Weddings

” The commitment a couple makes during their wedding ceremony is a sacred moment.

It is my great honor as an officiant to walk alongside two people going through such a special experience. “

- Joan Fergus, Celebrant

Comments from Recent Couples

“This is so excellent, we read through the document (ceremony) several times and are so excited for these words to be spoken on our wedding day.

You truly have a gift!”

Thanks so much,

Mia and Charlie

Buffalo Creek Brewing Co.

Long Grove, WI

10-27-24

“Thank you so much for driving up to Kohler and putting on a beautiful service. We will read our ceremony on our anniversary each year. Everyone keeps saying how lovely

the ceremony was. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you! If we do that vow renewal later on we will definitely be in touch!”

Best,

Hannah and Joe

Strait’s Chapel

Sheboygan, WI

10-30-24

Officiant Services

Initial Consultation – phone or in-person
Detailed Ceremony Planning Questionnaire each couple fills out to start the process
Two meetings (in-person or virtual). First one to plan the ceremony and second to discuss details days prior to the wedding
Resources (choose readings, vows, ring words, joining elements) for elements of your ceremony
Unlimited communication
A beautiful, personalized custom ceremony
Rehearsal (in person or virtual) direction and coordination
Coordination with other wedding vendors (musician/D.J, photographer, wedding planner)
Professional presentation of wedding ceremony on your special day
Information on obtaining marriage license
Legal filing of your license after the ceremony

Fully Personalized Ceremony

$950

Creating a memorable ceremony that is ‘like no other’ entails a collaborative effort with your officiant. Your ceremony will be ‘uniquely’ yours, as it includes your words, feelings and relationship/life story.

Additional costs for travel and lodging are included if needed.

Elopement / Mini-Wedding

$600- $950

An Elopement or Mini-Wedding is a ceremony that includes just the couple and perhaps a few guests, whether in the comfort of your own home, middle of a nature preserve or a hotel ballroom. Fees may vary depending on the details of the wedding. Additional costs for travel may be added.

License Signing

$250

Would you like to have your marriage license signed without the formalities of a ceremony? We can discuss a place to meet. Additional costs for travel may be added.

Ceremony Planning

A Ceremony Planning Questionnaire is sent to you once you decide to work with Ceremonies by Joan. Questions include details about the wedding, questions about your love story and thoughts on love and marriage.

After completing the questionnaire, a meeting will be scheduled (in person or virtual) to plan your ceremony and get to know each other. Each couple’s love story and words on love and marriage is beautifully crafted into each ceremony, making it a personal ceremony.

You and your fiancé are encouraged to be hands-on in the creation process…creating your ideal ceremony. A good ceremony includes thoughts of the past, ideas of the present and promises for the future. It can include any cultural traditions and beliefs. be traditional or contemporary, religious or non-religious, serious or light and joy-filled. Rev. Joan’s experience in creating ceremonies will help you have a special ceremony and a cherished memory. Your ceremony will be personalized and custom to reflect who you are as a couple. I will discuss important rituals, selection of vows and ring words and assist you with including interesting elements so your ceremony is a unique representation of the two of you.
Writing the Ceremony

After our planning meeting, the ceremony will be written and sent back for edits and reviews. You will know everything that will be said on your wedding day.
Preparing for the Big Day

A second meeting is planned (in person or virtual) closer to your wedding day to review the details of the ceremony and prepare for the rehearsal and actual ceremony.

In addition, I am part of the ‘Vendor Team’ giving you stellar service to make sure your special day is perfect. Prior to your wedding day, I communicate with your other wedding vendors, introducing myself and sending them a ceremony summary with cues that helps us all be on the same ‘page’