Illuminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyCape CodHudson HouseHudson HouseCape CodCape CodHobokenRiver CafeRiver CafeHudson House with RaccoonDebonair - Ashford EstateMidtownCape CodWythe Hotel WeddingIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyChris Shelley, warming up the crowd before a wedding at the New York Public Library.Craig & Jessie got married at the New York Public Library, in one of the most elegant ceremonies I've ever seen.Craig and Jessie got married at the New York Public Library, in one of the most elegant ceremonies I've ever seen.Craig and Jessie got married at the New York Public Library, in one of the most elegant ceremonies I've ever seen.Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and this event - a musical ceremony followed by a dance party complete with a massive balloon-drop. I doubled as Officiant/MC, sharing the bill with the magnificent Robyn Adele Anderson.Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and this event - a musical ceremony followed by a dance party complete with a massive balloon-drop. I doubled as Officiant/MC, sharing the bill with the magnificent Robyn Adele Anderson.Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and this event - a musical ceremony followed by a dance party complete with a massive balloon-drop. I doubled as Officiant/MC, sharing the bill with the magnificent Robyn Adele Anderson.Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and this event - a musical ceremony followed by a dance party complete with a massive balloon-drop. I doubled as Officiant/MC, sharing the bill with the magnificent Robyn Adele Anderson.Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and this event - a musical ceremony followed by a dance party complete with a massive balloon-drop. I doubled as Officiant/MC, sharing the bill with the magnificent Robyn Adele Anderson.Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and this event - a musical ceremony followed by a dance party complete with a massive balloon-drop. I doubled as Officiant/MC, sharing the bill with the magnificent Robyn Adele Anderson.Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and this event - a musical ceremony followed by a dance party complete with a massive balloon-drop. I doubled as Officiant/MC, sharing the bill with the magnificent Robyn Adele Anderson.Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and this event - a musical ceremony followed by a dance party complete with a massive balloon-drop. I doubled as Officiant/MC, sharing the bill with the magnificent Robyn Adele Anderson.Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and this event - a musical ceremony followed by a dance party complete with a massive balloon-drop. I doubled as Officiant/MC, sharing the bill with the magnificent Robyn Adele Anderson.Illuminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyMy dressing room at Rachael RayOn Valentine's Day, 2014, I appeared on 'The Rachael Ray Show', presiding over a vow renewal ceremony.Illuminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyTaryn & Jud at Brooklyn Winery. Taryn was the funniest bride everTaryn & Jud at Brooklyn Winery. Taryn was the funniest bride everAt Brooklyn WineryTaryn & Jud at Brooklyn Winery. Taryn was the funniest bride everThey call us Life-Cycle Celebrants for a reason: a bride that I married hired me to do a memorial service for one of her co-workers, at the UN. Celebrants celebrate beginnings and endings and everything in between.They call us Life-Cycle Celebrants for a reason: a bride that I married hired me to do a memorial service for one of her co-workers, at the UN. Celebrants celebrate beginnings and endings and everything in between.They call us Life-Cycle Celebrants for a reason: a bride that I married hired me to do a memorial service for one of her co-workers, at the UN. Celebrants celebrate beginnings and endings and everything in between.They call us Life-Cycle Celebrants for a reason: a bride that I married hired me to do a memorial service for one of her co-workers, at the UN. Celebrants celebrate beginnings and endings and everything in between.They call us Life-Cycle Celebrants for a reason: a bride that I married hired me to do a memorial service for one of her co-workers, at the UN. Celebrants celebrate beginnings and endings and everything in between.Yes, they do weddings at Citifield! What a great experience. The mic I used carried throughout the entire stadium. So fun. Thanks Britt & Kevin!Now getting married...batting first and pledging his eternal love...the shortstop...Yes, they do weddings at Citifield! What a great experience. The mic I used carried throughout the entire stadium. So fun. Thanks Britt & Kevin! This photo makes it look as if the wedding was sponsored by Geico. 15 minutes can save you 15% on car insurance. But then, you knew that.Joey Boquiren at Cherry Red Shoe photography - at the Leapin' Lizard in Covington, KentuckyJoey Boquiren at Cherry Red Shoe photography - at the Leapin' Lizard in Covington, KentuckyJoey Boquiren at Cherry Red Shoe photography - at the Leapin' Lizard in Covington, KentuckyJoey Boquiren at Cherry Red Shoe photography - at the Leapin' Lizard in Covington, KentuckyMaria and Kyle at 620 Loft and GardenMaria and Kyle at 620 Loft and GardenMaria and Kyle at 620 Loft and GardenMaria and Kyle at 620 Loft and GardenAt MyMoon in WilliamsburgAt MyMoon in WilliamsburgAt MyMoon in WilliamsburgAt MyMoon in WilliamsburgNicole and Drew got married at the Gramercy Hotel in lower Manhattan. Such a cool place for a wedding, I really hope I get to back there one day.Illuminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyThe setting is quaint, classy, beautiful and unique at the Gramercy HotelIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyNicole & Drew, Gramercy Hotel. Most gorgeous bride I've ever married. Other than my wife, of course.At Glass Houses, in ChelseaAt Glass Houses, in ChelseaAt Glass Houses, in ChelseaAt Glass Houses, in Chelsea. No, that's not a really tall cake. That's the bride!At Glass Houses, in ChelseaAt Glass Houses, in ChelseaAt Glass Houses, in ChelseaAt Glass Houses, in ChelseaIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyTom breaking the glassTom and Samantha sharing a laugh during their ceremonySamantha and Tom gazing at each other lovinglyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyGoing over some English pronunciation for the very French TomChris doing a mic check -- a very exciting moment of preparation for a wedding officiantLove this artsy shot of Samantha and TomIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyJosann & Sam had a scenic wedding out in Jersey CityIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyExciting side angle shot - it's like you're