When you're done reading these FAQs,
I would love to hear from you.
For more information or to inquire about dates use my contact form!
Photo by Lindsey Jane Photography
"Sarah organized virtual meetings with us prior to our arrival to get to know us as a couple. She then created a very heartfelt customized ceremony that was meaningful to us in so many ways. Sarah also organized a wedding ritual to do that brought our family into our special day since they could not be there. "
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Humanist Celebrant?
The title Celebrant is used synonymously with Officiant.
Celebrants are people who conduct formal ceremonies in the community, particularly weddings, but also other life milestones such as baby namings, vow renewals, and funerals.
Humanists are guided by science and ethics. We believe in being really good people to each other and to the planet.
I trained with the Celebrant Academy and received my Masters Certificate in Wedding Celebrancy. I then became endorsed by the Humanist society in 2020. Why bother being endorsed as a Humanist Celebrant? Because when a person is endorsed, you know some things about them. You know they believe in respect and dignity for all people. They will fight against injustice and for human rights, the planet, love, science and reason. Celebrants stand for inclusivity and diversity. It is core to what we do.
I became a celebrant to give couples a meaningful ceremony that highlights their relationship.
Why hire a professional officiant?
A trained celebrant can minimize the stress, anxiety, and frustration of planning your ceremony. In my training with the Celebrant Academy, I took courses on the history of Celebrancy around the world, ceremony writing, crafting special ceremony rituals, public speaking, running rehearsals, as well as all the business aspects. My goals are to serve my couples and make them feel good, known, loved, appreciated, and congratulated in all our interactions. As a trained professional, I have the knowledge to offer meaningful-to-you suggestions for your ceremony, the training to write and perform well, and the experience to guide you through this process. If an officiant is a good fit for you, they can provide the best experience of planning and performing your marriage ceremony.
Do you perform religious ceremonies?
I’m a non-religious celebrant, but that doesn’t mean I’m anti-religious!
I want to work with you to give you the ceremony that is most special to the two of you.
I see my role as a neutral guide and I often invite my couples to include a prayer, reading, or letter that is meaningful to them.
Because I believe so strongly in the equality of all humans- I do not conduct ceremonies endorsing subservience to anyone. (ie obey your husband language)
Photos by Lindsey Jane Photography and Lovelight Photography
Where do we start?!
The first step is to reach out to me and start the conversation!
Once we determine that I’m available for your date, we’ll hop on a phone call to start to get to know each other. I’ll send you the links to the Glacier permits and marriage license permits.
After you sign my contract and pay the $100 save-the-date retainer we’ll keep communicating via email to share ideas for readings and special ceremonies, and if you’d like I’ll send a fun sheet to help you write your vows.
When your date gets a little closer I’ll send questionnaires for you to return separately to me, which helps me write your custom ceremony.
2 weeks before your date we’ll meet on Facetime or Zoom to chat more, and iron out all the details of your big day.
What does your fee include?
My officiant fee includes:
Unlimited communication via phone or email.
A questionnaire, phone interview, and at least one in-person meeting to get to know you. (Usually Facetime or Zoom)
I will spend many hours writing and revising your custom, meaningful, and personal ceremony. I am available to help research special ceremonies, find readings, and help pen vows.
Conducting your ceremony.
Hand delivering your marriage license to the county courthouse. (One less thing for you to do!)
Photos by Lindsey Jane Photography
What are special ceremony additions?
Special ceremonies are any elements you decide to include in your ceremony.
Popular additions to weddings are unity ceremonies, cultural traditions, rituals, and other unique elements.
We are not limited by anything but our imagination here and I’m up for creating a unique ceremony according to your hobbies, passions, or histories.
Here are just a few examples:
Breaking of the Glass
Community Vow of Support
Handfasting
Passing of Peace
The Quaich (shown above)
Ring Warming
Sand Blending
Tasting the 4 Elements
Tree Planting
"PERFECT. The ceremony was so personal even though we had never actually met. I have been to plenty of weddings, and never have I heard a ceremony so heartfelt and personal as ours. You took time to get to know us via FaceTime and emails to really make it special. We really would not change a single thing."
Photos by Lindsey Jane Photography, Jessica Manns Photography, Honeybee Weddings, and Elsa Eileen Photography