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About
On WeddingWire since 2010
Rev. Dr. Samora Smith, (DMin) of Common Ground Ceremonies is a highly-acclaimed and award-winning wedding officiant, interfaith minister, and pre-marital counselor based out of New York City. Dr. Samora brings more than 13 years of experience officiating and has performed over 2,800 ceremonies for couples of all faiths and backgrounds. A native New Yorker, Rev. Dr. Samora comes from a multi-faith and multi-racial household which naturally gives her the compassion and sensitivity needed when working with couples of ALL backgrounds and beliefs. Rev. Dr. Samora's approach is always couple-centered, love-filled, and most importantly inclusive, always creating a heartfelt experience and lasting memory for you and all who are present.
Services Offered
Common Ground Ceremonies performs personalized ceremonies that reflect the individual styles and tastes of each couple. Rev. Dr. Samora performs a wide spectrum of ceremonies including non-denominational ceremonies, spiritual weddings, interfaith ceremonies, LGBTQ weddings, vow renewals, and baby namings. She is also a licensed Hypnotherapy and Sound Healing therapist specializing in supporting individuals and couples with marriage prep, relationship skills, and individual growth. Rev. Dr. Samora understands the importance of seamless service, offering support to each couple beyond the wedding, not only ensuring a wonderful wedding, but also a successful, and fulfilling marriage.
Rev. Dr. Samora has also invited her "brother from another mother" mentee, and now colleague Antonio Rodriguez, a Spanish-Speaking and bilingual officiant to join the Common Ground Ceremonies family. Antonio has been performing many ceremonies with them over the past couple of years, and we are grateful to have him be a part of the team. If you are interested in hiring him for your ceremony, please send us an inquiry.
- Black-owned
- Hispanic or Latinx-owned
- Native American-owned
- Woman-owned
Frequently asked questions
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Does starting price include the ceremony rehearsal?
What types of weddings and events do you provide services for?
What services do you provide?
What religious affiliations do you serve?
On average, how long are wedding ceremonies you officiate?
In which states are you licensed?
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Reviews
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Rev. Dr. Samora, as an officiant for weddings, has received exceptional reviews from multiple couples. Couples have highly praised the personalized and unique ceremonies she creates, incorporating their individual stories and customs. Many complimented her ability to understand their wants and needs, her warm and inclusive nature, and her choice of quotes and words. Reviewers were also appreciative of her professionalism, helpfulness throughout the planning process, and her calming presence on the wedding day. Overall, many highly recommend Rev. Dr. Samora for her outstanding services as an officiant.
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Antonio Rodriguez is a proud native New Yorker and a recent NJ transplant. Antonio began officiating when a close friend asked him to perform her wedding in 2015. Being the incredible romantic he is, Antonio was honored and what he believed to be a "one-off" event, has now become a passion. Rev. Dr. Samora met Antonio when he approached her to "show him the ropes" before he did his first wedding. They have since become great friends and now colleagues. Antonio specializes in bilingual ceremonies and is fluent in Spanish. He also believes that "love is love" and celebrates all couples right to marry who they love. We are proud to have him part of the Common Ground family.
Professional Network & Endorsements
1 EndorsementRev. Samora comes to your wedding day with a wealth of experience--as a musician, as a mother, as a minister. Her warm smile & candid conversation will immediately put you at ease. You can trust her to listen closely to your wedding requests, offer you experienced advice, and be there for you every minute of your ceremony to support you, honor you, and bring out the best in you! I am happy to recommend her as a friend & colleague, and encourage you to ask her to SING at your wedding!