Wedding ​Service FAQs

Our Most Common Questions (FAQ)

How far in advance should I hire a wedding officiant?
As soon as you know the date and time of your wedding, you should secure your wedding officiant. You can guarantee our services with a deposit.  While the sooner the better, We are often available on shorter notice, especially if the date and time of your ceremony is flexible. You can check our availability with a quick call or email.

What are the fees for your wedding officiant services?
Please refer to our  Wedding Officiant Fee page.

I am planning my wedding from another city/state/country. How can we meet you?
While most couples prefer to meet in person,this situation is not unusual. I'm happy to have our meetings over the telephone or video conference with Zoom.

Do you allow the couple to write their own vows, if desired?
Of course. I can also offer guidance and sample vows if requested.

Do you have a list of pre-selected readings from which the couple must choose?
I have an extensive library of readings.  But if none of them resonate with you, I am happy to do further research, or have you provide something that is meaningful to you (lyrics from your "special song", etc.).

Are you flexible in the wording used throughout the ceremony? 
Absolutely.  I specialize in ceremonies customized for each couple.  I invite participation in writing the ceremony.  I will always offer suggestions and assistance in wording, if requested, to make it personalized, unique and distinctive for the occasion.

How long does the ceremony usually last?
That depends on if you have chosen long readings or Unity Rituals, but usually 20 - 30 minutes, which to me, is the perfect length.

Can we read or hear your ceremony before our wedding day?
Absolutely. After receiving a deposit, I will send you a draft of your ceremony, which you can change or edit right up until your wedding day.

 Do you offer Civil Ceremonies for us non religious types?
Of course.  I am diverse in performing ceremonies of all types, whether traditional or nontraditional.  We will custom tailor your ceremony to your traditions, beliefs and needs, whether Civil or Spiritual.

Will you marry couples of different faiths or who have a previous divorce?
Absolutely. We hold NO PREJUDICES and will marry any couple as long as they have a legal marriage license.

Will you perform LGBT marriages?
Thanks to the Supreme Court of the United States, ALL of the weddings I perform are valid nationwide. As far as I am concerned, there are no longer "straight weddings" and "gay weddings " - only "weddings"!

Are you willing to perform a ceremony at a non-religious site?
Yes.  More often than not, I perform ceremonies at reception venues, parks, and homes.

What is your attire for the ceremony?
I usually wear a suit and tie, but can wear other atire depending on the wishes of the couple being married.

How far are you willing to travel? Is there a travel fee?
I prefer to work within the Golden Triangle area -  but I will travel. However, there would be appropriate fees.

Do you require that premarital counseling be done?
I do not require nor provide counseling.

I am not familiar with wedding ceremony locations in my area.  Can you help?
I can offer some suggestions based on your budget, etc. 

What documents do I need to bring to our first meeting?
None.  Although, you may want to bring your checkbook in case you wish to secure your date with me through a deposit.

Do you accept payment by credit card?
Yes, I accept American Express, Mastercard and Visa.

Do you expect to stay for the Reception?
No.  I will sometimes stay for a drink at Cocktail Hour, if asked.  Usually, I depart after signing the license.

How long after the ceremony do you file for the official marriage license?
Within 30 days (It's the law!) but usually much sooner.

What is your event cancellation policy?
The deposit is non-refundable.

Are you willing to perform pre-ceremony rehearsals?
Yes, for an additional fee.

Do you supply a sound system?
No.

Can you accommodate the hearing impaired?
Maybe Sometimes! We have to find  ASL interpreters.

Can a marriage ceremony in Texas be conducted over Zoom or Skype?
Texas law does not provide many details about the actual marriage ceremony and how it may be conducted. The law does not explicitly say whether an officiant can conduct a ceremony from a remote location using software like Zoom or Skype. In some counties like Travis and Tarrant, the justices of the peace offer ceremonies using videoconferencing software. There are also news reports from Houston and Austin of wedding ceremonies using Zoom or similar software during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your county's justice of the peace website or county clerk website may offer details about a “Zoom wedding.”

If you still have doubts or questions after reviewing the information on this page, you should seek advice from an attorney.

What Does the Law Say About Marriage Ceremonies?
Texas law does not regulate where the ceremony can or cannot take place. It only requires that the license list the county where the ceremony was performed.

Regarding the ceremony itself, the law says it must take place within 90 days of when the marriage license is issued. There's a 72-hour waiting period between the issuance of the license and the ceremony, with some exceptions. Only certain people are authorized to conduct the ceremony. The law does not address what should be done or said during the ceremony. After the ceremony, the officiant updates the license and returns it to the county clerk within 30 days. The county clerk then records and returns the marriage license.

You can read these laws in Chapter 2, Subchapter C of the Texas Family Code or by visiting the Conducting the Ceremony page of our Marriage in Texas guide.

What If I Can't Attend the Ceremony?
Marriage by proxy is when one person is unable to attend the ceremony and authorizes another adult to fill in for them during the ceremony. Marriage by proxy is not available to everyone. It is limited to certain military members stationed in another country who are unable to attend the ceremony. The law allows that person to designate another adult who can act as a proxy during the ceremony. In these cases, Chapter 2 of the Texas Family Code requires that an affidavit be submitted to the county clerk when applying for the marriage license.

Why Does it Matter If the Officiant Is Somewhere Else?
Marriage laws vary widely across the country. It is possible that legal issues may arise if an officiant is in a different legal jurisdiction than the couple. Some jurisdictions may require the couple and the officiant to appear in person during the ceremony. This article on Skype weddings from American Marriage Ministries provides some examples of jurisdictions in the U.S. that have these types of requirements.

Have another question? Contact me directly at David@setexasofficiants.com