Ceremonies

Written from scratch, every time

Whatever you believe, whoever you love, however big or small the day: your ceremony will belong to you alone. Here's what I offer, what's included, and what each ceremony costs.

Ceremonies range from $250 for a simple signing to $700 for a fully custom ceremony.

See the fees
Rev. Christie reading a ceremony in a rose-garlanded gazebo as a bride and groom face each other
A garden gazebo, early spring

Weddings

Your wedding, in your own words

Most of my work is weddings, and no two have ever been alike. We'll talk about how you met, what you believe (or don't), what you'd like your families to feel, and anything that's worrying you. Then I'll write a ceremony that sounds like you, and we'll shape it together until every line rings true.

  • First weddings, and second ones
  • Big celebrations and quiet backyard gatherings
  • Straight and LGBTQ+ couples, always warmly welcome
  • Co-officiating alongside a priest, rabbi or other clergy
  • Outdoors, indoors, or anywhere that feels sacred to you
See how the process works

Ceremony styles

As religious, or as not, as you'd like

Couples often ask where the line is. There isn't one. We'll find the balance that's right for the two of you.

Interfaith

Two traditions, woven together with care, so that both families recognize something of themselves in your ceremony.

Spiritual, not religious

A sense of the sacred without the dogma: readings, blessings and rituals drawn from many wisdom traditions.

Rooted in your tradition

If one faith is home for you, your ceremony can follow its familiar shape, with the elements that matter most to you.

Not religious at all

No scripture, no prayer, nothing you didn't ask for. Just your story, your promises and the people who love you.

Rev. Christie smiling as she reads from her ceremony book in her embroidered interfaith stole
Every ceremony is written for one couple only.

What's included

Everything that goes into your ceremony

  • A complimentary first conversation, so we can get to know each other
  • A ceremony written for you from scratch, never from a template
  • As many drafts and revisions as it takes to get it right
  • Gentle guidance if you'd like to write your own vows
  • Any rituals or readings you'd like to include, from any tradition
  • Officiating your ceremony on the day, arriving early and calm
  • Signing your marriage license and returning it to the Register of Deeds

I travel anywhere within about an hour of the Triangle.

Optional rituals

Small moments that say a great deal

A ritual can carry meaning that words alone can't. These are some couples often ask about. If there's one from your family or your faith that isn't here, just ask.

  • Handfasting
  • Breaking the glass
  • Unity candle
  • Sand ceremony
  • Blessing of the hands
  • Ring warming
  • A shared cup of wine
  • The seven steps
  • Jumping the broom
  • A blessing for your children
  • A moment of remembrance
  • A reading by someone you love
“With seven steps, we have become friends.”
The Saptapadi · Hindu wedding rite

Beyond the wedding day

Life's other sacred moments

Weddings are the heart of my work, and I'm honored to stand with families at other milestones, too.

  • Elopements & small ceremonies

    Just the two of you, or a handful of favorite people. Small doesn't mean less meaningful, and I'll write yours with the same care.

  • Vow renewals & commitment ceremonies

    For an anniversary, a turning point, or simply because you want to say it again in front of the people who've held you up.

  • Baby blessings

    A gentle welcome for a new little one, drawn from the traditions that matter to your family, with grandparents and godparents included.

  • Celebrations of life

    A personal, compassionate service to honor someone you love. I consider this work a sacred service to families in their hardest hours.

Fees

Three ways to say “I do”

From a fully custom celebration to a quiet signing with two witnesses. Our first conversation is always free, with no obligation.

  • $700

    Custom Ceremony

    A completely customized ceremony focused on your love story. Include rituals such as a candle lighting, a sand ceremony or a hand-fasting to make it even more special.

  • $500

    Simple Ceremony / Elopement

    A ceremony of up to 10 minutes, at the venue of your choice.

  • $250

    Simple Signing

    The two of you plus two witnesses, at the venue of your choice.

Payment is due up front and in full to confirm your date, and it's non-refundable.

Planning a vow renewal, baby blessing or celebration of life? Just ask, and I'll tell you what's involved.

Check Your Date Questions about fees

Kind words

What couples say about their ceremonies

We just now read through the ceremony, and… WE LOVE IT! We don't want to change a thing. Thank you so much for your time on this, it's obvious you captured us and how we feel about each other into the ceremony. You were awesome! Event was perfect, personal, and felt so real.

Susan & Steve

She was professional and fun to work with, and had some great ideas for how to personalize our ceremony. It was nice being able to collaborate on each of the elements of it. The ceremony was amazing and went so smoothly, and it was the perfect length for a hot summer day.

Luci & Seth

Let's begin

Tell me what you're imagining

Send me your date and where you're celebrating, and I'll check my calendar. Our first conversation is always free, and there's no obligation at all.

Check Your Date Meet Rev. Christie

Based in Raleigh · Serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and anywhere within about an hour

Text Christie Check Date