About this vendor

Christopher Shelley
14 years in business
We speak English
1 team member
Illuminating Ceremonies is a wedding officiant based in New York City. I'd like to be the most accessible vendor for you to work with. For every wedding I'm lucky enough to officiate, I try to create more personal, enjoyable, funny, meaningful, and celebratory ceremonies 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 have spoken at industry conferences, including Wedding MBA in Las Vegas, WedProCon in Cincinnati, and Midwest DJs Live in Milwaukee.
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, attending a memorial service for her dog Max. Not many people can say that and have it be true.
Please note: if you contact me (and I am asking this on behalf of ALL wedding vendors), please let me know where and at what time your wedding will take place. Thank you.
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Reviews of Illuminating Ceremonies/Christopher Shelley
Review summary
Chris is highly praised by multiple couples for his exceptional officiating services that create personalized and heartwarming ceremonies. His detailed questionnaire and ability to weave couples' love stories into ceremonies have received high acclaim, resulting in ceremonies that are engaging, sentimental, and joyful. Guests and vendors alike have commended Chris for his professionalism, humor, and ability to make each ceremony unique and special, making him a popular choice for couples seeking a memorable and unforgettable wedding day experience.




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Professional Network & Endorsements

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.
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