Two Become One Ceremonies

Reviews

You did an amazing job! Thank you so much.

‎Jeremy Schwinn‎
Wanted to thank James Mulvihill and Jean for their excellent job at our wedding and helping guide us through what was going to happen during the rehearsal. They were very easy to work with and knowledgeable. We received numerous compliments from our guests about them the rest of the weekend. I would gladly recommend them to anyone looking for an officiant.

Hannah Schlosser

Two Become One Ceremonies made the big day go off without a hitch. I don't have enough kind words for James and Jean! The two went out of their way to make sure we were being heard as a couple. They were fun, thoughtful, kind and professional - everything you need on such an important day. They even made sure to include our pup, too! I've gotten countless compliments on the ceremony and how personable James made it. I highly recommend Two Become One Ceremonies, and if I could go back - I'd choose them time and time again.

Casey J.

gold star gold star gold star gold star gold star

They worked closely with us to create the ceremony we wanted. They responded right away when I showed interest in learning more about them and they were very easy to work with. Our whole wedding party said James was funny and did a great job. I also loved that Jean helped everyone get ready to walk down the aisle. We couldn't be happier with how our ceremony went.

Types of Ceremonies

These are different types of ceremonies you can include into your main ceremony!!

Family Medallion:

The Family Medallion ceremony is a way to include children in the wedding ceremony.  This is a great way to build a bond between step-parents and step-children.  The recognition of children offers an opportunity for your guests to bear witness not only to your vows as husband and wife but your family commitment as well.

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​Veil, Cord or Coins:

A Veil symbolizes the oneness of marriage. A Cord symbolizes the unbreakable bond of marriage. Coins symbolize the stewardship of earthly possessions.

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Jumping the Broom:

Jumping the broom is a phrase and custom  where the couple jumps over a broom.  The tradition of Jumping the Broom symbolizes sweeping away the old and welcoming the new–a symbol of a new beginning.

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Wine:

The bride and groom drink from a single glass of wine. This symbolizes drinking from the cup of life and sharing all of its experiences together, both bitter and sweet.

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Unity Candle:

Lighting a Unity Candle during your wedding ceremony is a special way to symbolize your two lives joining together as one.

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Sand:

A Sand Ceremony or Blending of the Sand is a unique way to symbolize two lives becoming one in a wedding ceremony. This is also a great way to incorporate children or family into the wedding.

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Unity Canvas Painting:

A fun alternative to the traditional unity candle ceremony or sand ceremony, the Unity Canvas Painting Ceremony lets the couple celebrate their unity ceremony in an artistic way that truly represents themselves.

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Rose/Flower:

A Rose/Flower ceremony is a romantic way for the bride and groom to exchange their first gifts as husband and wife.

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Love Letter and Wine Box:

A Love Letter and Wine Box ceremony will serve as a lasting reminder of the commitments made to one another. Heartfelt letters, encapsulating your thoughts and feelings are locked away in a wine box to be revealed several years into your marriage.  Whiskey, Scotch or Tequila can easily be switched out for the

wine.

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Ribbons, Butterflies and Bubbles:

Ribbons, Butterflies and Bubbles are a fun way of ending the wedding ceremony.  This takes place just before the bride and groom recess down the aisle as husband and wife.

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Mother’s Rose:

The Mother’s Rose Ceremony is a great way of honoring the Bride & Groom’s mothers or other family members during a wedding ceremony.

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The Rose or Flower:

Allows the bride and groom a way for them to show gratitude for the love bestowed upon them.

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The Questions You Need to Ask

ASK YOUR WEDDING OFFICIANT 

Are you available on my date and legally able to perform a marriage in the state/country where we will have the wedding? 

While it might sound obvious, it’s important to double check a prospective officiant is available and legally able to marry you before diving into any further questions. Asking this upfront will save everyone the hassle of back-and-forth communication if the Officiant isn’t able to perform the ceremony on your specific date or location. 

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Do you have a script or do you personalize the wedding ceremony for each couple?   

Most Officiants will work from a particular ceremony layout, but it’s essential to ask if they work to customize the details. “A ceremony should be a unique reflection of your love story and journey as a couple, rather than a cookie cutter draft with your names plugged into it”. 

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How will you create the ceremony and how much input will we have? 

“The more information you give, the better your ceremony will be and the more you share of yourself, the more they know you and what is in your heart”.  

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Can we write our own vows? Will you help us with that? 

“Many couples want to speak from the heart at their ceremony. Your Officiant should be able to help you put your feelings into words and guide you. 

How long is a typical ceremony? 

Each Officiant will have a different time range their ceremonies last, but should also be able to accommodate your preferences. This is one of the most important questions to ask your wedding Officiant, as your expectations of your ceremony length may be wildly different than your chosen officiant’s. 

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How long have you been an officiant? How many weddings have you done? 

Just as you would with any vendor, make sure to inquire how long your prospective hire has been an Officiant and what type of marriage ceremonies they’ve performed.  You’ll want an Officiant who’s an expert at logistics and can handle even the most unexpected situations. If you need additional reassurance, simply ask for a list of references to check in with past couples. This is a common question to ask a wedding Officiant, so anyone you're considering should be happy to provide references.   

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How many times will we meet? 

The expectations for scheduled meetings should be clearly communicated upfront by your officiant.  Some will require a particular number of meetings and others will let their couples take the lead.   

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Do you do rehearsals? 

If you’re planning a wedding rehearsal, be sure to ask if your officiant will be able to attend and if they are comfortable taking the lead. While rehearsals are standard for some Officiants, others prefer to leave logistics to the venue staff or wedding coordinator and attend only on the day-of. 

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What do you wear? 

Some Officiants will dress in a traditional robe and stole, while others will wear a suit or dress. Your Officiant should communicate what they’ll wear for your ceremony and in what color.

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What time will you arrive? 

Don’t forget to discuss your Officiant’s scheduled arrival time on the day-of and ensure it is included in their contract. 

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Do you offer premarital counseling? 

Even if your particular Officiant doesn’t offer premartial counseling sessions, they should be able to point you to a trusted counseling services.   

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Will you fill out and file our marriage license? 

“Make sure this is settled up front and that the Officiant is prepared to handle the legal side of the wedding.  Each state’s regulations differ so make sure you are also knowledgeable about what needs to be done with your paperwork”. 

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What does your contract contain? 

Before signing the dotted line, have your Officiant walk you through the contract in detail to thoroughly understand the service they’re providing.   

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Do you have a back-up? 

In case of illness or unforeseen circumstances, ask if your Officiant is prepared with someone to take their place if need be. 

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What are your fees? 

While it might feel more awkward to discuss pricing with an Officiant than with other vendors, this is still one of the most important questions to ask your wedding Officiant. Remember, your ceremony should be the most important part of the day, and it’s what everyone is there to see.”  “With meetings, planning, writing, and performing on the day of the wedding, the Officiant works for more than just the 30 minutes allotted for the ceremony. If you hire a professional expect to treat them the same way you would treat any other professional.”