FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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 me as your wedding officiant. Couples guarantee my services with a deposit months in advance, especially for the peak wedding seasons in Spring and Fall. While the sooner the better, I'm often available on shorter notice, especially if the date and time of your ceremony is flexible. You can check my availability with a quick call or email.

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

How much does a Central Park Wedding cost?
Please refer to our Central Park Wedding page.

Why do all of your Central Park Wedding Packages include a permit if we are fewer than 20 people?
While a permit is only strictly required for groups of 20 or more, a permit ensures that no other permitted event will take place at your location at the same time. In some Central Park locations, it allows you to exclude other people.

I'm interested in an elopement package, but I had a location other than Central Park in mind.
Our Central Park Wedding Packages can be moved to almost any other iconic, public NYC location as allowed by law. Additional entry fees or permits may be required. There are no travel fees for locations in Manhattan and most of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

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 Skype or Facetime.

Do you allow the couple to write their own vows, if desired?
Of course. I can 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 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.

I am not really religious. Do you offer Civil Ceremonies?
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. I 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 I do have clerical vestments for more spiritual ceremonies, if the couple prefers.

How far are you willing to travel? Is there a travel fee?
I prefer to work within the five boroughs of NYC, 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. See the Central Park Wedding and Venues pages for more information.

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 5 days (It's the law!) but usually that same day.

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?
No. The NYC Mayor's Office recommends these local ASL interpreters.

Have another question? Contact me directly at peter@nyc-gay-weddings.com