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Does it seem to you that most weddings are pretty much the same — mundane, boring, something you endure to get to the party? It does not have to be that way — it all depends on the officiant. Rev. Phil Landers can help you create a wedding ceremony that is fun, not boring!
- Rev. Phil shares your story at your wedding — which makes it personalized, romantic and fun! Watch videos.
- You get a complete script 10 days before your wedding — so you will be comfortable knowing your ceremony is just the way you want it.
- Rev. Phil will spend more time with you — 2½ to 3 hour planning meeting, e-mails and phone calls to get the script just right, a full one hour rehearsal led by Rev. Phil — than any other officiant in the Chicago area.
Rev. Phil Landers is Chicagoland’s favorite wedding officiant • minister • pastor. He will be your wedding officiant anywhere in Chicago and the suburbs. Your wedding can be pretty much as religious (or not) and traditional (or not) as you want it to be.
Read Rev. Phil's Blog!
Check his availability for your wedding or call him at 630-628-3500. |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
| Does a cookie-cutter ceremony — very similar to what they did last weekend. |
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| Rev. Phil Landers of “I Do” Weddings, Ltd. |
| Shares your story at your wedding! That alone is guaranteed to make it personalized, romantic and fun! Everyone loves a story — especially yours on your wedding day. |
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"I don't think it was really due to the fact that I was the bride, but I have never been to another ceremony that was so funny and sentimental at the same time. I usually kind of 'zone' out and I don't think that happened with any of our guests. I am sure that everyone will remember our story since you told it so well."
— Ali and Dan, Chicago History Museum, Chicago |
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“People were telling me ceremonies are usually boring, but you were so interesting and since the ceremony was about us, they actually listened!”
—Melissa & Ian, Café Le Cave, Des Plaines |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
| Limited choices about the ceremony. |
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| Rev. Phil Landers of “I Do” Weddings, Ltd. |
| Virtually unlimited choices about your ceremony. In addition to your story, you also have the option of customized vows, customized readings, flowers for moms, audience gives blessing, audience gives support, memorial candles, unity candle or unity sand, ways to include your children, etc., etc. |
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| Rev. Phil will guide you through those options. You do not know how to plan a wedding. As a full-time wedding minister, he does — and will share all of his ideas and experiences with you. |
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| Sharing your story and including options you choose guarantees that your wedding is unique. |
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Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
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| Hope they get the names and details right. |
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| Rev. Phil Landers |
| You get a complete 17+ page script ten days before your ceremony. It has everything that will happen and everything that will be said at your ceremony. It includes a detailed line-by-line processional order. You have time to make changes. Rev. Phil is the only officiant who will get you a complete script before your wedding. It takes him more time. But it is the only way for you to know, in advance, that the ceremony will be just the way you want it to be. |
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One couple, upon getting the final script 10 days before their wedding, said: "The script looks very good and this has been money well spent. You really have made this day very special for the both of us and we appreciate your time and efforts to make it special. As I was reading the script my eyes swelled up with tears of joy, excitement, sorrow, and anticipation of the future to come. Thanks, you ROCK!!"
— Jennifer and Jason, Maple Street Chapel, Lombard
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
| Will meet with you for an hour. |
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| Rev. Phil Landers |
| Will meet with you for 2½ to 3 hours. He takes the time to really get to know you and your desires. What happens during that time? You get to know each other, plan out your ceremony in great detail, he gives you options and ideas, he hears your story and then shares the first draft of what your story will sound like! |
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After the first meeting but long before their wedding, a couple e-mailed Rev. Phil, "I wasn't sure what to expect when meeting with you, but I felt like you really treated us great. We weren’t just another engaged couple; you treated us as individuals. Meeting with you was the first step to planning our wedding and after doing so, I finally felt like it was all real!"
— Ann and Trevor, The Seville, Streamwood |
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 "The ceremony was absolutely perfect. You were great to work with and we really felt like you took the time to get to know us too."
— Kara and Kyle, Pazzo's at 311, Chicago
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or call him at 630-628-3500 |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
| Will spend 30 minutes to lead a rehearsal, if they do one at all. |
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| Rev. Phil |
| He will spend one hour to lead the rehearsal. It is ironic — for the wedding ceremony is only 30 minutes long. It does take an hour to do it thoroughly and completely. Isn’t that what you want? |
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"You were so helpful during the rehearsal and that let everything run smoothly the next day."
