so many questions!

To apply for a license, both of you must go to the probate court of the county where one of you lives.

If you both live outside Ohio, you have to apply in the county where the marriage will be performed (Seneca County, if you want to get married out here). 

Here is a website with more info:  https://marriagelicense.io/us/ohio

And here is the link to the Ohio marriage laws: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-3101

Rules can vary slightly by county, so it’s always best to confirm directly with your local probate court.

Yes! I will either e-file or send it by mail, depending on the issuing county’s guidelines. Once I’ve sent it, I’ll email you confirmation that it’s been filed.

No — Ohio doesn’t require witnesses.

For Simple Signings: These can usually be scheduled fairly quickly. I can typically find a time within 24–48 hours of receiving your request, depending on my schedule.

For Outdoor Ceremonies here: You can book as far ahead as you’d like, but last-minute plans are welcome too! Whether you’re planning months ahead or hoping to get married soon, send me your date and I’ll do my best to make it work.

For Offsite Ceremonies: Availability depends on the date, distance, and details of your day. I take a limited number of offsite weddings, so the earlier you reach out, the better.

Absolutely! I happily marry LGBTQ+ couples and all identities.

Love is love, and everyone deserves to get married in a way that feels safe and joyful, not stressful or uncomfortable.

You’re always welcome to share anything non-religious that you’d like included — a reading, a few lines, or something that feels important to you.

You’re also welcome to write your own vows and say them to each other, if that’s something you want to do.

I write the ceremonies myself, so I don’t typically read from a fully-written script provided by couples. I’m happy to take a look at what you have and see if we can incorporate a few of the parts you love most.

No — I don’t include any sort of religion in the ceremonies I officiate. (No politics either, if you’re wondering.)

If you’re envisioning something elaborate or heavily themed, I may not be the right fit — but if you want something relaxed and personal, you’re in the right place!

(But hey, tell me what you’re envisioning anyway — I’d love to hear about it!)

I keep things pretty simple and don’t usually include additional rituals, but I’m happy to take a look at what you’re thinking and see if it fits (fire dancing is a hard no, though — sorry).

I try to keep things simple and neutral for ceremonies — typically black — but I’m flexible. If you have a specific wardrobe request, just let me know and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

(Let’s just say I’ll never turn down a request to officiate in a t-shirt and shorts.)

Simple Signings tend to be more casual, unless you tell me otherwise.

For both ceremonies and signings, all you need to bring is a photo ID for each of you, and your valid marriage license (preferably the whole packet that the county probate court gave you).

For Simple Signings: Plan on about 10–15 minutes from arrival to “you’re married.” If you’d like to exchange rings or say a few words to each other, you’re welcome to. It’s completely optional — it just might add another minute or two to your visit.

For Outdoor Ceremonies: Ceremony lengths are flexible — anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes. It just depends on the kind of ceremony you choose and how much of your story you want to share.

Dogs? Yes.
Anything with wings, scales, hooves, or a tendency to escape? Let’s keep them cozy at home.

For Outdoor Ceremonies: My outdoor ceremonies are intentionally small — just you and a handful of your closest humans (up to 10 guests). That’s what keeps it relaxed and personal…and also keeps our insurance agent happy.

If you’re planning a larger celebration, this likely isn’t the right fit — and that’s okay.

For Simple Signings: This is just for the two of you, focused on the legal essentials. If you have a special situation, just ask.

If you’re looking for a personalized ceremony with guests, take a look at the small outdoor ceremony instead.

Absolutely! Photos are welcome during outdoor ceremonies. Your photographer counts toward your guest limit.

For both ceremonies and signings, I’ll take a few celebratory phone photos for you and email them with your license filing confirmation — this isn’t to replace professional photography, though, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Since I offer ceremony-only experiences on our property, we aren’t set up for receptions, vendors, or extended celebrations.

Food, Drink, + Music: Champagne toast? Totally fine.

Charcuterie spreads, a bartender, and a full wedding-day playlist + portable dance floor? Not so much.

I’ll have some tunes going when you get here and will be sure it’s something you like. No awkward silence to kick off your visit!

Seating: Since most ceremonies are fairly short, guests can stand if they’d like — but we will have chairs set up if you’d rather have everyone seated.

Wear whatever feels like you. Shorts and a t-shirt or a full-length gown — makes no difference. There’s no dress code here.

Just know that if you show up in your pajamas, you are my hero.

Ohio weather being Ohio weather, a little wind or an odd pop-up rain shower is just part of the deal. If needed, we’ll move to a sheltered space to get out of the elements.

If the weather is severe and getting here could be a risk for you, we may reschedule — safety first!

Mostly! It’s the country, so you’ll get birds, breeze, and fresh air. Maybe some geese honking. We’re set way back from a fairly well-traveled road, so you might hear the occasional car or truck go by — but it’s not constant and fades into the background pretty quickly.

Think less silent mountain retreat, more ‘real country life.’

And hey, it beats someone’s toddler photobombing your vows at a public park or strangers ogling you at a botanical garden.

Life happens — even to officiants. In the unlikely event that I’m sick or dealing with a genuine emergency, I’ll reach out right away and we’ll make a plan (usually rescheduling, if possible).

If rescheduling isn’t an option for you, you’ll get a full refund.

Most of the weddings I officiate don’t require a separate rehearsal, so attendance is available as an add-on rather than being included by default.

Rehearsals are $175 for up to one hour and are scheduled separately. Travel fees apply as noted above, and are separate from ceremony travel fees.

For offsite ceremonies, I currently officiate only at public locations such as established wedding venues, parks, restaurants, wineries, and similar places — I am not available for ceremonies at private homes.

In the unlikely event that I’m sick or dealing with an emergency that keeps me from your wedding, you’ll receive a full refund.

I’ll also do everything I can to help find another qualified officiant, and you’ll have your ceremony script in advance so someone else can step in if needed.