x10 Award winner

The Rite Officiant

5.0 out of 5 rating 103 reviews

Ferndale, MI

I love getting to know my clients so well that they become friends for life. Watching them as their family grows is an especially wonderful experience. And when you know they are so in love, that you are emotionally touched as well... well that is just AWESOME!

This ceremony had elements from the brides christian beliefs as well as her husbands Indian beliefs and heritage!

They had been together for several years.. and already had two children.. but when they asked me to perform the ceremony, I was so happy! Such an amazing couple!

The steps of the Grosse Pointe War Memorial are a wonderful setting for a terrific outdoor ceremony!

What a wonderful ceremony for these two. Held in the butterfly house at the Detroit Zoo. A butterfly actually landed on the nose of one of the grooms during the ceremony!

Whether a simple ceremony or an elaborate one, each has its own special moment.

Amanda and Chris... This couple was so playful and fun, that it was a true joy to be the celebrant for them.

Even when the weather doesnt cooperate and the ceremony is out doors, its still a special day! One filled with memories!

The setting was the Pine Knob Mansion and the day was as beautiful as the bride!

The ceremony and reception was at the beautiful Colony Club in downtown Detroit. She a radiant bride and he a handsome groom! Just perfect!

She is from England, he is an American... they met in the military and the rest is history!

Dayna, the bride... She didnt stop smiling the entire ceremony. What a sweet, loving couple!

Jason and Jason. When its true love, its TRUE love. His children stood up for the very personal and beautiful ceremony that celebrated the diversity of love.

It was January , but the hearts were warm. His Scottish heritage was evident with the kilt and she was the perfectly beautiful winter bride.

A wonderful couple that truly were perfect together! The ceremony took place on the second floor landing of the historic Whitney Restaurant. They even toasted each other with bourbon, their favorite beverage!

A wonderful home wedding for Laura and John!

Congratulations to Dianna and Andy Elhert!!

A beautiful outdoor wedding at an arboretum in mid Michigan.

Congratulations to Kristin and Jason!! What a wonderful couple to work with and collaborate on their very personal "totally them" ceremony!

Such a cute couple. Their ceremony was set in an arboretum. The day was perfect and the ceremony was amazing!

An outdoor setting in front of his Aunts barn. A beautiful lakeside setting and a warm family oriented ceremony.

Laura and Ben were married in the Skillman Library in downtown Detroit. A fun and totally cool couple!

This "pop up" wedding took place on the lawn in front of the Belle Isle Conservatory. Just a small intimate ceremony that perfectly reflected the wishes of the couple and their family!

Jason and Jason had a wonderful celebration which included one of the grooms children.

A ceremony that reflected his Indian/Hindu beliefs and her traditional American beliefs. Yes, it can be done!

A joyous celebration at the Detroit Athletic Club!

These two.... serenaded each other and their guests with singing in the beautiful historic Guardian Building lobby in downtown Detroit. Amazing!

Taunya and Robert were so sweet... when they got the rough draft of the ceremony, she was in tears she loved it so much.

A very special wedding for a couple that was meant for each other. Their children from former relationships stood up for them in this very family centered ceremony.

Ludmila and Anthony... it wasnt their first wedding... but I truly believe this one is forever.

The landing at The Whitney is an amazing setting for an intimate wedding ceremony! The historic surroundings are just perfect for an unforgettable celebration!

Such a wonderful ceremony. It took place at her parents home outside on a beautiful Michigan summer day.

The ceremony and reception for this lovely couple was held at the Historic Holly Hotel in Holly, Michigan. It was the perfect setting for an intimate holiday celebration.

The Iroquois Club was the setting for an intimate wedding that truly reflected the coming together of families and friends.

Amy and Nic had a beautiful ceremony and reception at the amazing Royal Park Hotel. It was held in the conservatory, the perfect setting for an intimate celebration!

This ceremony took place in the historic Whitney Restaurant on the main staircase. Always a wonderful setting for an intimate ceremony!

Robert and Sarah were married in the beautiful Belle Isle Conservatory! A perfect setting for these two whose love of nature and the outdoors is so important!

Such a lovely couple, he is Nigerian and she is Filipino. Very sweet and so appreciative of my services. It was such a great experience blending their heritages and beliefs into the perfect wedding ceremony.