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 "Thank you for making the ceremony planning and rehearsal so fun."
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
| Likely has limited credentials or degrees. It is a weekend hobby. |
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| Rev. Phil |
Is a real minister with a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL in 1990. He has been a pastor previously but for the last five years is a full-time wedding minister — this is all he does for a living. He is a third generation minister. He has been married for nearly 25 years. |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
Not featured in the media. |
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| Rev. Phil |
| He has been featured on TV (FOX32, CBS2 and ABC7 news), in print (Chicago Tribune & Chicago Style Weddings) and on the radio (WBBM-AM and WGN-AM)! Click on any of the links to see the story. The funniest is FOX32 news. |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
No video. Can’t see them in action. |
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| Rev. Phil |
Has videos of Rev. Phil sharing couples’ stories! He is the only officiant with videos on his web site. See him in action! |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
| Post a handful of thank you’s online. |
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| Rev. Phil |
| Has over 75 thank you’s on his web site — 15 on this page, 50+ on the thank you’s page and more scattered around the web site. There is even a recommendation from a resort. Anyone can post a few thank you’s. After reading 40, 50, 60 you get the idea that this is really what Rev. Phil is like. |
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or call him at 630-628-3500 |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
| No references given. |
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| Rev. Phil |
| Can give you the names and phone numbers of 11 brides and 2 grooms for you to call! Ask them about Rev. Phil, if he was worth it, where they wish they had spent more money on their wedding day and where it was not so important — or any other question you have! |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
| Hope their speaking voice is OK. |
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| Rev. Phil |
| Is often told that he has a voice for radio. (He thinks he has the face for it, too :>) Listen to his voice when watching videos of Rev. Phil sharing couples’ stories. |
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Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
Same-as-everyone-else’s ceremony. |
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| Rev. Phil |
Has the experience and passion to help you create the wedding you have always dreamed of! |
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“Thank you so much for the most beautiful wedding ceremony. It was so moving and everything was so personal. We could not have dreamt that it would have been that great!”
Tracey & Grant, Westin Chicago Northwest, Itasca |
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“Our wedding was more than we ever could have dreamed it would be. You had a huge part in it all!”
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Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
Since your story is not shared at your wedding, you will be asked repeatedly at your reception, “So, how did he propose?” |
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| Rev. Phil |
Tells your story — the full version — once. So, at your reception, no one will ask you “How did he propose?” Everyone just heard it!
If there are humorous elements — and everyone has them — then there will be laughter at your wedding. That’s appropriate for weddings ought to be joyful. It relieves the stress and tension of the day. |
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or call him at 630-628-3500 |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
| Show up to do wedding. |
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| Rev. Phil |
| Becomes the wedding coordinator for the ceremony — if you don’t have one. When he arrives, he makes sure all elements for the ceremony — unity candles or sand, flowers for moms, etc. — are out and arranged artistically. Makes sure the chairs do not interfere with the processional (for example, makes sure the aisle is wide enough for 3 people to walk down if bride coming down aisle with two dads). He lines everyone up, gives final reminders and helps to get the ceremony started on time (so that the reception is not delayed). He will help ensure that the little details of the ceremony are just right. |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
Likely does not coordinate with the other vendors. They have to improvise as the ceremony is happening. |
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| Rev. Phil |
Encourages the person responsible for the music — the DJ or lead musician — to have a complete copy of the script. That way they know exactly when to play. No gaps, no questions.
Will talk with photographer(s) and videographer(s) so they know what is happening during the ceremony. He will spend time at the rehearsal coaching you so that your photos turn out well. For example, when lighting a candle, hold it for 3 seconds. Otherwise, the photographer may miss the shot. Why re-create the lighting of the unity candle?
