Non-sectarian or Civil Ceremony: Content with no prayer or reference to God/deity.
- Interfaith Ceremony: Content concerning two or more religions/faiths.
- Marriage License: A State Law requirement, but County-issued document permitting marriage throughout Arizona. The State website is only updated once a year and, therefore, may not reflect existing law.
- Certified Copy: A photocopy of the original marriage license (a stub in most counties) with an official state seal. In some cases, an Affidavit of Record of Marriage is provided.
- Witnesses: Marriage law requires two witnesses age 18 or older to sign the marriage license following the wedding ceremony.
- Apostille: A document issued by the Secretary of State to verify the proper recording of a marriage license.
- Wedding Officiant: An ordained minister or judge who performs a wedding ceremony.
- Minister: Title of duly ordained leaders such as pastors, vicars, rabbis, or priests who maintain a relationship with the ordaining institution.
- Judge: An individual elected or appointed to preside over a court.
- Reverend: Title assigned to a minister by some Christian denominations or online like Universal Life Church.
- Memorial Candle: In honor of family members unable to attend, the couple or someone special lights a single candle.
- Unity Candle: Couple lights a single candle representing the joining of their lives, usually set to music.
- Sand Blending: A couple pours two vessels of sand into another, representing the joining of their lives, usually set to music.
- Bell of Truce: A special bell is rung by the couple and sometimes others to be used as an heirloom reminder of peace on their wedding day.
- Lasso: A necklace in the shape of the infinity sign ∞ is placed over the couple’s shoulders at some point.
- Gold Coins: Golden coins, representing the new family’s future wealth, are exchanged between the couple.
- Manteau: A cape is placed over the couple’s shoulders at some point.
- Wine Box Sealing: Love letters and a bottle of wine are sealed in a box to share on a specific anniversary.
- Gold Cords: Three braided gold cords are tied into a beautiful keepsake knot with a warm challenge for the couple.
- Christ Candle: To represent the presence of God in the ceremony, the couple or someone special lights a single candle.