Skip to main content
Weddings

About this vendor

Gwen Downs, Wedding Celebrant
Gwen Downs, Wedding Celebrant
Owner

Woman-owned

No team details yet

Gwen creates exciting, one-of-a-kind wedding ceremonies for fun couples who want something far from boring. She brings your story to life in a way that captivates your guests and makes you feel proud and thrilled to have a ceremony that truly reflects you.

Every ceremony is fully customized with your input—from the traditions you want to honor to the heartfelt (or hilarious!) way your love story is told. Gwen crafts your script with care and delivers it with warmth and personality, leaving everyone in attendance feeling engaged, moved, and completely invested in your moment.

She proudly serves all kinds of couples, including religious, non-religious, interfaith, spiritual-but-not-religious, and LGBTQ+ partners. Her process includes:

  • A free, no-pressure consultation

  • A full one-hour planning session

  • Unlimited script revisions and open collaboration

  • Ongoing communication by phone or email

  • A full ceremony rehearsal

  • Legal filing of your NC marriage license

  • A professional backup officiant (just in case)

Beyond custom ceremonies at larger venues, Gwen also offers:

  • Simple license signings at her location in Holly Springs

  • Romantic elopements at her location in Holly Springs

  • Micro weddings in parks, backyards, and intimate restaurants

Whether you're planning a grand celebration or a cozy "just us" moment, Gwen will help make your ceremony unforgettable.

Pricing

No pricing details yet

We’re here to help! Find other vendors that suit your budget.

Continue browsing vendors

Availability

No availability details yet

Looking for the perfect match?

Continue browsing vendors

FAQ

Which of the following are included in the price of your wedding officiant services?

Ceremony Rehearsal

Does starting price include the ceremony rehearsal?

No

What is the starting price for ceremony rehearsals?

$100

What types of weddings and events do you provide services for?

Non-religious
Interfaith
Ceremony Rehearsal
Vow Renewal
Civil Union

What religious affiliations do you serve?

Agnostic
Anglican
Baha'i Faith
Baptist
Buddhist
Catholic
Earth-Based
Episcopalian
Evangelical
Hindu
Islam
Jainism
Jewish
Lutheran
Methodist
Mormon
No Denomination
Orthodox Christian
Pagan
Presbyterian
Quaker
Shinto
Sikhism
Taoist
Unitarian

On average, how long are wedding ceremonies you officiate?

Less than 30 mins.

In which states are you licensed?

NC

What languages do you speak?

English

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of Gwen Downs, Wedding Celebrant

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

Gwen received glowing reviews as a wedding officiant, with multiple couples praising her professionalism, organizational skills, and ability to personalize ceremonies. Reviewers appreciated how Gwen allowed them to tailor the ceremony to their preferences and provided guidance throughout the process. Despite a few instances where her tone was off-putting, most found her easy to work with, responsive, and accommodating, especially when schedules needed to change due to unforeseen circumstances like COVID. Guests and couples alike were impressed with the personalized love stories Gwen created, making their ceremonies truly memorable. Highly recommended for her exceptional service and attention to detail.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Gwen received glowing reviews as a wedding officiant, with multiple couples praising her professionalism, organizational skills, and ability to personalize ceremonies. Reviewers appreciated how Gwen allowed them to tailor the ceremony to their preferences and provided guidance throughout the process. Despite a few instances where her tone was off-putting, most found her easy to work with, responsive, and accommodating, especially when schedules needed to change due to unforeseen circumstances like COVID. Guests and couples alike were impressed with the personalized love stories Gwen created, making their ceremonies truly memorable. Highly recommended for her exceptional service and attention to detail.

Abigail
Abigail Sent on 01/02/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful ceremony and so easy to work with

We are not really sentimental or attention-loving people so we were nervous about figuring out our ceremony, but Gwen made every step of the process very easy and painless. She worked with us on all the logistics and content of our ceremony, and surveyed our friends and family to write a "love story" to tell at our ceremony, which many of our guests say they really enjoyed. She also did announcements, cued the DJ, and organized our marriage license signing. She is extremely flexible and organized (spreadsheets and google docs!) and we didn't have to do much at all, just a quick questionnaire and a meeting or two! She did a great job running our rehearsal and was familiar with the venue. She was respectful of all of our preferences and we were really happy with the result. She is a very kind, down-to-earth person and it was a pleasure to work with her.
Tenisha
Tenisha Sent on 11/11/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Love Story

Gwen Downs is absolutely wonderful. She is very organized, and has a good formula. Her written love story she created for us was funny, and heartfelt. She did great guiding the ceremony. Thank you again Gwen for everything.
Christian
Christian Sent on 11/06/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible!

Gwen was absolutely fantastic and the ceremony she facilitated for our wedding was beautiful! Not to mention all the support and guidance she provided in preparation. My wife and I could not be more pleased. Highly recommend!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

92
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner

Feeling inspired?

Start a convo to see if this vendor could be the right fit for you.

Wedding couple

Team

Gwen Downs, Wedding Celebrant
Gwen Downs, Wedding Celebrant
Owner

Professional Network & Endorsements

Capital Region Ceremonies Capital Region Ceremonies Wedding Officiants

Gwen brings the premier experience for couples in the North Carolina area. Her higher level of education, as a Life Cycle Celebrant, has her focus on your needs and wants in the service. A wonderful and well spoken Officiant, Gwen has the experience and charm to enhance your day.

Bay 7, American Tobacco District
4.9 out of 5 rating , 17 reviews
· Banquet Halls
Pinehill Pavilion
5.0 out of 5 rating , 38 reviews
· Barn & Farm Weddings
The Royal Banquet & Conference Center
4.7 out of 5 rating , 117 reviews
· Banquet Halls
The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve
4.9 out of 5 rating , 74 reviews
· Barn & Farm Weddings
The Stockroom at 230
4.9 out of 5 rating , 219 reviews
· Historic Weddings
The Barn at Valhalla
5.0 out of 5 rating , 60 reviews
· Barn & Farm Weddings

Map

Location

Why use Weddingwire to message vendors?

  • Messaging our verified vendors on WeddingWire is complimentary, safe, and secure.
  • Effortlessly manage vendor communications and planning details in one centralized location.
  • Our mobile apps ensure you can stay connected with vendors anytime, anywhere.
  • For customized pricing and package information, messaging the vendor directly is the quickest way to get the details you need.

Other vendors in Raleigh for your wedding

Wedding Vendors

Responds within 24 hours