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Getting Married?

Let Shahbaz take the stress out of your service

Couples I've worked with in the last 12 months

About

A wedding officiant plays a vital role in crafting a heartfelt and unforgettable wedding ceremony. With their expertise and personal touch, they breathe life into the love stories of couples. The wedding officiant takes on the responsibility of conducting the ceremony, overseeing the exchange of vows, and legally marrying the couple. They collaborate closely with the couple to understand their desires, values, and beliefs, ensuring that the ceremony reflects their unique love and commitment. From creating personalized vows (as needed) to selecting meaningful readings and rituals, the wedding officiant curates a ceremony that deeply resonates with the couple and their loved ones.

In addition to the ceremony itself, the wedding officiant also guides the couple through the legal aspects of marriage. They ensure that all necessary documents are completed and filed accurately, alleviating the stress of the bureaucratic process. Furthermore, they may provide assistance with marriage licenses, name changes, and other logistical details.

Whether it's an elaborate celebration or an intimate gathering, a wedding officiant serves as the guiding force that sets the tone for the entire ceremony. They hold the responsibility of crafting a personalized and deeply meaningful experience that celebrates the love and commitment between two individuals.

 

If this sounds like what you're seeking, I look forward to hearing from you!

Frequently Asked Questions

 
How do you like to work with people?

I enjoy first meeting with couples who are planning to get married, as it's a significant commitment. I like to understand the unique experiences of each person involved. The initial consultation is complimentary if the couple decides to go in a different direction.

Consultations can be done via phone, virtually or in-person (in most cases).

What are your credentials?

As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church since 2002, I have dedicated myself to honing my skills as a compassionate speaker and attentive listener. Through focused studies in interpersonal communication and relationship building, I have cultivated the ability to create meaningful interactions and unforgettable ceremonies for the couples I work with.

How do you choose your pricing?

Just paperwork (declaration and pronouncement), couple and their witnesses at my office: $329 Anything beyond 'just paperwork'

Please contact me at 651-300-2120 for more details.

What prompted you to start officiating weddings?

A colleague mentioned that he was getting married and needed an officiant. Luckily, I had been ordained as a minister as part of a community of ministers. When I shared this with him, he said he would discuss it with his fiancee. They ended up hiring me a few weeks later, and soon enough, more friends started asking me to officiate their weddings. After the fourth request, I decided to start charging a fee for my services.

Speaking of styles - what kinds of couples have you married?

Classic Union Enthusiasts - Partners drawn to the timeless elegance of a traditional wedding, complete with age-old vows and ceremonies.

Innovative Couples - Those seeking to infuse their special day with distinctive vows, creative ceremonies, or out-of-the-box themes.

Intimate Affair Duos - Partners opting for a secluded and heartfelt exchange of vows, whether in the presence of a few close ones or in a moment shared just between the two.

Culturally Blended Pairs - Lovebirds hailing from varied cultural tapestries, eager to weave elements from both their heritages into their nuptial celebration.

Seasoned Partners - Individuals embarking on matrimony anew, bringing their unique histories and insights to shape a ceremony that resonates with their journey.

Linguistically Diverse Duos - Couples bridging language divides, necessitating an officiant adept in celebrating their union in more than one tongue.

Bespoke Ceremony Advocates - Pairs desiring a wedding that mirrors their singular story, with carefully chosen readings, vows, or customs that highlight their individual bond.

What are some things to consider when I reach out to my officiant?

Whenever possible, confirm you have the marriage license in your hand when you reach out.

Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions (see below for some examples questions I've received)

Remember that this is a business and for some of us, it's our only source of income because we love what we do.

It's OK to exclude us from the reception if you don't have room. We'll be OK!

What are some questions I might want to consider before speaking with Reverend Shahbaz?

Choosing the right wedding officiant is an important decision for a couple, as the officiant plays a crucial role in the ceremony.

Here are some questions that couples should think through before hiring me:

 

  1. Availability and Schedule: - Is the officiant available on your preferred wedding date and time? - Are they willing to travel if you have a destination wedding?

 

  1. Legal Requirements: - Are they familiar with the legal requirements for marriage in your location?

 

  1. Ceremony Style: - What is their approach to ceremonies? Traditional, modern, religious, secular, or a blend? - Can they customize the ceremony to reflect your preferences and values?

 

  1. Experience: - How many weddings has the officiant performed? - Do they have experience with specific types of ceremonies (e.g., interfaith, same-sex, cultural)?

 

  1. Communication: - How do they handle communication leading up to the wedding? - Are they open to meetings or consultations to discuss the ceremony details?

 

  1. Ceremony Content: - Can you review or provide input on the ceremony script before the wedding? - Are they open to incorporating specific readings, rituals, or personal touches?

 

  1. Fee Structure: - What is their fee, and what does it include (e.g., rehearsal, travel expenses)? - Are there any additional fees or charges?

 

  1. Flexibility: - How flexible are they in terms of last-minute changes or unexpected circumstances? - Are they comfortable with unconventional or non-traditional elements?

 

  1. Rehearsal: - Do they offer a rehearsal, and is it included in the fee? - How do they coordinate and run the rehearsal?

 

  1. Religious or Cultural Sensitivity: - If applicable, are they familiar with and respectful of your religious or cultural traditions? - How do they handle ceremonies that involve multiple faiths or cultural backgrounds?

 

  1. Personality Fit: - Do you feel comfortable with the officiant's personality and style? - Will they be able to connect with you and your guests during the ceremony?

See what others are saying!

See what people are saying!

All around a great experience. Very professional and kind. Affordable and convenient. I would
recommend - Sandra L
It was an amazing experience!! We needed someone to officiated our New Years Eve wedding, with very little notice, and he came to us within a day. He walked us through it and made our day special!! I would highly recommend. Thank you!! - Jeff S L
We needed someone to officiate a marriage with very little notice. Shahbaz was willing to work with us to perform the wedding ceremony & was courteous, professional & helped make two people very very happy. Thank you Shahbaz! - Sabah A
Very professional, answered all my questions, he did exactly what I asked for, I couldnt be more
satisfied with his good job, 100% recommended. -Sandra O
If anyone is looking for for a Reverend, I would recommend YOU! - Gregory L
Easy to work with - He was wonderful to work with. Everything was well prepared and simple. He listened to our wants and made the whole process easy. It was well done. Would recommend. - Jeffrey L
Very professional,  It was exactly what we wanted. The communication was absolutely amazing. I couldn't have asked for someone better. This will forever be an amazing moment in my life. Reverend Shahbaz is sweet, patient, and kind. Made our experience completely comfortable and genuine. 💓💓💓 - Mai L.

Reverend Shahbaz took the time to meet and get to know us. He was available to travel out of town arriving on time and in good spirits. He did a great job and calmed my nerves as the bride. I was thankful for his calm and confident presence while he officiated our wedding - Jackie L