By coordinating the other wedding pro’s, they end up working together as a team. Only the officiant, as the leader, can do this. As a full-time wedding minister, Rev. Phil sees what needs to be done and makes the effort. |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
| One option, one price. |
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| Rev. Phil |
| Three different options at three different prices! Select the one that best fits your needs and budget. |
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| What has been described above — sharing your story at your wedding, 2½ to 3 hour meeting, 1 hour rehearsal, etc. — is for the top-of-the-line platinum ceremony. |
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| With this economy, that may be more than you can do right now. No problem. Rev. Phil has two other options — the mid-level gold ceremony and the value-priced silver ceremony. Review the chart on the fees & services page to see the differences. |
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| No matter what your budget is, Rev. Phil has a ceremony for you! You do not have to get someone with little experience or credentials to get a less expensive ceremony. |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
| Limited payment options. |
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| Rev. Phil |
| Rev. Phil is quite flexible. He can stretch it out to 3 or even 4 payments. Typically, the last payment is due 60 days before your wedding — that is the earliest date you can get your marriage license. |
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| Average Chicago Wedding Officiant: |
| Only takes cash or check. Check is written out to the person — for it is their side job. |
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| Rev. Phil |
| Prefers checks but takes credit cards via Google Checkout. |
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| Payment is made to “I Do” Weddings, Ltd. It is a registered business with the state of Illinois. He is the only officiant with an actual business. |
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| To recap, among all Chicago area wedding officiants only Rev. Phil: |
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or call him at 630-628-3500 |
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Recommendation from a platinum wedding |
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"Brian and I can not begin to express how wonderful it was to have you officiate our wedding. The whole experience was such a pleasure. Your creative ideas and hard work made our special day truly unique and rich with love and laughter. Throughout the evening and beyond, our friends and family were so touched by hearing our 'story'. They truly felt a part of the experience. Everyone I talked to raved about our ceremony being 'the best' they have ever attended! You put all the pieces together and made it wonderful.
"My favorite part, however, was watching my wedding video later and seeing you and Brian in a private moment before the ceremony in which you offered kindness and encouragement, and he spontaneously hugged your or possibly clung to you in terror. I am not sure which!"
— Tina & Brian, The Glen Club, Glenview
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| Recommendation from a
gold wedding |
From a review: “I liked Phil from the minute I listened to his voicemail. He called the day after we sent him an inquiry on his website. My husband liked Phil from the first visit to his website. Phil has lots of reviews, suggestions, information (including pricing), and even video clips of ceremonies he has performed. |
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What else we loved:
- He is laid back (i.e. not a stodgy minister) yet professional, and he somehow manages to create a wedding ceremony where we were all laughing yet it was still very reverent.
- He is open to your personal selections on readings and even posts suggestions on his website. We chose a poem, an excerpt from an essay, and a Bible passage that he worked beautifully into the flow of the ceremony.
- Phil was always on time. He sent us a rough draft of the script when he said he would. He made all the changes we wanted. He emailed us a final script the week before the wedding and showed up early on wedding day to meet everyone, see the set up, go over the script, and even calm down this bride when she was alone in the dressing room pacing. (Thanks Phil!)
- Most importantly, you could tell that he really cared.
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| If you need a wedding official, please do yourself a favor and call up Rev. Phil!” |
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Erin & Brian, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago
(read the entire Yelp review)
more thank you's from gold weddings |
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Recommendation from a silver wedding |
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"This note is to thank you for making our day meaningful and special. You have that God given, innate ability to communicate well and make those in your presence comfortable and at ease."
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Recommendation from a resort |
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"After working with you on many ceremonies at the Eaglewood Resort and Spa, I finally had an opportunity to be a guest at a wedding where you were the officiant at the ceremony.
"I have always found your ceremonies to be warm and insightful. After watching your perform the ceremony at my friend's wedding, everything I felt from you was true. You truly create an atmosphere of calm, warmth and light humor. I appreciate how well you know the couples you marry.
"I look forward to recommending you to any couple that is looking for someone of your nature to perform their ceremonies."
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All-Star Reverend! |
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I have even received the Hollywood Walk of Fame's "All-Star Reverend" plaque from a couple who got married in Chicago but work in Hollywood!
"We want to thank you for a wonderful ceremony. Everyone really, really loved your service. It really was perfect. Much of our family didn't even know those stories. So, thank you so much. As long as we live we will always remember our wedding day and how special you helped make it."
