Frequently Asked Questions:
How can we book you for our wedding?
Use our ‘Contact Me’ page or phone me, Pastor Ed, at 702-580-6589 to reserve your wedding date. I’ll ask you to email or write within thirty days, turning your reservation into a firm commitment.
How are your fees and gratuities handled?
The standard price is published on my “Cost and Quality” page. If you’re making arrangements yourself, fees are payable by cash, check, or PayPal. Twenty-five percent is due when you firmly commit, and is not refundable. The remainder is due at your convenience before the wedding. Or you may choose to contract one of our excellent Las Vegas resorts that offer comprehensive wedding packages. In that case, my fees are usually included in their billing.
Gratuities express appreciation. They are, of course, optional. Some couples present these on the day of their wedding. Some send cards or gifts later. Some are very appreciative but consider gratuities to be out of place.
How can we obtain your planning guide?
I’ll send my planner and offer free consultation after you’ve firmed your commitment (that is, after I’ve received your letter or email).
Will you help us design our ceremony?
Yes. You can be as involved as you like. But if you’d rather sketch out your preferences without authoring all the details, I’m skilled at picking up your aim; I’ll happily design a ceremony for your approval. And changes can generally be made all the way up to the day of your wedding.
Can you help with other parts of our wedding?
No. I can offer suggestions or resources – but limit my services to the ceremony.
Can we be married in your church?
Generally, no. It’s not my church but rather the church I serve. You are welcome to inquire but, please, understand that the church’s local ministries have priority use of its facilities.
Do you attend rehearsals?
Rarely. Rehearsals are primarily used to iron out logistics with your wedding manager, not to practice the “script”. There is no need for me to be there unless you request and arrange my participation.
Do I need a legal witness?
Yes. One or two people must sign your marriage license as witnesses to your ceremony.
What paperwork do you need before our ceremony?
Three pages that you will have received from the marriage license bureau: the commemorative license, form for legal filing, and page for my records.
When will you arrive for our ceremony?
In most cases, thirty minutes before your wedding. This allows time for any last minute things and for signing the marriage license.
When will you leave after our ceremony?
When I’m no longer needed. I like to stay long enough to congratulate you, be available for pictures (at your discretion), and review the occasion with your wedding manager and venue personnel.
Do you usually stay for the reception?
No. Wedding guests often seek me out to talk about the ceremony or their lives. This would be welcome any other time, but not at your reception – where you should be the sole object of attention.
How can I have someone “give me away” without saying those words?
Women sometimes object to being “given”, or find it awkward, or insist upon it! Whatever is done will be your choice. This tradition may alternately be worded: “Who presents this woman in marriage,” or “Who has the honor of blessing this marriage?” Typical responses include: I do; Her father and I do; Her mother and I do; or ‘We do’ (spoken by parents, children, extended family or friends).
What is this “obey” stuff!
This tradition does not speak of a subordinate difference (though try to convince your guests of that!), but instead reminds the groom of the confidence the bride has in him. Love has caused him to recognize her value - so she rightfully trusts him to put her interests above his own. To “obey” in marriage means: “rely upon”. Both love sacrificially, but the greater burden is always on the one being relied upon - because that person must be “trustworthy”.
