Q: How did you get into this "marrying people thing" anyway?

A: Good question! Two good friends of mine got married in 2000. One is a Wiccan and the other is Agnostic. They wanted a outdoor wedding ceremony but found it hard to find some one who could legally perform the service that was willing to marry them according to their beliefs and wishes. What they wanted was a Scottish Renaissance themed wedding ceremony. After looking for quite some time, they solved their problem by finding a church that would ordain anyone as long as they believed in one tenent: "Do that which is right.". With this ordination came the power to legally marry people. Well, long story short, the gentleman who was ordained and was ready to marry them was having serious problems with epilepsy. As it got closer to the day of their wedding, I was asked to become ordained as well and "be ready" in case he suddenly became unavialable. That didn't happen and the wedding went off without a hitch.

After that day I decided to peruse what the "authority to solemnize marriages" meant to me, personally and spiritually. Since then I have helped couples by performing wedding ceremonies for those who have been turned away by other "established" churches or just want something "different". I truly enjoy doing it and I love "love".

My personal expectations of a couple that wishes to be married are that they love each other and that they have the intention of marrying for the rest of their lives. Deep love, trust, and enduring commitment are vital to a long and happy marriage.

Q: What are your qualifications and credentials?

A: I have been fully licensed in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania and, New York since 2000. I have experience in pre-wedding counseling (Pre Cana), planning and performing actual wedding ceremonies.

Q: If anyone can become ordained by the Universal Life Church, why should we choose you to perform our wedding? Couldn't any one of our friends or family perform the ceremony?

A: While it is true that any one can become ordained and, with some time and effort, become licensed to solemnize marriages, there are some things you should know. First, there is a process that must be completed in order for the ordained minister's credentials to be recognized by the state in which the ceremony will be performed. If there is any question about the legality of the minister, the state will not recognize your marriage as legal or binding. You can see the problems that this alone can cause. Also, it is a very good practice to keep the celebrant of your wedding as an impartial third party. It is best to keep family and friends involved in the celebrating and not in the logistics of the planning and ceremony.

Q: We want to get married! What do we need to do before our wedding day (other than contacting you)?

A: Well it depends on the state in which you want to get married (though most state requirements are very similar).

In Ohio, you and your spouse-to-be must file for a marriage license in the county in which you are to be married. Going to the county courthouse during their normal business hours and applying is easy. You will have to pay a fee and provide the following: government issued identification, social security number, proof of death or divorce if you or your fiance were married before. You do not have to be a resident of Ohio to be married in Ohio, therefore, you can come to me and be married if you wish. There is no waiting period to get your license in Ohio and then it is usually good for 60 days depending on the county. It is a good idea to ask these kinds of questions based on the county in which you live (and, of course, if there is any question, I will find out for you). Marriage is defined in the state of Ohio as being "between and man and a woman" only by the State Consitution.

A good example of the county specific laws is the county in which I reside: Trumbull County, FEE: $44.00, REQ: photo ID if 21 or over, birth certificate if 18-20, ages 16 & 17 may be married with parental consent and other requirements, death/divorce proof required for either/both parties, WAIT: License issued same day, TERM: License good for 60 DAYS.

In Pennsylvania, the requirements for a marriage license are very similar to Ohio (see above). You must file with the county court in the county in which you are to be married, provide government issued identification and proof of the death or divorce of your previous spouse. There is a THREE (3) day waiting period in PA (though this can be avoided with an additional fee and letter stating the need for the exception...this is not recommended though). The fee for the license is about $40 depending on the county. This license is also valid for 60 days. You do not have to be a PA resident to be married in PA. Same gender marriages are not legally recognized in Pennsylvania.

In New York, the requirements are also similar to Ohio and PA. The key difference is that there is a 24 hour waiting period. The fees are similar as are the identification requirements. New York state does not recognize the legal marriage of two people of the same gender. You do not have to be a resident of the state of New York in order to be married there.

Q: What is your "day job"? You seem like an OK guy, can I buy you a beer some time?

A: I am employed in the IT field with a local school district in Ohio. I am very much an average, fun loving, guy. I love my wife and son, my friends and my family. Please feel free to peruse my personal website if you want to get to know me a little better. And, sure, I will take you up on that beer!