Heartland Signature Ceremonies

Heartland Signature Ceremonies is booking Holiday weddings NOW!
It is not too soon to reserve your Valentine's Day 2009 Wedding!

Please feel free to contact me for your initial consultation. I am happy to converse via email, phone or where convenient, face to face. This will give us the opportunity to review some important considerations regarding ceremony style, personalization, locale and fees. The initial consultation will allow me to address any questions or concerns you may have. You will never be put under any pressure to make a decision. I understand that couples are often times interviewing more than one officiant. However, please consider that a ceremony requested on short notice will require a timely decision and that a requested date is not secure until a retainer is placed.

If you choose to retain my services for a Basic or Classic Ceremony, your booking date becomes secure once a non-refundable retainer of $75 is submitted along with a signed contract.  Please note: A fully custom Signature Ceremony requires a $100 retainer.

Dates are not held without a retainer. Your retainer can be made using the Paypal button near the bottom of this page. Please remember you must reaffirm your date as available prior to placing a retainer. Your retainer is non-refundable. Why? When I secure your date, I have in most cases set aside the entire day for you. By the time I receive a cancellation I have often turned away several other requests for that same date and invested several hours in communication and preparation of your ceremony. The non-refundable retainer assures me of a portion of compensation in the event you cancel.

A word on any balance due:  If your balance is over $200 I will invoice you for the remainder of fees which must be paid in full two weeks prior to your ceremony via your credit card or bank account, no e-checks. A balance of $200 or less may be made in cash the day of your ceremony or prepaid via an invoice upon request. I do not accept personal checks or credit cards on site the day of services. Please have any balance due available along with your marriage license upon my arrival. 

Standard Fees are listed below. Adjusted fees may be determined on an individual basis. Generally, charges do not deviate from base fees aside from mileage.* In the case of extensive travel or overnight lodging aditional fees will be incurred. Please remember: Dates are not held open without a retainer. Please reaffirm availability prior to placing a retainer.

Your FREE Initial Consultation can generally be conducted via email or telephone. If you are within a reasonable area of travel I am more than happy to meet with you personally.

Signature Wedding Ceremony (totally custom/tells your story)
There are no rules, it's all about you! A totally custom ceremony that is personally written for you, that tells "your story" and incorporates your style, belief system and personal preferences.You may want to reflect upon the signifigance of the ceremony locale, how you met or your hopes and dreams as a couple. You may add a variety of personalized components, rituals or readings, family inclusion...the possbilities are endless. Whatever the case (and they are all unique!), a custom ceremony takes communication and time; please allow a minimum 10-12 weeks notice.

Signature Elopement with up to 4 guests $250
Signature Elopement I with 5- 25 guests $275
Signature Ceremony II with 26- 75 guests $300
Signature Ceremony III with over 75 guests $350
Attend and Direct Rehearsal $100*
Retainer $100


Classic Wedding Ceremony ( timely/options for personalization)
A ceremony to remember that can be put together on shorter notice does not mean it has to be any less special. You will have the option of choosing a secular, spiritual, religious or interfaith ceremony and incorporating various components such as remembrances, readings, and rituals, vows to the children, even a handfasting! Ask me for an outline of ceremony options and possibilities. This ceremony can usually be put together in a minimum of 4-6 weeks.

Classic Elopement with up to 4 guests $200
Classic Ceremony I with up 5- 25 guests $225
Classic Ceremony II with 26- 75 guests $250
Classic Ceremony III with over 75 guests $300
Attend and Direct Rehearsal $100*
Retainer $75


Basic Wedding Ceremony (last minute/short notice/prewritten)
When there is no time for planning a Classic or Signature Ceremony, I will deliver a prewritten Secular, Spiritual or Religious ceremony and perform it on even the shortest notice. You may include a reading and/or prayer of your choice. Rest assured it will be heartfelt and memorable. Perfect for your last minute elopement or short notice intimate ceremony or anytime at all!

Basic Elopement with up to 4 guests $175
Basic Ceremony I with 5- 25 guests $200
Basic Ceremony II with 26- 75 guests $225
Basic Ceremony III with over 75 guests $250
Attend and Direct Rehearsal $100*
Retainer $75



Classic or Signature Ceremony Options

• Welcome
• Opening Prayer and/or Gathering Words
• Acknowledgements & Remembrances - Recognition of Children, Parent or Family Recognition, Honoring the Deceased
• Personal Reading(s) and/or Song(s) - by Officiant , Couple, Family Member or Friend
• Declaration of Support - Acknowledgement and Blessing from guests
• Question of Intent
• Symbolic Ritual(s) - Unity Candle, Wine Ceremony, Couple's or Mother's Rose Ceremony, Sand Ceremony, Family Unity Sand Ceremony, Wishing Stones, Group Candle Lighting, Covenant of Salt, Unity Bouquet, Ring Blessing, etc.
• Invocation of Four Directions and Elements
• Handfasting
• Marriage Address
• Wedding Vows - Personal or Repeat after me format
• Ring Prelude and Exchange - May be combined with Wedding Vows
• Final Blessing or Prayer
• Pronouncement
• Presentation as husband and wife 
• Recessional
• Receiving Line
  
  About Rehearsals
  
  I know it looks like a lot or reading but please take the time if you think you may need one.
  
