Rev. Alberta Eaton Advice, Rev. Alberta Eaton Tips, Maryland

FAQ

Business Details

Categories:

Officiant

What additional types of events do you service?

Anniversaries, Christenings, Eco-Friendly / Green Weddings, LGBT Weddings / Ceremonies, Memorials

Last Login:

May 25, 2012

Frequently Asked Questions for Officiant

What officiant services do you provide?

Civil Union, Interfaith Ceremony, Non-religious Ceremony, Single Religion Ceremony

What religious affiliations do you serve?

Agnostic, Buddhist, Christian (no denomination), Christian - Baptist, Christian - Catholic, Christian - Episcopalian, Christian - Lutheran, Christian - Methodist, Christian - Mormon, Christian - Presbyterian, Christian - Quaker, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim

Can you accommodate the hearing impaired?

Are you willing to perform a ceremony at a non-religious site?

Yes. I travel all over the State of Maryland and south-central Pennsylvania officiating at the venue of your choice.

What is your attire for the ceremony?

Generally, I wear either a black or a white ministerial robe. My robes do not exhibit any "religious" symbols since I work with people from all different backgrounds. I always ask my couples if they prefer a robe or a business suit.

Are you flexible in the wording used throughout the ceremony, including the vows?

Yes. Over the years, I have compiled a booklet of alternative text for all the different parts of the ceremony that I give my couples. I am open to the couple writing the entire ceremony if they like, or just their vows, or giving them a complete ceremony based on what they tell me they would like to have. I always respect their wishes with regard to wording.

Do you allow the couple to write their own vows, if desired?

Yes. I encourage couples to either write their own or add something personal to any of the standard vows that are out there, but I never insist on one way or the other.

Do you have a list of readings pre-selected, from which the couple must choose?

No. Within the booklet I give my couples there are well over 100 sample readings, but I also encourage them to look elsewhere, or even write their own if they are comfortable with that.

How long are your ceremonies?

The average ceremony is 15 - 20 minutes & if you add the processional and recessional, that takes you to about 30 minutes which is what most venues give you for the ceremony. I have officiated ceremonies that were almost an hour long, and I officiated one ceremony that was only 6 minutes. It all depends on what the couple wants.

Do you require that premarital counseling be done?

No. If the couple wants counseling, I can refer them out to professional couples counselors.

Are you willing to perform pre-ceremony rehearsals?

Yes.

Do you supply a sound system?

No.

Other Information

What types of cultural events do you specialize in?

North American

Additional Answers & Advice:

What happens if you have an emergency on the day of the wedding?

I am a member of the Ministerial Alliance which is a group of ministers in the area who work together to provide ministerial services to the community. Should I ever encounter an emergency, the Alliance would step in to provide the services that I have contracted with you.

Booking your officiant early can alleviate a lot of the last-minute stress. Your ceremony is the beginning of the entire event, and your wedding is one of the most important days in your life. Treat it as such. If you want someone who will respect your wishes, be professional yet friendly and help to make your walk down the aisle one of the most beautiful moments in your life, start interviewing officiants as soon as you've booked your venue. Only hire the one with whom you feel most comfortable. After all, that person will be leading through a very important life event!