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Officiant Rev. Lance

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Frequently Asked
Wedding Ceremony Questions

   
Q:

Does it matter what religion we practice?

A: No. I serve you in a way that brings joy to your day. I am just comfortable serving you in the manner that helps you live out your own spiritual experience, whether devoutly Christian, Jewish, Muslin, atheist, or purely spiritual. It is common here in the Washington DC metropolitan area for the couple to be of different religious traditions. We work to ensure that both are represented as much as practical.
   
Q:

Will Lance co-officiate with an officiant of a different faith?

A: Yes. Lance works with Rabbi's, Imams, and other religious leaders. Western/Jewish ceremonies are usually conducted simultaneously. Western/Islam ceremonies are typically "nested" where Lance starts the Western ceremony, stops for the Imam to conduct the Islamic section, the Lance steps back in to finalize the marriage. The vows can be done at during any part of the ceremony. Lance typically is the one who will sign the license and return it to the courthouse. He has contacts with clergy of other faiths, if you need them. His recommendation for a Rabbi is Rabbi Blecher of Silver Spring MD. Also, for those requiring an Persian/Islamic Officiant, Lance has worked many times with Dr. Sam H. Hosseini of Washington, DC.
   
Q:

How far in advance should I confirm a wedding officiate?

A: Many officiants, especially in the Washington DC area, book a year in advance. So book early! There have been at least three couples that spoke with Lance and waited a couple weeks only to discover their preferred time had been taken while waiting.
 
Q:

What about last minute requests?

A: As long as there is room in the schedule, last minute requests are fine. There are often circumstances that require last minute planning. Be sure to give me a call before you book your location so that I can share with you any experience I may have there.
   
Q:

Does it matter what religion we practice?

A: No. I serve you in a way that brings joy to your day. I am just comfortable serving you in the manner that helps you live out your own spiritual experience, whether devoutly Christian, Jewish, Muslin, atheist, or purely spiritual. It is common here in the Washington DC metropolitan area for the couple to be of different religious traditions. We work to ensure that both are represented as much as practical.
   
Q:

Can we have a non-religious, spiritual ceremony?

A: This is your choice. Many prefer a "spiritual" and not "religious" ceremony. You are encouraged to take the sample ceremonies that Lance has provided and modify them to match the "feel" of the ceremony you want on that day.
   
Q:

Can we have a dual religion/clergy ceremony?

A: Yes! Lance have conducted several ceremonies with other clergy - Jewish, Islamic, and other faiths. He has contacts with clergy of other faiths, if you need them. His recommendation for a Rabbi is Rabbi Blecher of Silver Spring MD. Also, for those requiring an Persian/Islamic Officiant, Lance has worked many times with Dr. Sam Hashem Hosseini of Washington, DC.
   
Q:

Can we include elements of different religions and religious traditions in our ceremony?

A: Yes! These make for interesting, rich, meaningful ceremonies. I work with you and your various traditions to put together a ceremony that truly reflects your wishes.
 
Q:

Are there any pre-requisites such as counseling? 

A: No. But if the couple desires, counseling is available. I highly recommend that the couple purchase two copies of Marianne Williamson's "A Return to Love." Both should read the first four chapters independently, then compare highlighted passages and discuss those areas that each of you finds important.
 
Q:

Does it matter that either of us have been married before, divorced, have children or are already privately married and want to conduct a public ceremony ?

A: No. And if you have kids, how awesome! We have meaningful ways to include them in the ceremony. And you've been privately married previously, we'll keep it just between us.
   
Q:

Can we write our own vows?

A: Of course! I encourage you to personalize your ceremony as much as you wish. The more you personalize your ceremony, the greater experience it will be for the guests. Choosing readings, etc. that represent who you are as a couple is most effective.
 
Q:

Can I make changes to the example ceremony?

A: Yes. In fact, you can use the unique Create Ceremony feature of this website to create a personalized ceremony that you can then edit to meet your needs or review the example ceremonies for other ideas.
 
Q:

How is booking handled and how is the balance paid?

A: You are booked when we receive the 50% deposit and the booking agreement form. The balance, if any,  is paid at least two weeks in advance of the scheduled wedding.
   
Q: How do we get our wedding license?
 
A: The rules vary state-to-state. Please call you local county clerk for more information or check the Google.
 
 
   

  
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