John and Ginnine is a wonderful couple. The wedding took place on a beautiful late summer afternoon on the rooftop of one of the buildings overlooking the Detroit Eastern Market. Awesome!

A beautiful outdoor ceremony in a local state park!

The Iroquois club was the setting for this sweet couple. He was a muscle man that was totally emotional during the ceremony and she a radiant and happy bride!

The Iroquois Club was the setting for John and Kelsies wedding. His two sons and their daughter also participated in the ceremony! A wonderful warm heartfelt ceremony that included the whole family!

Julia and Nick... just perfect for each other. A sweet couple that I enjoyed helping them create a ceremony that fit them to a "T" and even included their dog, Nala, as the ring bearer!

DJay and Zack are such an awesome couple. This "pop up" wedding took place inside the Belle Isle Conservatory. The setting was perfect for them!

A simple ceremony in their home. It was what they wanted... and they were surrounded by close friends to add their love and support.

Even when beliefs are as diverse as Muslim and Protestant, love can be the special magic that brings it all together. Mo and Melissa were so concerned that one's beliefs would over shadow the others, but when it was finally done, they were both thrilled!

Erin and Dave are such a sweet couple! They even collaborated with me in writing their ceremony, using my script and then writing part of it in their own words!! Wonderful!!

Julia and Nick Carnovale celebrated their wedding on a chilly January day at a 'rough" space venue in Corktown a section of Detroit. It was the perfect wedding to start my year of ceremonies for 2018. Truly wonderful couple.

Nick and Julias ring bearer was their cherished pup, Nahla!

Jennifer and Jedidiah Reigh-Challis celebrated with family and friends in a very intimate home wedding. It was a lovely emotional ceremony with a joyously tearful groom!.

Meryl and Paul McKeever chose to celebrate their day at the Dearborn Hills Country Club outdoors on a bright sunny Michigan spring day. Such a sweet couple.

Alex and Justin celebrated their truly unique and joyous wedding at the Pretzel Bell in Ann Arbor, MI. Justin, being a wedding photographer, requested a custom written ceremony that incorporated his love of photography and involved taking pictures of each other during the ceremony as a unity rite. Amazing fun! and a truly unique ceremony.

Kate and John Cissell chose one of my favorite smaller venues, The Iroquois Club to celebrate their wedding. Casual and laid back was the rule of the day.

Erin and David made it official with a wedding celebration at The Iroquois Club on a beautiful April afternoon. A wonderful start for a terrific couple .

Meredith and Alan elected to have a very intimate ceremony in the entrance way to Blumz... by JRDesigns Florist with just a couple of friends and Merediths cherished puppy.

Kelly and Larry had an intimate family and close friends ceremony outdoors at the Maple Cove Bed and Breakfast. The weather was perfect and the celebration was spirited.

Annie and Jake George celebrated their wedding day outdoors at the beautiful Wellers Carriage House. Surrounded with friends and family, it was a joyous occasion! A custom ceremony with reading was requested.

Gina and Tony Marino held a lovely wedding ceremony and reception at Links of Novi! It was a very bright and sunny day as they tied the knot outdoors on the golf green!

DeDe and Jason Stuetcher celebrated their marriage ceremony at the beautiful Pine Lake Country Club with family and friends. A lovely Catholic inspired religious ceremony!

Caroline and Toufic Chaptini Celebrated their marriage at the historic Hope Chapel in Shelby Township. A beautiful Michigan afternoon with family and friends was enjoyed!

Kimberly and Clayton Muller Celebrated their love and marriage at The Van Heusen Farm in Rochester Hills and what a beautiful day. Though it was warm, one of the highlights of the wedding was when a deer stepped out into the creek as the bride was walking to the altar, right beside where the ceremony was taking place.

Julie and Lindsey Wilson celebrated their marriage with their 4 children at the beautiful Foundation Hotel in Downtown Detroit! It was such a pleasure writing a ceremony that allowed her two children and his two children to be a part of the celebration!

Lisa Frame and Ryan Callery Celebrated their marriage at The Bohemian Bungalow in Detroit with immediate family and select friends! A sweet lovely ceremony especially with their personal, from the heart, vows and statements of love to each other!

Jane and Sean Hogan celebrated their love and marriage at the historic Michigan Freighthouse in Ypsilanti. With Seans passion for beer and the fact that he is a brewer, it was only fitting that they toasted each other with a Beer Pouring Ceremony during the wedding! Hops was in her bouquets and boutonnieres and or course beer was served to all the guests.

