Ceremonies By Kristi and Associates

Someone recently asked me what was the nicest compliment I have received during my work as an officiant. I've actually had two that still bring tears to my eyes. I answered that it was after a particular ceremony when an older gentleman asked how long the bride and I had been friends. He was very surprised when I told him that we had only met a few weeks prior, when the bride had contacted me to inquire about my services as an officiant. Seeing us together, he had assumed we were long time friends.

The other greatest compliment? I married a couple (2 wives) that had very recently discovered one of them had cancer. The wedding was incredibly special.....almost "other wordly." Only women were in attendance (as an archaeologist, the significance of this did not escape me). As a surprise for the couple, we brought decorations, snacks, sparkling cider, etc for them since they really couldn't get out of the house. We bonded....immediately.

I kept in touch with them, especially when they needed someone to talk to around chemo treatments. When they discovered, sadly, that the treatments were not working and she would enter hospice, they called me right away. Shortly thereafter, they asked if I would perform the funeral when the time came. I told both of them it would be a great honor. After she passed, we gathered together and held a beautiful ceremony by the water where we released her ashes. Being chosen to perform this most important task for such an amazing couple, although sad, was in many ways cathartic....and possibly the highest compliment I have EVER received during my entire life.

OK....wipe your eyes now and we will dive into discussing "business"!

I am constantly aware of the fact that the couples who hire me to officiate for them are placing a great deal of trust in me. For most human beings, memories of their wedding day will remain with them for the rest of their lives. I feel a serious responsibility to work as hard as I can to earn the trust that each couple who chooses me as their officiant places in my hands.

After launching Ceremonies By Kristi, it was only a few weeks before my schedule books started to fill at lightening speed. I found myself having to turn down many potential clients, in order to ensure that my current clients received the attention they required. So I began a search....with a goal of bringing on several more officiants who shared my ethos and love for this "work." I was incredibly fortunate to find four more officiants who fit this description. We all have various talents and areas where we shine. We work together to ensure that each of our clients has the best possible experience. We we now have 7 MAGNIFICENT officiants total....all went through the rigorous screening and training process I require. We may soon have 8.

Ceremonies by Kristi is truly a labor of love. We provide professional, unique wedding officiation services, as well as other ministerial duties. We can also provide services such as decorating, floral needs, "Day Of" wedding coordination, wedding consultation, referrals and many other services...just ask!Our team is truly passionate about what we do. On average, we spend at least 16 to 18 hours preparing for each ceremony. And we genuinely love what we do.

We are LGBTQIA+ friendly and consider ourselves reliable allies in the fight to secure equal rights for all people, regardless of race, gender/sexual preferences, religion (or lack thereof), disability, age, socio economic status, or nationality. We require any "preffered vendors" we list to share these core beliefs and practices. We do ask them directly before adding them. And being "just ok" with serving LGBTQIA+ customers, or any customers, is not acceptable. We expect any vendor/s we recommend to share our enthusiasm for being given the opportunity to share in one of the most important days of people's lives. Period.

We are based in Mandeville, Louisiana. Founder Kristi Jarrett leads the team of professionals who perform ceremonies for couples from all walks of life. Kristi is an ordained Universalist minister. Far from one-size-fits-all packages, Kristi and her team thoughtfully craft every ceremony to fit each couple. Your wedding is a deeply personal experience; Kristi and her team will ensure you get to share your beautiful story in a way that stays true to you.

Services Offered

Ceremonies by Kristi provides caring, thorough services, starting with the planning process, through the ceremony's recessional, and beyond. Your officiant will work with you to create meaningful and memorable nuptials. Whether you want a short and sweet ceremony or a more traditional experience, Kristi and her team are happy to accommodate your vision. After all....it is YOUR wedding, so you should be the Captain of the ship. We follow your vision, using our expertise to then turn your vision into a wedding ceremony that is uniquely you, as a couple.

UNITY RITUALS: At your request, we can include rituals such as sand ceremonies, unity candles, sage cleansing, rock ceremonies, liquor tasting and/or blending, Chuppa's, Breaking the Glass, handfasting, etc (the possibilites are endless!) to further incorporate your unique backgrounds and your love story into your wedding.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?: We are happy to incorporate children of all ages, and even your pets! into your wedding, at your request.

CULTURE AND LANGUAGE: Facilitating marriages in Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Gulf Coast, Ceremonies by Kristi can solemnize religious, interfaith, cultural or secular ceremonies. We can also deliver ceremonies in Spanish, 6 dialects of Mayan, Tagalog, and Mandarin Chinese with the help of our "translator" (my husband, Don). There is no additional charge for translating services. I speak French and German.

HAVE WEDDING CEREMONY, WILL TRAVEL: We will travel to out of state/out of country destinations to perform our services, with the couple and/or their friends and family providing for our travel and lodging. In most places within the United States, you may find that our fee + travel + lodging expenses may cost LESS than what your average local officiants charge just for performing a generic ceremony.

THE EXTRAS (MOST DO NOT COST EXTRA!): We do not charge extra for premarital counseling, helping you to write your vows, or spending as much time as you require in conversation with you and/or your partner.

ATTENDING REHEARSALS: Because of the dramatic increase in gas prices, we (unfortunately) have no choice but to now charge for rehearsal attendance. In addition, we often have to turn down clients in order to attend rehearsals. If the rehearsal is in the town where we live, there is a flat fee and extra beyond (we will agree upon mileage before setting the fee. This fee includes our time spent at the rehearsal. We enjoy attending rehearsals, as we get to meet some of the people in your wedding party, and we become a familiar face....so this was a very difficult decision for us. However, you can be comfortable, knowing that our professional officiants do not need to attend rehearsals in order to know our place in the processional, recessional, etc. For those parts, our jobs are pretty much standard and we could do it in our sleep :) . Several of us are certified Coordinators RUN rehearsals. So do not worry....if you do not want to pay the extra charge for rehearsal attendance, we won't be wandering around in circles on your big day (although that may be entertaining)....LOL. We will do what officiants do. As a side note, the vast majority of officiants have always charged for rehearsal attendance (side note: rehearsal attendance is included with our Day of Coordination services and do not cost extra if we are performing those services for you).

HAVING A PLAN A, B, C, D, &F: In addition, our clients will ALWAYS have a back up officiant in case of an unexpected emergency. This is included in our base cost.

OTHER COSTS?: Our most common source of higher additional costs is for supplies related to unity rituals, Day of Coordinating, flower rentals/purchases, photography services from Kristi's daughter Samantha, and decorating. The prices for those items are still very low, when compared to most markets (including our local markets). Regardless, you will NOT receive any surprise charges from us.

If you choose our group to officiate your wedding, we do not require a deposit. The total fee is due no later than two days before your wedding date. You will also be protected by our refund policy: Any client can receive a 100%, no questions asked refund of charges they have already paid....up until the DAY BEFORE your wedding. Day of wedding refunds will be handled on a case by case basis. This policy will be part of your contract.

Thank you for considering us. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call, text, or email us at any time.