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Winner of the Weddingwire.com 2009 Bride's Choice Award...thank you newlyweds!!!
Providing Stress-Free Ceremony Planning, affordable packages and proven experience! Now offering invitations, day of stationery, favors and accessories, too!
Serving SW MI (and a small amount of Northern IN) area. From the small elopement to the largest catered affair, all receive the care, commitment and respect they deserve. Your wedding needs a Minister or Judge! Many have a pastor. However, some couples are looking for an independent Officiant who represents the State. One who can provide a non-denominational but spiritual wedding ceremony that celebrates love, trust, respect, fidelity, honesty and family and is not legalistic, long, and/or boring! I would be honored to create and perform your tailor-made, unique ceremony. You are not just the stars, but the directors of your wedding. I am here to inspire and recommend choices that you utimately make. No premarital counseling needed; just a firm desire by both to add a lasting commitment to their union. Please call/email for rates. All Faiths - interfaith – Spiritual - Non-denominational - Vow Renewals - 2nd Wedding - non religious - etc. If my calendar shows a date as unavailable, please call or email anyway. I may be able to accomodate you or would be happy to refer you to someone else, even if I cannot.

Weekday Savings   Posted By: "With This Ring" Wedding Ceremonies As always, With This Ring will offer 10% savings if you have a wedding on Sunday through Thursday! Applies to Formal ... (more) Applies to Officiant

November through March Savings   Posted By: "With This Ring" Wedding Ceremonies As always, With This Ring will offer a 10% savings on the Basic and Formal packages for weddings held Nov. 1st to Mar... (more) Applies to Officiant

Military Service Personnel Special   Posted By: "With This Ring" Wedding Ceremonies Are you an officer or enlisted person with any of the US branches of military service? With proof of current status,... (more) Applies to Officiant

Absolute Photography	We have had the pleasure to photograph two weddings this year that "With This Ring" officiated. The brides and grooms we spoke to LOVED their personalized ceremonies and keepsake books. Carleen was very professional and friendly. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a officiant for your wedding or other events.
Snapshotz Photography and Funtastic Sounds DJ Services	Carleen Burns of "With This Ring" Wedding Ceremonies is a wonderful and gifted individual. She conducts her services with utmost professionalism and is loved dearly by her clients.
Park Place Design (aka) Affordable Elegance	I love the carefree NESS" that carleen has, she is a wonderful woman and is using her God giving talent to make brides and grooms wedding days so neat!
Kellogg Manor House	Carleen is a pleasure to work with, very professional and helpful. We enjoyed having her at our site and would encourage couples to bring her back.
LaDuke Studios of Photography	With this Ring does a wonderful job with the ceremony and is wonderful to work with. Always a pleasure!

How far do you travel and is there a fee?
I will travel where you need me, however, I would require extra for destination weddings.  I only charge mileage beyond 60 miles (120 miles roundtrip).

How do you dress? 
I ask the couple ahead of time to choose from casual attire, simple dress, or my ministerial robe with wedding stole.

How much do you charge?  I base that on several factors: What day you have chosen, what time of day, number of guests, and how long you want the ceremony to be.  My prices start at $150 and the average price is $250-$300. There are three packages to choose from.

In which states and communities are you licensed to officiate ceremonies?
I can perform weddings in any state, but concentrate on SW Michigan and NW Indiana.

Can we read or hear your ceremony before our wedding day? 
You are allowed to, if you wish, read the rough draft and request changes.
Do you have a back up officiant on call, in case of an emergency?
I do.

Do you normally attend the reception?
I do not, but if you want me to give a blessing of the meal I will stay for that.

How long does the ceremony usually last?
Approximately 25-30 minutes.

What is your event cancellation policy?
If your ceremony is cancelled, and less than 30 days notice is given, the balance of the account will be due and payable to compensate for work “With This Ring”  would otherwise have obtained.

What is your customer satisfication cancellation policy?
“With This Ring” will not refund deposits; however, will transfer the deposit to a new wedding date if given at least 90 days notice. I stand behind my work, and would be willing to discuss any dissatisfaction with the terms of the agreement.

What are your standard payment terms?
I require a $50 deposit and signed contract to secure the date. The remainder is due upon completion of wedding officiant services at the ceremony (or before if you wish).

What makes you different from other local wedding officiants? Why should someone hire you?
I strive to know each couple and create a ceremony that is unique to them. I am patient, flexible, and non-judgemental. I will not try to "direct" you or your decisions. I feel my responsibility is to recommend and inspire choices that you make so your wedding is a reflection of you as a couple. I use several means to get to know my couples.

Will you marry couples of different faiths or previous divorce?
Of course.

What documents do I need to bring to our first meeting?
Just the two of you. If you have any pictures of the venue (where the ceremony will take place) or special readings you want included, you can bring those; but I will not need them until later.

How long after the ceremony do you file for the official marriage license?
I usually have that accomplished by the next business day.
 

 

The wedding officiant is usually one of the lowest budgeted items for a wedding, ranking just above tux rental.  However, no one person will put so much of their soul into your event as your officiant.  I am often told by others, "Wow, you get that much for a half hour of work?!"  Though the service at the ceremony is the most visible aspect of what I do, I do so much more.  I must advertise, and then it takes time to find leads or respond to inquiries.  When time allows, I meet with couples to be sure I am the right person for them; sometimes traveling a distance.  I maintain a home office with paper, computer, printer, ink, long distance calls, envelopes, etc.  I spend time interviewing the couples that choose me, so that I can write the perfect ceremony for them.  I then write their unique ceremony.  I show up early to the wedding so as not to add to their stress.  I remain after the ceremony for pictures and to complete the marriage license.  I then file the license with the appropriate office.  This is your day. Choosing the right wedding officiant will create a special memory for years to come.