backstage at Josann and Sam's wedding!Three Supermodels in New JerseyThis is what weddings look like from really far awayShot of Josann and Sam's wedding from the Hubble telescopeFunniest bride ever.Bo and Estelle got married at Dene Shelter in Central ParkEstelle and Bo kissing, officially husband and wifeIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyJerry & Jeremy, together 23 years, from Texas, got married at Wagner Cove in Central Park.Jerry & Jeremy, together 23 years, from Texas, got married at Wagner Cove in Central Park.Jerry & Jeremy, together 23 years, from Texas, got married at Wagner Cove in Central Park.I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, 5th Avenue, and Rockefeller Center. We did each part of their ceremony at a different stop along the tour. At Rockefeller Center, we had a group of onlookers cheering.I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, 5th Avenue, and Rockefeller Center. We did each part of their ceremony at a different stop along the tour. At Rockefeller Center, we had a group of onlookers cheering.I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, 5th Avenue, and Rockefeller Center. We did each part of their ceremony at a different stop along the tour. At Rockefeller Center, we had a group of onlookers cheering.I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, 5th Avenue, and Rockefeller Center. We did each part of their ceremony at a different stop along the tour. At Rockefeller Center, we had a group of onlookers cheering.I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, 5th Avenue, and Rockefeller Center. We did each part of their ceremony at a different stop along the tour. At Rockefeller Center, we had a group of onlookers cheering.I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, 5th Avenue, and Rockefeller Center. We did each part of their ceremony at a different stop along the tour. At Rockefeller Center, we had a group of onlookers cheering.I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, 5th Avenue, and Rockefeller Center. We did each part of their ceremony at a different stop along the tour. At Rockefeller Center, we had a group of onlookers cheering.Darren & Yuki got married in Jersey City and had a nifty Sake ritual in their ceremony called 'San San Kudo'.Darren & Yuki got married in Jersey City and had a nifty Sake ritual in their ceremony called 'San San Kudo'.Darren & Yuki got married in Jersey City and had a nifty Sake ritual in their ceremony called 'San San Kudo'.AnnMarie & Mike, Sunset TerraceIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyMonica & Pavel got married quickly, on short notice, at Grand Central.Illuminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher Shelley
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About
On WeddingWire since 2011
I'd like to be the easiest vendor for you to work with. For every wedding I'm lucky enough to officiate, I try to create a ceremony that your guests will be talking about for years to come, ceremonies that are more personal, enjoyable, funny, meaningful and celebratory than most guests have ever seen. It's a high bar but I aim for it every time.
I'm a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant. I can legalize marriages all around the country. I'm the author of Best. Ceremony. Ever (The Countryman Press/WW Norton). I'm a member of the NY chapter of the National Speakers Association. I'll be presenting at Wedding MBA in Las Vegas and The Special Event in Orlando.
For four years in a row, I appeared on 'The Rachael Ray Show', on Valentine's Day, officiating ceremonies in front of a massive national audience. In April 2014, I appeared on Joan Rivers' reality show, 'Joan Knows Best', emceeing a memorial service for her dog Max. Not many people can say that and have it be true.
Please note: if you reach out to me, PLEASE let me know where and at what time your wedding will take place, thank you!!!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which of the following are included in the price?
Ceremony Rehearsal
Does starting price include the ceremony rehearsal?
Yes
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?
Asking Chris to officiant our wedding was one of the best wedding decisions we made! More than just being organized, well-spoken, and reliable, he was like family! He was excited to learn and participate in our Slovakian traditions and even learned to say a couple of lines in Slovak for the ceremony. He knew how to draw people in, how to make people laugh and cry, and truly celebrate us. Everyone raved about him and wanted to book him for their event!
Nicholas O. Married on 08/05/2022
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Stop the search you’ve found your officiant!
EVERY guest talked about how much they loved Chris and how they’ve never been to a wedding with such a good officiant. Even employees from our venue and our photographer said that Chris is the best in the business. Without upstaging us, he was the star of the show. Chris was great to work with both professionally and personally as he guided us through the ceremony development process. His speech was a good combination of heartfelt and serious with some tasteful comedy. The ceremony was so personalized to us that people thought Chris was our friend. We couldn’t recommend him enough.
Gina Married on 04/09/2022
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Personal, engaging ceremony!
I’m not sure who loved Christopher more - me and my husband, or our guests! Christopher brought so much joy and laughter to our ceremony - our cheeks literally hurt from smiling so much. It was amazing to hear the collective laughs and cheers from our families and friends as we were getting married. Our ceremony was uniquely “us”, to the point that many guests assumed Christopher was an old friend of ours! It was very special.
Christopher is a true professional, and really enhanced our wedding day! I highly recommend hiring him if you’re looking for a bespoke, meaningful ceremony. Thank you, Christopher!
Christopher is an excellent officiant! He brings his charming, joyful personality to his work and it's evident he gives 100% to every client. There is no such thing as a boring or dry wedding when Christopher is the Officiant!
Christopher is a suburb choice as an officiant for your wedding. I guarantee that you will have a unique and fun wedding ceremony with his creative and lively touch.
Christopher really is illuminating! He is by far the funniest person I know and there won't be a face in the crowd without a smile on their face when Chris performs a ceremony. He is charming, polite and the best listener I know. He will deliver a ceremony that would surely put a smile on even "Aunty Betty that disapproves of this union" face.... Highly recommend.
