Services:
Established:	2008
Employees:	1
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Your wedding ceremony should reflect who you are - your love & your relationship. Let me make your special day into one that you and your family will never forget with an original wedding ceremony.

I will create a ceremony that embodies the love and passion of your relationship, while still capturing the individuality and personalities of both parties. I take elements and rituals from your backgrounds and weave them into your love story to create a unique ceremony just for your wedding.

Of course, this is your wedding, and you have the ultimate control. I will create this unique ceremony based on the parameters you give me. All traditions and backgrounds are accepted and honored. The possibilities for the ceremony are nearly endless! I can also suggest rituals or ceremonies to include if you are looking for ideas, as well as help you with your vows, and readings. I act as your partner and guide, offering my expertise, experience, and guidance to create a truly original and very special wedding ceremony.

The ceremony will be original, touching, and beautiful, and one that you, as well as your family and friends, will remember forever.

I am a Celebrant and non-denominational minister, and can legally solemnize marriages and civil unions in New Jersey, and marriages in New York City and New York State. 

I do not practice or preach any specific religion or spiritual beliefs, and the ceremony's religious and spiritual content (or lack there-of) is very much guided through your input.  We can discuss options for what you would like to include.

The central theme of the ceremony will be your love story; the original tale of what events have brought you both to where you are today. Indeed, your wedding is just the beginning of this story, and I would be honored to help guide you into this next chapter.

To learn more about creating your own unique wedding ceremony, please contact me or visit my website!

I also offer elopements / quick weddings on short notice and ceremony writing services (for destination weddings, or if you are planning on writing your own ceremony and need a little help!).

ec·lec·tic
Selecting or choosing from various sources. Not following any one system, but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems.

un·ion
The act of uniting two or more things.

Book for 2010 in 2009!   Posted By: Eclectic Unions by Celebrant Jessie Blum Planning your 2010 wedding? Book in 2009 to lock down this year's rate! Contact me for a quote. (more) Expires: Dec 31, 2009 Applies to Officiant

Non-Wedding Season Discount!   Posted By: Eclectic Unions by Celebrant Jessie Blum Special discount for couples being married off-season, November through April. Email me for details! (more) Applies to Officiant

Juliet Events

Jessie is wonderful to work with. Her ceremonies are tailored to reflect what is important to you as a couple. We always look forward to seeing her.

What is a Celebrant?
A Celebrant is a trained ceremony expert! The Celebrant’s mission is to create a ceremony that reflects the needs, beliefs, cultural background, value, and tastes of those involved. More information on Celebrancy can be found at the Celebrant USA Foundation’s website.

Are you a real minister?
Yes, I am an ordained minister through the Universal Brotherhood Movement, and legal to perform marriages in the state of New Jersey and New York. I am registered with the New York City Clerk as an officiant, and can provide my registration number upon request. I am not a judge or justice of the peace, but I often perform non-religious or civil weddings.

I do not practice or preach a specific religion, belief, or viewpoint – my ordination is simply what allows me to legally solemnize your wedding ceremony.

What’s the process like? How do you write our ceremony if you don’t know us?
We’ll meet for an informal interview, where I can share information with you, and learn about your needs and desires for your wedding. From there, you’ll get “homework” – an in depth worksheet you’ll each fill out that will help me get to know you and understand exactly what you are looking for. I’ll then write your ceremony for you, and send the draft to you for approval. I am available to rehearse the ceremony with you, and will officiate the ceremony on your wedding day. Throughout the process, I am available for unlimited phone and email consultations.

Do I get to read the ceremony beforehand?
Yes! I will take information from our discussions and a worksheet I give out to create your ceremony. Drafts will be sent to you via email, and I offer unlimited consultations on these drafts. When it comes to the ceremony, there will be no surprises on your wedding day.

How far in advance do you get booked?
I recommend booking your officiant at least one year to six months before your wedding, for the best availability. But don’t let that scare you away if it’s less than six months! Send me an email to check my availability.

What does “Eclectic Unions” mean?
I wanted to choose a name for my Celebrancy practice that captured my attitude and feelings about weddings. The definition of “eclectic” is “choosing from a variety of sources – not following any one system, but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of a system.” And unions, of course, is the coming together part of weddings and civil unions.

As your Celebrant, I borrow from many different traditions and backgrounds and sources, to create and shape the ideal and perfect ceremony that accurately reflects your relationship, your love, and your commitment.

Eclectic Unions is currently a one woman business run out of my home, with the endless support and help of my fiance Dan (my roadie / photographer / tech guy).

Should I write my own vows?
Writing your own vows can be a beautiful personal detail to your wedding ceremony. I can help you to create and write your vows. If you’d prefer not to, I can offer suggestions for vows.

Do you perform civil unions?
Yes! I would be honored to preside over your civil union. The process for civil unions is similar to the typical wedding processes.

What do you wear?
I usually wear slacks and a blazer, suiting or a dress, based on the formality of your wedding. I try to coordinate with your wedding colors, if possible.

I don’t wear a judge’s robe, vestments, or anything like that. If there is something specific you’d like me to wear, we can discuss it (theme wedding? costumes? I’m game!)! Please take a look at my gallery for some examples of outfits I’ve worn.

How long do your ceremonies take?
It all depends on what it’s in it! My wedding or civil union ceremonies usually last between 15-25 minutes. My quick weddings typically last about five minutes.

Do you stay for the reception or rehearsal dinner?
I am always honored when a couple invites me to the reception or rehearsal dinner, but it is by no means an obligation – absolutely no pressure for an invitation. I do not usually attend the rehearsal dinner or the reception, but have been known to stay for cocktail hour.

Should we have a rehearsal?
Rehearsal can help assuage nervous bridal party members, and ensure everything will run smoothly the day of. If you have rituals involving a number of people, or children in your bridal party, I think a rehearsal is a great idea. It’s also a great time to make sure your processional and recessional work, and everyone knows where to go. Rehearsals usually take twice as long as the ceremony itself – we’ll run through it twice, to make sure everyone knows where to go, and I’ll provide cue sheets and information for everyone involved.

Can we have a glass breaking/wine/unity candle/broom jumping/handfasting ritual in our ceremony?
I would love to integrate any rituals or traditions into your ceremony that you’d like. If I am not familiar with the ritual, I will research it for you. That’s the beautiful thing about writing your own wedding ceremony – you can personalize it to your own taste and tradition, and include rituals to really make it your own. If you’re looking for some ideas on different rituals to use, check out my blog for some inspiration!

Can you perform a Renewal of Vows?
A Renewal of Vows is a wonderful ceremony honoring your relationship and marriage, and celebrating your life together. I would be happy to work with you and create a unique ceremony for your vow renewal.

How do I change my name?
After the wedding ceremony, obtain an official copy of your wedding license from the town hall/registrar where your wedding was performed. Get more than one – you never know when a bureau may need to keep a copy, or if you need to mail it somewhere. You can use this document to change your name with Social Security, the DMV, and your bank account. Some credit cards may not require proof of the marriage – you simply need to call to have them change your name.

How do I get my license?
I’ll go over the license details at our no-obligation interview/meeting. It’s pretty easy! Remember, regardless of where you live, you need to get your license in the state you intend to be married. It’s important to remember that I cannot provide the wedding license for you, and if you fail to get a wedding license – you won’t be legally married.

Your ceremony sets the tone for the rest of the wedding.  A Celebrant ceremony really takes the custom wedding to the next step - your wedding ceremony will absolutely be on that your friends and family will never forget.  Don't understimate the importance of a wonderful wedding ceremony during your planning!