Wedding Services
WEDDINGS/HANDFASTINGS
by Rev. Dawn Earthsong
General Information
Ohio Marriage Laws and Contact Info for County Clerk of Courts
Rev. Dawn’s Guide to Planning Your Wedding/Handfasting
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the outline of a BASIC wedding ceremony?
Greeting and Invocation
Statement of Purpose
Questions of intent
Exchange of Vows
Exchange of Rings
Prayer
Pronouncement of Marriage
Blessing
**This does not include such things as readings, music, unity candle,
children's vows, rose exchange, or other familiar elements.
2. How long do most weddings last?
Typically weddings are from 20 to 30 minutes long.
However, they can be as short as ten minutes or as
long as an hour depending on the desires of the couple.
3. Who provides the props for the ceremony?
This will depend on what you need for the ceremony.
If you are wanting fancy decorations for the staging area,
you will need to provide this. Items like a unity candle,
handfasting cord, sword, broom, altar items, etc., will be
discussed and decided on during the planning stages. Many of
these items I already have. Though, if I have to buy special
items, the price will be added to the cost of the wedding.
4. Who writes the script for the ceremony?
I have a few sample scripts located on the website. These are
a good starting point. Though, I do recommend choosing pieces
from various scripts. Combine these pieces to create your own
ceremony. Or tell me what you'd like in a ceremony and I'll
design it. Either way, we will work as a team to create
something that will be special to you both.
5. How do we begin planning for our wedding?
Here is a list of questions to consider when
planning your wedding/handfasting:
Planning Your Wedding by Rev. Dawn
6. What kind of ceremonies do you do?
Weddings
Handfastings
Renewal of Vows
Baby Blessings
Memorial Services
Coming of Age
Symbolic Same Sex Commitments
Alternative Lifestyle Ceremonies
House Cleansings/Blessings
7. Are you a licensed minister?
Yes. I earned my clergy status through the Sacred
Flame Temple and am a registered, licensed
minister with the state of Ohio.
8. What is "handfasting"?
Originating in medieval times, a handfasting is
a commitment ceremony between two people
who are committing to a relationship for a set
period of time. Often, this is a prelude to more
formal festivities, which usually take place within
a year and a day from the date of the handfasting.
OR
It is now used as a way to describe a non-standard
style of wedding ceremony that involves a literal
action of handfasting that involves tieing the wrists
of the participants with cord/rope or ribbon.
9. I'm short a Witness. Can you serve as a Witness
(in addition to your Officiant services)
to the ceremony for all the legal stuff?
No, unfortunately, the law doesn't allow me to wear
two hats that way. But, I can provide one or two
witnesses for your ceremony for a small fee.
10. We want to elope. Can you work on short notice?
Yes, I certainly can! I will still need to talk with
you, but as long as you have your license and are of
legal age, I can provide myself and two Witnesses
(if needed) to solemnize your vows.
11. We want our child/ren to be part of the ceremony. Can we do this?
Absolutely. Children make a great addition
to the ceremony.
12. Do you perform theme weddings?
Certainly! They are great fun and a testament to
the couple's individuality. If there are special
clothes required of the presiding minister, I request
the couple cover the costs of costume, if I don't
already have a suitable garment.
13. Do you perform alternative lifestyle weddings?
Definately! Though, I have some experience with some lifestyles,
you may have to guide me a little on expected protocol if it's
a lifestyle I'm not familiar with.
If you have any more questions,
please feel free to contact me by email:
Rev. Dawn Earthsong