FAQs

Photo Credit: jennygg.com

FAQs

Photo Credit: jennygg.com

I create and deliver personalized, custom ceremonies for weddings of any size - sweet and simple, or elaborate and formal.

For each couple with whom I am fortunate to work, I am happy to be the co-creator, consultant, resource person, encourager, advisor, and Officiant of their wedding ceremony.

I lead with a happy and generous heart, and a multi-year background in special events planning and production (my former corporate life). I keep the focus on you, the couple, recognizing that each couple truly owns their ceremony and has the last word on what we say and do.

Bottom line? My job is to execute your plans and dreams, professionally and joyously, for the ceremony portion of your wedding day. I take charge of choreographing your wedding ceremony, honoring your personal story, consulting with your vendors (music, DJ, wedding planner, etc.), and more.

The value to you? Peace of mind, comfort, and ease on your special day.

Easy. Because you ‘know you.’

I leave it to each couple to decide if I am the best Officiant fit for them, their tribe, and their vision of what they desire for their wedding ceremony. If I am ultimately selected, I begin working with a couple with a happy heart, knowing I was their top choice in terms of personality, work style and more.

Sometimes two days, two months, and often six to twelve months out.

Weekend dates/times (Fri/Sat/Sun) are most popular and the first to go. Thursday evenings during the months of May through September are also extremely popular.

To check my availability, please email or complete this contact form, for a prompt reply.

Most often, I meet with a couple for coffee/tea and conversation. Or if preferred, a video conversation. We spend 30-45 minutes or so getting to know one another and determine if we are a good fit.

In many ways, this is kind of like a first date. Oftentimes, we both know within 5 minutes of sitting down if we are moving forward together. It is that simple.

Some couples book without an initial meeting, preferring a phone conversation or conference call.

For a little feedback on my work, please go to Reviews.

To meet with me, email, or call or text 425.922.1325.

Each couple is different, and fees vary. During any given month, my fees range from $250 to $1,250 for services, depending on what a couple has in mind for their wedding ceremony.

Truth? I do not do ‘cookie cutter’ work. Once I learn what you want for your ceremony, I am happy to offer a quote for services, working within your wedding budget.

In addition to the time I invest to create and craft your ceremony, my fee often includes time/effort to lead your rehearsal, travel time to/from your venue, and more. It also reflects time dedicated to arriving early on your wedding day to serve as your ‘pre-ceremony planner,’ to ensure an easy, elegant, and prompt ceremony start.

Finally, my fee includes unlimited ceremony revisions, emails, and phone contacts. It also covers vendor/resources leads, wedding planning guidance, and submitting your signed legal paperwork to the appropriate County Auditor.

If you are planning a destination wedding in Washington State, that requires additional travel time and a possible overnight stay, please connect with me for a quote for services.

For more information, please go to Fees & Services.

I request a $250 booking fee to secure your wedding date/time. The balance is collected 90 days before your ceremony.

Upon invitation to officiate your wedding ceremony, you will receive an immediate email confirmation and all pieces/documents to begin our work together. I request a signed Agreement, so the terms of our relationship are clear, and that you are fully comfortable with our relationship. If you are having a rehearsal, I get this on our calendars.

From this point, our process of crafting and creating your ceremony begins. A draft copy will be forwarded to you for approval, anywhere from 30 to 90 days before your ceremony, often with suggestions for your consideration (vows, readings, traditions, etc.).

I am always available to you via email or phone for questions or concerns as we move toward your wedding day.

Here is what I know for sure. If a wedding ceremony is too short, it feels weird. If it is too long, you and your guests feel vulnerable and frustrated.

Most often, the length of a modern and formal wedding ceremony ranges from 18 to 30 minutes. This includes the entrance/processional, ceremony, and recessional. Elopements and sweet and intimate ceremonies, typically average about 12 to 20 minutes.

I am more concerned about how a ceremony ‘feels’ than how long it is. If everyone is in-the-moment, comfortable, and at ease, it will be remembered fondly…and with a smile.

It depends on when I am needed and how I can be most helpful to the couple, the wedding party, and guests. Most often I arrive 30 to 60 minutes before the start time of the ceremony. When I arrive, I immediately begin to ensure all pre-ceremony details and vendors involved in the ceremony are attended to for an on-time ceremony start.

I also enjoy staying a bit afterwards for photos and conversation. With no offense intended, I decline invitations to attend receptions.

I re-connect with you. I meet your family and friends. I whip everyone and everything into shape! It is important for me to lead a fun and easy ‘run through’ of the processional and recessional, and to go over the internal parts of a ceremony with a couple. We do not go through the words, special elements, or rituals. We leave that for the wedding day.

At a rehearsal, there often is a lot of emotion flying around the room, so humor is big for me. At the end of a rehearsal, I want the two of you and your family/friends to walk away with confidence that ‘This lady has it.’

Most often, a rehearsal lasts about 45 minutes. Venues may book rehearsals back-to-back, so a prompt start ensures we have a full block of time to rehearse. An effective strategy is telling family, friends, and wedding party members to arrive 15 minutes prior before the actual start time.

Go for it – absolutely! Your ceremony is all about the two of you. You have a profound opportunity to craft personal words that reflect your love and devotion, and that amplify your commitment, now and into the future. If you would like help crafting your vows, please let me know.

In my many years of doing this work, I have never missed a wedding. In the event something catastrophic were to happen, I would do anything within my power to ensure a suitable replacement for your date/time, although this cannot be guaranteed, especially during the summer high season. I trust that if anything were to happen, we would work together for a best solution.

Yes. I enjoy offering opportunities for family and children to participate in a ceremony, as appropriate. I am a big fan of involving children in a ceremony in ways that do not take the focus off the bride and groom. I also enjoy incorporating intimate and memorable rituals into your ceremony if you wish.

For more information about marriage licenses in various counties, please visit the following links.

King County Marriage License

Snohomish County Marriage License

Pierce County Marriage License

Kitsap County Marriage License

Thurston County Marriage License

There are different options for signing your marriage documents; I will review them during our initial consultation and/or at rehearsal. Once signed – by the couple, their two witnesses (over 18 years old) and me – it is my responsibility to ensure all signed documents are immediately returned for processing to the county that issued them.

You will sign using the same name that is on your marriage license. You may begin using your new name after this, after you take proper and legal name changing steps.

I am a fashionista! Better said, I dress elegantly and appropriately for a ceremony. Depending on the couple, style of ceremony and venue, I may wear an elegant neutral pantsuit (beige or black) or solid color maxi dress to honor a special request from a couple. My goal is to blend in, not stick out. No crazy patterns, no stripes, no plaid.

I go everywhere – from a beach to a golf & country club, to a private home or a covered bridge. I happily accommodate various venue requests, and I love going to lots of different places each year.

Easy. Call or text: 425.922.1325 – email, use this contact form.

Often. I am one of the few vendors a couple sees on their wedding day. So, over the years, I have witnessed many wedding professionals in action on a wedding day and have my favorites. For a list of wedding pros, you can trust, go to Vendor Picks

What can you expect from me?

A personal, inspiring, and romantic celebration of your Love Story.

Touches of gratitude, reflection, tradition, and Personal Elements. 

Fun, Style, Jubilation, and a unique take-home memento.

A happy, out-going, experienced, and Take-Charge Officiant.

Annemarie Juhlian, Seattle Wedding Officiant
Wedding Heart Swish

Annemarie Juhlian is a Non-Denominational Wedding Officiant & Minister based in the Seattle area. She creates personalized wedding ceremonies for couples of all beliefs, paths and traditions.