  First of all, I cannot over emphasize the importance of holding a rehearsal if you wish to present a formal and elegant processional that includes a Bridal Party, seating of honored guests, or musical cues. It will make for a much more relaxed atmosphere on your wedding day and assure you (and me) that everyone knows their cues, their placement and their responsibilities. Please remember that your entire wedding from processional to receiving line is a reflection upon you as a couple and on my reputation as your officiant.
  
  Secondly, if you have a wedding party of more than two attendants (Maid of Honor/Best Man) a rehearsal is mandated. I will require your assurance that one will be held. However, you are not obligated to retain my services for your rehearsal. Perhaps you have hired a wedding coordinator or prefer to self conduct a rehearsal with a stand-in for the Officiant. If that is the case I will be happy to provide logistics and an outline of ceremony protocol.
  
  Your rehearsal should take approximately 60 minutes or so, depending on the size of your wedding party. Please make sure that everyone will be available and on time and that you have all music, props (bouquet, candles, etc.) that will be used during the ceremony. It is imperative that whoever is handling the music be available with the audio equipment and musical selections so they will know their cues the day of the ceremony.
  
  Lastly, please advise everyone who will attend the rehearsal to arrive fifteen minutes early so we can begin at the designated time. If the rehearsal runs late the rehearsal dinner will likely run late also. My advice is to schedule your rehearsal dinner first which will assure that everyone is available for the rehearsal, relaxed and on time. There is no reason for a rehearsal to go beyond 90 minutes.
  
  Please note: If you need asistance or direction the day of the wedding (rolling out the runner,bustling the wedding dress, directing of attendants and ushers, etc.) this service is available via my asistant for an additional $50 fee.
  
  
  Weddings in my home....
  I now offer intimate ceremonies in my home. If you are seeking to 'just get married' and prefer more than court house "I do's", I will be happy to accomodate you in my home.  A victorian fireplace aglow with candles makes an ideal setting for solemnizing your marriage.
  
  I offer two options:
  
  "An Intimate Gathering" ~ Your romantic ceremony is already written although you may choose a secular or spiritual theme along with an optional reading and/or prayer. This ceremony package is ideal for just the two of you and up 4-6 guests or a family ceremony with your children. Total time at my home should be no more than 45-60 minutes. I will give your ceremony all the care, attention and warmth it merits on your special day. Please contact me for details and availability. Cost is $150. $75 retainer and $75 day of ceremony. Price includes music, a sparkling non-alcoholic toast and use of a bridal bouquet upon request. I request that you arrive no more than 10-15 minutes before starting time. 
  
  "Just for Two" ~ If guests and amenities are not so important but you still want something more intimate and romantic than the judge's chambers, a no frills secular ceremony may right for you. Anytime cost is $75 prepaid.
  
  Click here for more information

WHEN you have reaffirmed your date as available
Please use Pay Now button to place a $75 retainer for your Classic or Basic Ceremony

Please use Pay Now button below to place a $100 retainer for your Signature Ceremony

To pre-pay your ceremony or to make a final payment for services prior to ceremony please request an invoice.

Travel and Mileage
There is no charge for mileage the first 30 miles round trip. Subsequent mileage is charged at $.65 per mile RT, rounded to the nearest dollar.
Travel for two consecutive days or for distances over 100 miles may mandate a charge for overnight accomodations.
Any and all fees for travel will be itemized prior to and contained within a written contract. 
MAP

Prices are subject to change without notice
(NO pricing change can occur within a contractual agreement)

 In addition to wedding ceremonies you may wish to retain my services for the following occasions:
    
Renewal of Wedding Vows
Handfasting (A Celtic Tradition)
Commitment Ceremony (traditional or alternative)
Infant Baptism or Naming Ceremony*
Funeral, Eulogy or Memorial Service*
House Blessing*

As always your initial consultation is free for any of the above services. Services marked with an *asterisk are rendered on a donation basis.

Susan Markley - Licensed Independent Wedding Officiant
419.207.0644
Email: HSCeremonies@zoominternet.net

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