My name is Jim Thiewes, a Minnesota Authorized Wedding Officiant and I would be honored to perform your wedding ceremony. In the late 1970’s I was ordained a non-denominational minister and performed numerous weddings. I found I needed to devote my full attention to my family and career with the State of Minnesota. Now that the kids are grown and I’m retired, I have the time again to devote to my avocation of performing wedding services. If you are planning a small intimate affair with a few friends or a casual gathering, I will do all I can to provide you the most enjoyable and memorable ceremony in celebration of your love.

We will discuss the type of ceremony you desire: non-religious, spiritual, simple secular or civil. Working together we'll create a ceremony that reflects your beliefs, personalities and lifestyles. I prefer small to medium gatherings and will perform your wedding service at your home, farm, down by the creek, in the woods, VFW or Legion Club or back yard. I will be glad to perform your wedding in any unique setting. Please contact me with your ideas and what you have in mind.

I have a set of standard civil or non-religious vows as well as those of a mild religious or spiritual tone. Couples may change or add anything to them or use them to craft their own if they wish. Friends or family members can be added at certain points in the ceremony if you would like them to read specific poems or passages, sing a song or play music. I'll work with you to find the words that convey the love and depth of feeling you have for each other.

My standard Wedding Officiant donation is $210.00 if your service is performed within 50 miles of Belle Plaine, MN. If you wish to have the service performed at my home in Belle Plaine, the donation is $100.00. Please add $75.00 if I am required to attend a rehearsal a day or two before the wedding. For a small wedding party, just discussing the wedding procedure is usually sufficient. If you are planning to get married and you find yourself having a financial hardship because of job issues and the economy, please feel free to discuss them with me and we can work out a fee that is in line with your current situation.

If you are an active duty member of the military, I will perform your wedding in uniform in my home in Belle Plaine for NO CHARGE. I could also perform a small wedding at another location for a nominal gas fee. I am a member of American Legion Post 11 in Mankato, MN and wish to accommodate active duty men and women in any way I can.

Jim Thiewes - 915 Cobblestone Lane - Belle Plaine, MN 56011 - (612) 251-1199 - E Mail: jthiewes@hotmail.com