faq's
{and answers to questions you didn't know you had}


What is the process?
If you haven’t already, read about some of the service options we provide then get in touch by providing some information through my contact form.

I’ll check your date and details and respond with some additional information. At that time, if you’re interested in talking in more detail, we can schedule a complimentary consultation call/video chat.

Following that “get-to-know-you” meeting, if we decide to work together, I will send a digital Service Agreement outlining the terms of our agreement and an invoice for a 50% nonrefundable deposit.

Depending on the service package booked, we’ll likely schedule our first meeting 2 months prior to your event. I will send you a questionnaire to fill out with your partner prior to that meeting so that we can make the most of our time together.

I will then draft your ceremony. We will revise the ceremony draft as needed and require a final signature 2 weeks prior to the wedding date along with your remaining balance.

If you have included a ceremony rehearsal in your service package, I will be on-site to coordinate with any other vendors, otherwise, I will arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony to get set up, touch base with the couple, and prepare to deliver the ceremony we’ve prepared together.

Following the ceremony, we will submit your marriage license to the proper Courts and ensure you have the information to get your official copies.

Is Sarah Pete an ordained minister? Will we be legally married?
I am not ordained by a religious organization or church.

I am “ordained” through the Universal Life Church, a non-denominational religious organization that grants ordinations to anyone who wants to be ordained [read: it doesn’t really mean anything]. In the same fashion, I am also “ordained” through the American Marriage Ministries - another online ordination website.

I am legally authorized to perform marriages because of my endorsement from the American Humanist Association as a Humanist Celebrant [read more About Humanism]. This process required an application process, applied knowledge of Humanism, and an interview, followed by approval by a panel. I am held to a Code of Conduct and required to perform a certain number of ceremonies each year to maintain my endorsement.

Despite the service package you book, I will be sure either I provide the legal marriage ceremony or you have all the information you need to ensure your marriage is legal.

I thought you were a Wedding Planner. Will you plan & design my wedding?
I’m so grateful that someone either recommended me or that you found me through my previous work as a wedding planner & designer. I’m now in wedding planner recovery and the only planning and designing I do now is for a few Elopement Packages each year.

My planning background is a huge benefit for you! I am happy to offer advice and recommendations for incredible vendors. I understand exactly what is needed to have a flawless wedding day.

How long have you been in the wedding industry?

I’ve been in the wedding and event industry for over 25 years, working in a wide range of roles that give me a unique perspective on what makes a wedding truly memorable. Before becoming a full-time officiant, I was a professional wedding planner, which means I approach each ceremony with both emotional insight and logistical awareness.

How long have you been officiating weddings?

I’ve been officiating weddings for over 5 years and have had the joy of creating and leading ceremonies for hundreds of couples. My goal is always to make the ceremony one of the most meaningful parts of your day.

Can we personalize our ceremony? How is your service different?

Absolutely—your ceremony should reflect you. Every ceremony I create is written from scratch and based on your unique love story, values, and vision. I don’t use templates or recycled scripts. Instead, I spend time getting to know you through a collaborative process that includes a detailed questionnaire and meaningful conversations.

Because of my background in wedding planning, I also bring a comprehensive understanding of the full wedding experience, from logistics to timeline flow, which helps ensure that your ceremony feels seamless, intentional, and full of heart.

Do you perform LGBTQ+ weddings?

Yes, with pride. As a proud woman and queer-owned, inclusive business, I welcome and celebrate couples of all identities and backgrounds. Love is love, and it’s always an honor to help tell your story.

Do you travel?

Yes! I’m based in Richmond, Virginia, and regularly officiate weddings throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas. I also travel for destination weddings and elopements upon request.

Do you do rehearsals? Is that included in your cost?

I do offer rehearsal coordination and highly recommend one if your ceremony includes multiple people, special logistics, or if you'd simply like a run-through for peace of mind. Rehearsals are not included in the base ceremony fee, as the cost varies based on location and travel. I'm happy to provide a custom quote for your rehearsal based on your needs.

We’re legally married already. Can you still do our ceremony?

100% yes! I’ve officiated many ceremonies for couples who are already legally married—whether you signed the license at the courthouse, during a private elopement, or before traveling. The process is the same in every other way: you’ll get a fully customized ceremony that celebrates your relationship in front of your loved ones. I also offer a small discount for these events since no legal filing is required.

Do you provide or require premarital counseling?

No, I do not provide or require premarital counseling, as I am not a licensed therapist. However, my process includes a thoughtful questionnaire and intentional conversations that prompt reflection and connection. Many couples tell me this part of the experience helped them grow even closer in the lead-up to their wedding.

Can you help us write our vows?

Yes! I love helping couples write vows that feel honest, heartfelt, and true to who they are. Whether you need light editing, a sounding board, or full ghostwriting support, I offer vow coaching and guidance as a part of my service. 

Do you officiate elopements or micro-weddings?

Absolutely. I officiate intimate ceremonies of all sizes, whether it's just the two of you or a small group of your closest people. Elopements and micro-weddings allow for deeply personal ceremonies, and I’m always honored to be part of them. 

What types of ceremonies do you perform?

I specialize in fully personalized, non-religious or spiritual-but-not-religious ceremonies. I also officiate secular weddings, commitment ceremonies, elopements, and vow renewals. My ceremonies often blend warmth, humor, and heart—crafted to feel deeply personal and inclusive for you and your guests. I also offer other life milestone ceremonies (coming of age, house blessings, pet memorials, etc.) for moments outside of your wedding day.

Can you include religious elements in the ceremony for our families’ comfort?

Yes—with intention. While I identify as a Humanist celebrant and do not lead religious ceremonies, I understand how important certain traditions or phrases might be to family members. If you'd like to incorporate a reading, ritual, or blessing that reflects your family’s background (without compromising your values), I’m happy to help find a thoughtful way to do that.

Can we include friends or family in the ceremony?

Definitely! Whether you'd like to involve loved ones through readings, special rituals, or simply standing beside you as part of your processional, I’ll help you design a ceremony that feels collaborative and connected. I’m also happy to guide any speakers through their parts or coordinate their involvement ahead of time.

What happens if you can’t make it to our wedding?

While I’ve never missed a ceremony, I always plan responsibly. In the unlikely event of an emergency, I have a trusted network of professional officiants I can call on—people who share my values and can step in with your script in hand. You’ll never be left without someone qualified to lead your ceremony.

Do you offer friend officiant coaching or ceremony writing?

Yes! If you have a loved one officiating your ceremony, I offer “ghostwriting” services where I craft your ceremony script behind the scenes. I can also provide one-on-one coaching to help your friend feel confident and prepared to deliver the ceremony. It’s a great way to blend personal involvement with professional polish.

If you have a question that’s not covered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to connect and learn more about your vision for your ceremony.


Home is not where
you are from

it is where
you belong.

Some of us
travel the whole
world to find it.

Others,
find it in a person
— "Buried Light" by Beau Taplin

COVID + Rescheduling
I will only officiate at events that are following all local and federal rules & regulations regarding the pandemic/COVID-19.

If you book a wedding date that is affected by COVID-19, I will do my best to work with you to rebook another date and/or find an alternative option to assist you. All of the policy terms regarding canceling or rescheduling your date will be carefully outlined in your Service Agreement.