” The commitment a couple makes during their wedding ceremony is a sacred moment. It is my great honor and passion as an officiant to walk alongside two people going through such a special experience. “
Joan Fergus, Celebrant
Congratulations! You are getting married and want to have an exceptional ceremony. truly reflecting the two of you. My specialty is crafting a couple-centered ceremony that embraces who you are, creating an environment where everyone feels a part of the celebration.
The ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. Whether it is a private elopement or a large formal affair, each ceremony is crafted to tell your authentic love story and express your vision, values and beliefs. Joan is an experienced, professional celebrant that will assist you in all aspects of your ceremony.
Use An Experienced Officiant On Your Wedding Day
Joan is passionate about officiating weddings and makes sure that each ceremony she officiates is special and stress-free. She honors the background and relationships of couples from all walks of life and will assist you in all aspects of your ceremony.
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
$ 850.00
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 word, feelings and relationship/life story.
*Ask about off-season rates and special accommodations.
Elopement / Mini-wedding
$400 - $750.00
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 and lodging are included if needed.
License Signing
$150.00 - $250.00
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.
Officiant Coaching with Custom-Written Ceremony
$400.00 - $600.00
Using a friend or family member as an officiant? I can save you hours of research by writing your custom ceremony along with coaching them on how to run the rehearsal, work with vendors and deliver a ceremony with confidence and ease. This will give you peace of mind that no mishaps will occur on your special day with an inexperienced officiant.
Travel fees
Distance calculated at
$0.85 / mile
Overnight stay
$ 175.00
In addition to travel fees
Custom Ceremonies - The Process
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.
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.
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’
Why Choose Ceremonies By Joan
Seamless Wedding Rehearsals And Ceremonies.
Rev. Joan specializes in writing unique, one-of-a-kind wedding ceremonies and conducting seamless wedding rehearsals and ceremonies.
Experienced Professional
Officiating weddings since 2013 in the southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois regions (including venues in Milwaukee, Madison, Lake Geneva, Racine/ Kenosha area and Lake County, Illinois).
Reliable
Known for…connecting with couples and their families; easy to work with, reliable and dependable service; creating a sacred space and open to all faiths and gender marriages.
Effective & Efficient Co-ordination
Rev. Joan will direct the rehearsal to ensure the next day’s wedding ceremony runs smoothly. On the wedding day, will oversee communication with the DJ/Musicians, Photographer and Venue Coordinator for a flawless ceremony.