Corinne and David Dehnke may have had some rain on their special day, but the sun came through at the last minute at The Dearborn Inn and the ceremony, complete with her fur baby Mellow and a butterfly release was amazing!

Congratulations to Lindsay and Aaron!! The wedding was held at The Oakley in Holly, MI on a beautiful fall Michigan afternoon!

Congratulations to Abigail and James Carl on their special day at The Grosse Pointe War Memorial! I will never forget your wedding! and you know why!

Congrats to Kandace and Daniel Hartkopf on their amazingly wonderful wedding ceremony at Wahby Park in St. Clair Shores with about 400+ of their "closest" friends! LOL What a great day!

1/87

English

Ceremony Rehearsal

Interfaith

Civil Union

5.0

Fantastic

Read all reviews (103)

"As the mother of the bride, I heartfully recommend Officiant J. Robbin Yelverton for multiple..."

— Kim

"My husband and I did not know exactly what we wanted for our officiant at our wedding. We knew we..."

— Carly

Recommended by 100% of couples

About this vendor

The Rite Officiant is a wedding officiant based out of Ferndale and Holly, Michigan. A non-denominational officiant with more than 30 years of wedding experience, Robbin has a relaxed demeanor and is dedicated to creating custom ceremonies that are unique to you as a couple. The Rite Officiant believes that your traditions and beliefs are important and should be highlighted in your ceremony. He has written and performed ceremonies that have combined many cultures and beliefs. He also offers coaching services for friends and family if you wish to have them lead your ceremony. Whichever type of ceremony you desire, Robbin will ensure that it is a truly special and memorable occasion. And Yes, he has also performed ceremonies for theme (Steampunk, Gothic, etc...) weddings. Robbin is creative, fun, and adventurous.

Services Offered

The Rite Officiant offers pre-written or fully customized vows for your special day. Most ceremony types can be accommodated, including civil unions, religious and non-religious ceremonies, and vow renewals. Robbin also welcomes an array of beliefs and traditions, so your ceremony will be personal and meaningful. Rehearsal services are also offered if desired.

Additionally, Simple solemnization of documents is also provided. You and your fiance, 2 witnesses at least 18yrs of age, and the officiant are all that is needed to simply witness and file marriage licenses. Ask Robbin about the details.

Other Services

If your dream is to have a beloved friend or family member perform your marriage ceremony, The Rite Officiant is happy to help. Robbin offers coaching services, including help with writing custom ceremonies, to ensure a beautiful experience for all.

Features

LGBTQ+-owned

Just me

Experience

14 years in business
We speak English

Weddings with this vendor

Alysha & Austin

67 photos

FAQ

Does starting price include the ceremony rehearsal?

What is the starting price for ceremony rehearsals?

$175

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

Baptist

Catholic

Earth-Based

Episcopalian

Evangelical

Lutheran

Methodist

No Denomination

Orthodox Christian

Presbyterian

On average, how long are wedding ceremonies you officiate?

Less than 30 mins.

In which states are you licensed?

What languages do you speak?

English

Any other questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Reviews of The Rite Officiant

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Review summary

Robbin is highly praised for crafting personalized, meaningful ceremonies that made guests laugh, cry, and feel like he’d known the couple for years. Reviewers highlight his professionalism, clear communication, rehearsal guidance, punctuality, and calm handling of surprises. Many strongly recommend him for any wedding.

+31 User photos

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Awards

103

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Team

J Robbin Yelverton

Owner

Professional Network & Endorsements

The Oakley Banquet Halls

Robbin is an amazing officiant - he offers custom ceremonies to serve the needs of each client he has. His bubbly personality makes him a pleasure to work with.

Blumz Wedding Florists

The Rite Officiant is the perfect wedding officiant for the couple that wants a special ceremony. He is very good at working with couples from different backgrounds and works very hard to create a ceremony that truly reflects the couple. We highly suggest him if you are looking for someone that will take his job seriously, make you laugh, smile and maybe even cry. Robbin's energy is infectious and refreshing!

Elysium Experience Wedding DJs

Robbin is amazing to work with. He cares about each couple and takes steps to ensure each ceremony is just right!

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Location

Officiants Detroit

Officiants Ferndale

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