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Attributes highlighted by couples

Marriage License & Certificate
Officiant
Great Planner

About

On WeddingWire since 2013

Gerald Fierst is in the Knot’s Wedding Hall of Fame, honored for his remarkable ceremonies, customized to the stories, traditions and needs of wedding couples throughout the NYC metro area. Celebrating the dreams, hopes, and love of the diversity of couples with whom he works – Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Persian, South Asian, Chinese, Gay or Straight – he creates a unique moment of magic when two become one. Review after review tells the same story- “Wow. We couldn’t ask for anything more.” He is one of America’s first Civil Celebrants, certified by both the International College of Celebrancy, Melbourne. Australia and the Celebrant Institute, Montclair, NJ. His book The Heart of the Wedding has been acclaimed as a “celebration of our families and ourselves with care, precision, and artistry.” As an actor and storyteller, he has won Parents Choice Awards for his recordings and been featured throughout the world at theaters, festivals, museums, and schools. Cherish the vision you have for your ceremony and let Gerald Fierst bring your stories and traditions to life in a moment that is reflective of the future you imagine together. This seasoned celebrant has the skill to make your “I do” a moment your guests will recall for years and you and your families will cherish for the rest of your lives.


Services Offered
The Heart of the Wedding presides over nuptials and civil services of all religions and traditions, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Chinese, and South Asian. He will work with you and your partner to craft an exchange of vows that reflects your backgrounds, values, and the future you’ve imagined together. He is a proud officiant for the LGBTQ community and has conducted same-sex ceremonies everywhere from Greenwich Village to Williamsburg art galleries. This minister is licensed to perform weddings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical price for your wedding services?

$752

Which of the following are included in the price?

Ceremony Rehearsal

What is the starting price for your wedding services?

$359

Does starting price include the ceremony rehearsal?

No

What is the starting price for ceremony rehearsals?

$151

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
Buddhist
Hindu
Islam
Jewish
No Denomination
Taoist

On average, how long are wedding ceremonies you officiate?

Less than 30 mins.

In which states are you licensed?

CT
DC
MA
NJ
NY
PA
WA

What languages do you speak?

English
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Any other questions?

Reviews of The Heart of the Wedding

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5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
143 reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Gerald is highly praised by couples for his exceptional officiating skills at weddings. He is described as professional, engaging, and attentive, with a knack for incorporating diverse cultural traditions seamlessly. Reviewers appreciate his personalized approach, storytelling abilities, and calming presence during ceremonies, making the wedding day unforgettable for couples and guests alike. Gerald's expertise, flexibility, and genuine demeanor have earned him glowing recommendations for creating meaningful and beautiful wedding ceremonies.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Gerald is highly praised by couples for his exceptional officiating skills at weddings. He is described as professional, engaging, and attentive, with a knack for incorporating diverse cultural traditions seamlessly. Reviewers appreciate his personalized approach, storytelling abilities, and calming presence during ceremonies, making the wedding day unforgettable for couples and guests alike. Gerald's expertise, flexibility, and genuine demeanor have earned him glowing recommendations for creating meaningful and beautiful wedding ceremonies.

C
C Jn Sent on 10/20/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Our guests cannot stop talking about our wedding!

Gerald paid great attention to what we wished for in our wedding and made it happen. He was very professional, funny, charming, and delivered! Our ceremony was romantic, had poetry, both new and old traditions, and celebrated who we are as a couple and who we want to be in the future. It was also very engaging as he prompted our guest to take part in our ceremony. Our family and guests are still talking about how beautiful their experience was and how thoughtful and professional Gerald was. Our special day was perfect because of Gerald and how he officiated it. My family said he made it the best family event in years! We couldn't have asked for a better Officiant to celebrate one of the most important day of our lives. If you want your wedding to be memorable and want everything to run smooth, get Gerald to officiate your ceremony!
I
Irem Sent on 09/18/2024
5 out of 5 rating

very responsive and helpful

Gerald was very responsive and helpful in creating a unique ceremony for us. I am Turkish, and I wanted to include my traditions in the ceremony, which he did a great job with. He even used a couple of Turkish phrases during the ceremony. I definitely recommend him!
S
Sydney S. Sent on 08/11/2024
5 out of 5 rating

A Truly Memorable Ceremony!

We couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful officiant than Gerald Fierst. From our initial meetings to the final vows, Gerald was exceptional. He brought a perfect blend of warmth, professionalism, and insight as we collaborated on creating a ceremony that beautifully honored both our Jewish and Catholic traditions.

Our dinner in New York City with Gerald was a delightful experience, and it only deepened our appreciation for his genuine approach and thoughtful guidance. He made the process enjoyable and stress-free, and his personalized touch made our ceremony truly special.

Thank you, Gerry, for making our wedding day unforgettable. Your presence and expertise were a cherished part of our celebration!
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Awards

143
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner

Team

Gerald Fierst
Gerald Fierst
Owner

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Bridal Music Bridal Music Wedding Musicians

Dear Brides to Be, Our Flute and Violin Wedding Duo had the honor of working with Gerald of "The Heart of the Wedding" at a stunning Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, taking place at The Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank, NJ. Gerald's presentation is elegantly polished and outstandingly professional. He expertly, and magically, kept a very nervous Bride and Groom, calm and collected, throughout their Ceremony! Bravo, Gerald! Sincerely, Flutist/Artistic Director Michele, Bridal Music

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