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or call him at 630-628-3500 |
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| As seen in print ! |
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| Featured on page one of the Sunday Chicago Tribune. |
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| From the article: The marriage ceremony, officiated by the Reverend Phil Landers, was different from others the couple had been to as guests. Not only did Rev. Phil ask Allyson’s father “Who blesses this woman to marry this man?”, but he included the whole congregation in the ceremony by asking “Do you as parents, family members, and friends give your blessing and support?” Allyson recalls that it was wonderful to hear a big “We do.” |
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| As heard on the radio! |
 Click here to read the story. |
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The host said, "One of the most interesting people I've spoken to in recent memory was Reverend Phil Landers (his real name)." Read the rest of the host's comments by clicking here. |
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| Click on any photo of Rev. Phil, above, to view that news report. |
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| Of course, no endorsement is implied by any of these media outlets. Copyright remains with each media company. Click on the media logo to view their web site. Still, how cool is this? |
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Congratulations on your engagement! Here are the answers to some questions I am frequently asked. |
| No pre-marital counseling is required or given. However, check out four excellent pre-marital counseling resources - a book with workbooks, online, a seminar and a weekend at a hotel. Remember, you are not just planning a wedding but should be planning for a marriage, too. |
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Your ceremony can pretty much be as traditional (or not) and as religious (or not) as you want it to be. I love Jesus and read the Bible regularly but I will not force my religion on your ceremony. Your ceremony should reflect you. By my sharing your story at your wedding, it will be. By having the complete script ten days in advance, you are guaranteed it will be just the way you want it. |
| I will travel anywhere in the Chicago area. I will perform your wedding at a hotel, banquet hall, park, boat, chapel, home, etc., etc. See a Google map with links of all the places I have married couples at. |
I will do weddings on short notice — even those occurring in a few weeks or less. As a full time wedding officiant, I have the time and expertise to make it seem like we planned it months ago. Of course, I will gladly commit to weddings that are a year or two away. |
| How much do my services cost? I have three different levels of service for there is a big difference between a ceremony with 8 guests vs. one with 50 guests vs. 200 guests. I am one of the very few wedding officiants who post their prices online. I do not charge a travel fee or fuel surcharge. My prices are all-inclusive (except for parking). |
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It takes two things to lock your wedding into my calendar: |
- sign a contract
- make a payment/deposit
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The next step for a platinum ceremony is for the three of us to get together for a 2½ to 3 hours planning meeting, typically at Panera Bread. I am available on weekdays during the day, weekday evenings and weekends. At the meeting, I get to know you two, you get to know me, we will plan out your ceremony, I will hear your story and then you will get to hear me share the first draft of your story! At the end of the meeting, you can lock your wedding into my calendar by signing a contract and making a deposit. (The deposit is half with the other half due 60 days before your ceremony. If your ceremony is less than 60 days away, the entire amount is due.)
About the 2½ to 3 hour planning meeting:
"You definitely relieved any anxiety on whether or not our wedding day would go smoothly. We both agreed that with your warmth and kindness we felt as though you have been our Reverend for years and years!!! We could not possibly conceive how any couple who met with you would not have you marry them."
— Heidi & Dan, Danada House, Wheaton |
The next step for a gold or silver ceremony is for me to e-mail you a contract. Once you tell me that you have put the signed contract (it only takes one signature) and the payment in the mail, I will lock your wedding into my calendar immediately. I will not wait for the mail to arrive.
I do everything on a first come, first served basis. It is the fairest way I have come up with.
I do a contract so that there is no misunderstanding by you or me. You sign a contract so I know you want me to officiate at your wedding. Then, I will sign a copy of the contract so that you know that I will do all that I promise to do. It is very much a two-way commitment.
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or call him at 630-628-3500 |
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| If I am not available, I have a team of terrific wedding ministers including: |
You will really like them.
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Like me, they will: |
- take time to get to know you,
- share your story at your wedding,
- get a complete script to you ten days before your ceremony.
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or call him at 630-628-3500 |
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I will not marry couples that are:
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| Please click on the buttons below and browse the site. There is a lot of helpful information about weddings here — even if you do not have me be your wedding minister. Of course, I hope you do. |
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Thank you’s 
