Your ceremony can be as unique and special as you want it to be. It can fit your specific combination of family traditions with your individual styles and philosophies.
I typically perform services that are personal and meaningful, without being dogmatic or sectarian. The couple always has the final decision on what words are used. When we meet, I will provide you with a 25 page booklet with suggestions concerning the ceremony. The words I suggest are just a starting point, as you have the greatest latitude in selections of vows, readings, music, etc.
It is my philosophy that the bride and groom are marrying each other, not that I am marrying them TO each other. My personal religious beliefs allow the widest possible openness to all belief systems, both theistic and non-theistic. This is your ceremony. You may incorporate into it whatever is meaningful to you. No two weddings are exactly alike because no two couples have precisely the same beliefs and aspirations. Each wedding is a unique occasion. If the ceremony is really to mean something, then it is essential that it reflects what the couple really feels. In preparing for the ceremony, the couple is encouraged to talk and think very seriously about what they want for the ceremony. Rather than impose a standard form on a wedding, I believe in helping couples to plan their own individual ceremonies. Choosing or writing your vows is of great importance. I believe that for a couple to plan their own service is the best preparation for it. The Celebrant (also known as an Officiant) is there for guidance and advice, and to become your spokesperson.
Out of more than 1,000 weddings performed in the past several years, I have performed many mixed background and interfaith ceremonies. I have performed such ceremonies for Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Humanist participants. I also perform weddings in Spanish. Vows are also available in German and Italian.
Many locations are possible. I have performed weddings in churches, parks, homes, by the riverside, at plantation houses, a botanical garden, B&B’s, and college and military chapels. Locations must be within a reasonable driving distance from Richmond, Virginia.
Costs are based on the level of additional or ancillliary services requested of the celebrant and start with a nominal amount for a basic standard ceremony without meetings, travel, rehearsals, or personalized ceremony script. The honorarium for additional services such as travel, meetings, rehearsal, booklet, and the preparation of a customized ceremony should be reimbursed based on the time required of the celebrant.
Call to set up an appointment for an interview at (804) 262-9295. Interview times are weeknights after 6 pm, and weekends. The interview gives you an opportunity to ask questions, go over the 25 page ceremony development booklet (which contains the typical format for a ceremony and many alternatives for vows, readings, etc.). We will discuss your general expectations for the ceremony. We can also discuss the location, rehearsal, and projected honorarium. No deposit is required or accepted and the honorarium may be presented at the rehearsal (or on the day of the ceremony, if I am not required at the rehearsal). See the "links" page for a map to our home.
It should be noted that Mr. Winn's commission to perform weddings is as a civil officiant or comissioner, and that all weddings he performs are classified as "civil" by the state, no matter whether religious language or statements are included.
Contact Information: 804 262 9295
email: winnmmjr@verizon.net
Address: 8421 Mundy Drive
Richmond, VA 23228
