Sacred Words Wedding Design 4.8 out of 5.0 4.9/5.0
Florida Wedding Officiant
2020 Magnolia Drive, Clearwater, FL 33764
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727-686-8751
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Business Info
Services: Officiant
Established: 2001
Employees: 3
Accepts:

 
About
Hello Bride & Groom!
First, let me offer you my sincerest Best Wishes on a long and happy life together!!

My name is Rev. Norma J. Smith and I am located in Clearwater, Florida.
I have been performing weddings and other types of ceremonies in the Tampa Bay area since 2001.

As a Notary, certified wedding officiant and ordained minister, I offer my services as a marriage officiant to
ALL
those in love who seek to be joined together.

I believe that everyone is entitiled to their own beliefs, and because of that belief, I do not force my views on anyone.
I do not require religious or marital counseling.

Wherever you would like to hold your ceremony~
on the beach... in one of our beautiful local county parks... on the green at your golf course... at a hotel... in your backyard... in a theme park... in a rented hall... a chapel... on a boat... in a private home... Sunrise- Sunset- Midnight- or any time in between~
I would be honored
to help you create a lasting memory of your special day!

I encourage each couple to write their own vows, however, I have many pre-written scripts which are available for you to view and choose from.

Friends, Family, Children & Pets are always welcomed to be included in the ceremony!


It’s YOUR day- so we’ll do it YOUR way!

Portfolio 

Promotions
United States Armed Forces AND Fire Fighters  
Posted By: Sacred Words Wedding Design
Active Duty Military and Pinellas County Fire Fighters receives 25% off any wedding package over $250 and free video ... (more)

Applies to Officiant, Videography

Endorsements
As an officiant working with ~~My Heart Is Yours Ministry~~, Sacred Words Wedding Design has the unlimited resources to provide you with the ceremony of your dreams!
I have met Rev. Norma J. Smith through Universal Ministries and I am very happy to endorse her. She is extremely knowledgable and has everything it takes to make your wedding a personal experience that you and your guests will always remember.
I've gotten to know Rev. Smith through My Heart Is Yours Ministry, where she is a leader with a wealth of information and ideas. She is a pleasure to know, and I've learned a lot from her.

Frequently Asked Questions for Officiant
What officiant services do you provide?
Interfaith Ceremony, Non-religious Ceremony, Single Religion Ceremony
 
What religious affiliations do you serve?
Buddhist, Christian (no denomination), Christian - Baptist, Christian - Catholic, Christian - Episcopalian, Christian - Lutheran, Christian - Methodist, Christian - Orthodox, Christian - Presbyterian, Christian - Quaker
 
Can you accommodate the hearing impaired?
Yes
 
Are you willing to perform a ceremony at a non-religious site?
Yes! Wherever you would like to hold your ceremony~ on the beach... in one of our beautiful local county parks... on the green at your golf course... at a hotel... in your backyard... in a theme park... in a rented hall... a chapel... on a boat... in a private home... Sunrise- Sunset- Midnight- or any time in between~ I would be honored to help you create a lasting memory of your special day!
 
Are you flexible in the wording used throughout the ceremony, including the vows?
Absolutely!
 
Do you allow the couple to write their own vows, if desired?
I encourage each couple to write their own vows, however, I have many pre-written scripts which are available for you to view and choose from.
 
Do you have a list of readings pre-selected, from which the couple must choose?
I have many samples that can be viewed for ideas.
 
Do you require that premarital counseling be done?
No.
 
Are you willing to perform pre-ceremony rehearsals?
Yes, but I do charge. I have a very funny rehearsal that will have your wedding party laughing the whole night long!

Additional Questions and Answers
Do you use a contract?
Yes- to protect you and myself- and to have us all on the same page as to what to expect.


How do we reserve our wedding date with you?
First, contact me via email or phone to see if your date and time is available.
Once you decide to use my services, I will require a 50% (non-refundable) deposit to hold your day in my calendar.

Why are deposits "NON-REFUNDABLE"?
For 2 reasons:
1. I am reserving this date and time for you and you alone. Other services on this date will be turned down due to your reservation.
and
2. I will be sending you my samples to view.

The deposit is deducted from the total cost of your ceremony fee.


