PLEASE NOTE THAT MY PRICING IN NEW YORK IS VASTLY DIFFERENT THAN MY PRICING IN OHIO.
I have been a writer ever since I was a kid growing up in Boston, Massachusetts. I became an actor, earning a BFA in Acting from Boston University and living the actor's life in New York City. I earned an MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) from New York University. I've published short fiction and, most recently, short humor in West 42nd St. magazine.
Officiating weddings calls upon my writing skills, my theater skills, my business skills, and my people skills. I have never been happier in a job. I enjoy helping couples orchestrate the ceremonial aspect of the happiest day of their life. I enjoy coaxing the details of love stories from the minds and the lips of the couples whom I am fortunate enough to call clients. I enjoy helping them find the best words for their best day. I've been doing this for over 5 years, and I hope I'm doing this until I'm 100. (I'm 47.)(But I feel 43.)
I am a licensed Wedding Officiant in New York State and Ohio State. I can also legalize marriages in New Jersey, Kentucky. Arizona, Pennsylvania and probably other States as well. I am a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant, having graduated from the Celebrant Foundation & Institute with a focus in Wedding Ceremonies.
For four years in a row, I've 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'. I'll miss Joan. She was the most courteous professional I ever met.
While New York City is my home base, I have a residence in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I am also licensed to perform wedding ceremonies and make marriages legal. I also officiate weddings in northern Kentucky, mostly Covington and Newport.
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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**If you're looking to do a virtual wedding in NYC or New York State, I can help! Contact me about how to get your...
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 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...Craig and Jessie got married at the New York Public Library, in one of the most elegant ceremonies...Craig and Jessie got married at the New York Public Library, in one of the most elegant ceremonies...Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and...Illuminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyRyan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and...Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and...Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and...Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and...Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and...Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and...Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and...Ryan & Tatiana: I married them 3 times - one small elopement in 2015, one fun family wedding, and...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...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 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 everAt the Monastery Event Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, in scenic Mt. Adams. Restored in 2016, I consider...They call us Life-Cycle Celebrants for a reason: a bride that I married hired me to do a memorial...They call us Life-Cycle Celebrants for a reason: a bride that I married hired me to do a memorial...They call us Life-Cycle Celebrants for a reason: a bride that I married hired me to do a memorial...They call us Life-Cycle Celebrants for a reason: a bride that I married hired me to do a memorial...They call us Life-Cycle Celebrants for a reason: a bride that I married hired me to do a memorial...Yes, they do weddings at Citifield! What a great experience. The mic I used carried throughout the...Kevin and Britt after their Citifield Wedding.Yes, they do weddings at Citifield! What a great experience. The mic I used carried throughout the...Yes, they do weddings at Citifield! What a great experience. The mic I used carried throughout the...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 WilliamsburgAt MyMoon in WilliamsburgNicole and Drew got married at the Gramercy Hotel in lower Manhattan. Such a cool place for a...Illuminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating 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...I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant...I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant...I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant...I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant...I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant...I led Trevor & Evan on a 'Wedding Walking Tour', with stops at the New York Public Library, Bryant...Darren & Yuki got married in Jersey City and had a nifty Sake ritual in their ceremony called 'San...Darren & Yuki got married in Jersey City and had a nifty Sake ritual in their ceremony called 'San...Darren & Yuki got married in Jersey City and had a nifty Sake ritual in their ceremony called 'San...AnnMarie & Mike, Sunset TerraceAnnMarie & Mike, Sunset TerraceIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating 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 ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyGerard and Deirdre had a very Irish wedding, complete with bagpiper. The Irish eyes were smilin'...Illuminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher ShelleyIlluminating Ceremonies/Christopher Shelley
The entire process of working with Chris was PERFECT and seamless. You have to take the time to fill out your couple questionnaire so he can make your ceremony that much more perfect. We aren't a religious couple, so we wanted a wonderful storyteller. And that's what Chris is: wonderful. He's thoughtful and engaging. He helped a stressed, control freak bride seamlessly coordinate with the venue and the DJ without lifting a finger.
I had SO many people comment to us afterwards how great the ceremony was and how great Chris was. I even had one guest say, "At a wedding ceremony, you usually want it to end quickly. But I didn't want him to stop talking!" If you're thinking about using Chris: pull the trigger and just do it. You will NOT regret it.
Photography by Sherri Barber
Sent on 11/11/2019
erin
· Married on 05/26/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
10/10 Would Get Married Again Just to Have Chris Officiate It
Chris was absolutely fantastic. He worked with us through several drafts of the ceremony and offered quite a few suggestions to really make it pop. During the actual ceremony we had some weather difficulties, but Chris was able to improv on the fly and delivered a wonderful show. He’s witty, funny, and easy to work with. We are still receiving comments from our wedding guests about how much they loved him. Could not recommend him enough.
Sent on 06/07/2019
Annie
· Married on 12/22/2018
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Hire him now - perfect ceremony
I have nothing but good things to say about Chris and his work. I was so hesitant to book a stranger off the internet to perform in such an intimate part of our lives. However, after meeting Chris and seeing the first draft of our ceremony all my worries went away! He knocked it out of the park! I first found Chris here on the Knot and then did a youtube search of him -where there is a whole ceremony he performed - I fell in love! It's like he knew that couple! Our ceremony was so personable and so us. We opted to write our own vows and Chris helped edit them- he didn't change anything we wanted to say but instead helped with grammar. At the rehearsal I even told Chris I wasn't quite sure my vows were complete and he emailed me later that day willing to help and even found me before I walked down the aisle to make sure I was happy with my vows (I was - those dang nerves got the best of me)! At the reception, our guests kept coming up to us telling us it was the best ceremony they have ever been to. At the end of the night I looked at my husband and said, uh we totally forgot to give Chris the marriage license to sign- when we went to our day of coordinator she told us Chris signed it and took it with him to send out so we didn't have to worry about it. The very next day he even text us to let us know he sent it. I cannot say enough good things about Chris and his work! THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR WEDDING ONE TO REMEMBER.
Thank you Annie! I loved working with you and Alec. It's always an honor when a couple makes a point of prioritizing the ceremony to the point that they hire the officiant over a year before the wedding. That means it is as important to you as it is to me! Thank you for letting me be a part of your big day. It was my pleasure. Happy New Year!
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.