What are your credentials?

I am a member of

The National Notary Association
The American Association of Notaries
The National Association of Wedding Ministers
The American Association of Wedding Ministers
The American Council of Wedding Officiants
The Professional Wedding Officiant Association


I have been conducting weddings and other religious services since 2001.

My ministry was obtained through the following
legally recognized Churches:
My Heart is Yours Ministry
The Universal Life Church 
The Church of Spiritual Humanism
Rose Ministries
Universal Ministries
The Church of Seven Planes
The Church Of New Life
and
The Love Church


I hold my spiritual beliefs in high regard and my belief in my "
Creator" is present in my every day life.
I believe "
No one ministry is more important than another, as we are co-laborers working together as we fulfill our life destinies in ministry together."
I live my life with honor and compassion for others.


Must we meet face to face with you first?

No; of course I would
prefer to meet you, but I know you're busy.
Many of my couple's are from out of state.
If we can't meet in person, we'll chat on the phone and spend time online.
Remember, my job is to make YOUR dream come true, and to take the written ceremony stress OFF of you :)
I do ask that you send in a photo of the two of you so I know whom I'm looking for on the day that we do finally meet.


What will happen at our meeting if we DO choose to meet?

We will just have a casual conversation.
It usually only lasts around 60 minutes and gives you
an opportunity to ask me any questions you might have.
It is very laid back and generally takes place in my home or a local venue on weekday evenings.
I will show you all the options that I offer for your ceremony.
This is not a meeting where I test couples to determine whether or not they should be united in marriage.
It is really more of a test to see if you like me well enough to be the one you invite to preside over your nuptials.


What if you are unavailable for our wedding date and time?

I have 2 other ministers to whom I can refer.
You can rest assured these ministers will be of the highest quality and very professional.
They will read the ceremony that I have prepared for you through our development stage.


What kind of ceremonies do you perform?

I perform many different kinds of ceremonies.
I have many, many different texts & readings for you to choose from, (which I will send you via email to view) or we can write a completely new ceremony~
it's up to you!
If you tell me what you would like in the way of a ceremony I will make sure you get what you desire.
I have performed traditional religious ceremonies, non-religious ceremonies, and a variety of special theme weddings.
I am able to incorporate different faith traditions when couples desire or deem appropriate.


What time will you arrive at our ceremony?

Depending on your option choices, I will arrive 30-90 minutes prior to the start of your ceremomy.
For rehearsals I generally arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the starting time.


How are you different from other wedding ministers?

Officiating weddings is more than reciting words and making pronouncements.
Weddings are about people.
My experience in dealing with a variety of people from my years in customer service and in the medical field, {along with being a mother of 4 and grandmother of 4!}
will prove essential to the success of your ceremony.
I will be calm and unflappable for you.  
I bring a rare combination of professionalism and humor to all that I do.
Plus-
I believe the day is all about YOU!
This makes me an ideal wedding officiant.


Do you stay for the rehearsal dinner and/or reception?

Please do not feel that you have to ask me to your rehearsal dinner or reception! It is neither expected nor necessary and you will not hurt my feelings if you do
not have the budget, space, or inclination to invite me.
I have been truly blessed and feel honored by the number of couples who are selecting me to officiate their wedding.
Because of this, I usually do not have the time to attend these added events as I may be on the way to another wedding ceremony!
But I truly appreciate you thinking of me!


What other services do you provide?

Commitment Ceremonies 
Renewal of Vows 
Baby Blessing/Naming Ceremonies
Coming of Age Ceremonies
Memorials
House Blessing Ceremonies
Friendship Vows
Pet Weddings
Spiritual Mentoring


Will you travel outside of Pinellas County, Florida?

I am licensed to perform ceremonies any where in the state of Florida.
If I am available and you meet my travel fee requirements there should be no problem.

Tips and Advice
Select your Officiant not only on their crendentials, but on the way they make you feel. 
If you're not comfortable the first time you meet- chances are you won't be on the day of the ceremony!
It's YOUR Day- you should have someone who can make you feel at ease and help you to focus on the true meaning of the moment.
Trust your gut feeling- with ALL the vendors you interview- and you'll be fine!
Best Wishes!