Finding a Officiant or Minister to perform a Wedding

Congratulations!! You found the perfect Venue. You have a photographer to capture the events of the day. The florist is adorable. You found your dream dress. The Save the Dates are ready for mailing. Everything is going according to plan.  WAIT!! Who is going to marry you???

Some couples choose their officiant as soon as they have a venue reserved. Others forget that detail until it's nearly too late.  Just like photographers and venues, the best officiants are also booked up to a year in advance.

Here are some helpful tips and answers for when it comes time to choose an officiant / minister.

Q.   Who performs weddings in Oregon?
A.   To legally perform a marriage ceremony in Oregon, one must be a Judge, Justice of Peace, County Clerk or a person ordained by a religious organization and given the authority to perform marriages.

Q.   How do I find the right officiant or minister for my wedding?
A.   If you belong to a church, you could contact your pastor / priest / rabbi / clergy, and ask if they are willing to perform your marriage ceremony. If they are willing or available, often times they require classes, counseling and have restrictions on location and ceremony choices. Although they may be very good at preaching a sermon, that doesn't neccessarily mean they do well with weddings.

You may want to consider hiring a professional wedding officiant.  Wedding officiants legally perform marriages and generally don't have any restrictions about ceremony style, wording, location or pre-marital requirements.

A reputable officiant will most likely have a informative website to help answer many of your questions, will return emails and phone calls, can be found on many different vender referral sites and has recommendations and reviews from many peers and wedding couples.

Q.   How do I choose the right officiant?
A.   Talk to them. Corespond with them.  Schedule a free consultation with them if you live in the area. Read reviews and recommendations.  Some officiants you may find have only performed a few weddings, and most of those were for friends. Choose someone with experience, knowledge and a personality that you feel comfortable with.

Q.   How much does a professional officiant / minister charge for weddings?
A.   This varies greatly. You might find someone advertising on Craigslist that will do it for next to nothing, just to get experience. You may find someone charging as high as $600.00.
It all comes down to what you are looking for in an officiant. The average professional wedding officiant / celebrant may charge anywhere from $250 - $600. Generally there is a LOT more that goes into that than just showing up on a specified day and marrying someone.

Q.   What do I get from a professional wedding officiant?
A.   Usually you would correspond by email or phone to discuss date, location and general information. The next step would be to schedule a Free no-obligation consultation to discuss the wedding, share ideas, get to know each other, etc. (if you live out of state this may not take place)
Once both parties agree that they are a good fit, then a deposit should be placed to hold the date and time and a contract should be signed. You never want to assume someone will perform your ceremony without this. They could change their mind, make other plans or take a higher paying offer at the last minute.

Q.   What should I look for in a professional wedding officiant / minister?
A.   Experience, Personality, Genuine, Good Reputation in the Industry, Clear speaking voice with enough volume to be heard by guests, Outgoing, Friendly, Flexible, Open Minded, Organized, Prompt, Able to Coordinate Events.

Q.   If I live in Washington but I'm getting married in Oregon, where do I get the Marriage License?
A.   You must obtain a license from a County in the State that you are getting married in.  Any County Clerk's office in that State can issue you a marriage license for you wedding.  Contact the County prior before going, to inquire about their requirements, hours, locations and method of payment.  It does vary County to County.

Q.   Are there female wedding officiants and celebrants in Oregon?
A.   Yes.  I would have to say there are more female wedding officiants than men.  Choose whichever you feel most comfortable with.

Q.   Can a person "Elope" in Oregon?
A.   Absolutely!! You have the options of courthouse elopements, which are less appealing, non-personal, restrictive on hours and days and not such a great environment, or you can elope by finding a wedding officiant that has flexible hours and schedule to create just what you are looking for.  Elopements can be just as meaningful and memorable as a big expensive wedding. The possibilities are endless when it's just the two of you or with 2 close friends as witness.

Q.   What can I expect from a professional officiant -vs- having a friend or inexperienced person do it?
A.   Besides the obvious, (professionalism, guarantee, experience) you would most likely get a customized ceremony created to fit your style, personality, beliefs and wishes.  You would also get a lot of help with the rehearsal. Most people have no idea how to run a wedding rehearsal. An experienced officiant can coordinate, direct and make a rehearsal run smooth and successful which increases your chances of a flawless wedding day ceremony. Your officiant will know how to properly fill out a marriage certificate, marriage license and file it promptly with the correct County officials.  Your officiant will know about things to suggest based on experience and help you avoid mistakes.  Your officiant will coordinate and work together with all of your other venders at the ceremony such as, DJ, Wedding Planner, Photographer, Venue coordinator, Videographer and more so that everyone works smoothly together with one goal in mind... THE BEST WEDDING EVER!

Hopefully this answers some of your questions. Feel free to leave a comment or email Beverly Mason of The Radiant Touch Weddings directly to ask questions or inquire about officiating services.
For more elopement ideas, ceremony samples, unity options, vow selections and more, visit www.TheRadiantTouch.com

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Maui Vow Renewal 2011

I just realized that I didn't update my Blog with the outcome of my 15 year vow renewal to my wonderful husband. It took place at Napili Shores Resort on Maui, October 12th, 2011, at sunset.

It was everything I had hoped for; beautiful weather, swaying palm trees, the blue Pacific Ocean in the background and surrounded by the very best of friends.

Preceeding the ceremony were three days of fun and adventure.
After landing and getting settled in on a Saturday afternoon we began the real fun on Sunday.

Beginning the morning with a snorkel and swim with green sea turtles, we then went to Lahaina for some sightseeing and shopping. In the afternoon we ventured as far south as you can go to explore LaParousse Bay. After a long hike and nearing sunset, we went a short drive over to Big Beach and walked straight over the cliff to Little Beach. Here after dark on Sunday nights is a funfilled drum circle and fire dancing free-for-all.

Monday: Up bright and early to head out on the road to Hana. We had done this trip a couple times before so we new where to take everyone for some great experiences.  Twin Falls, a tiny historic town on the way, Black Beach, Lava Tube, Red Beach then finally head back home. This was the highlight of the trip for many of our friends.

Tuesday: A great day for snorkeling, swimming pool, walks on the beach, drinks and good food.
That night was the "Bachelorette Party"! Even though I'm not a bachelorette, it was a MUST DO for the girls.  We had a great night dancing the night away in downtown Lahaina.

Wednesday:  We snorkeled a few different bays then all played in the surf for hours, trying to figure out the timing of the waves for body surfing and boogie boards. We were all having so much fun that we nearly lost track of time. We decided we better get out of the sun and start getting ready for the Ceremony.  Well, it was a little too late on the "get out of the sun" part. All of the girls (except me) had pretty severe sun burns and some MAJOR tan lines now to show intheir strapless bridesmaid gowns. LOL. They lathered on the Noxema cream to reduce the burning heat of their skin and we got all pretty for the Vow Renewal. The guys drove to Lahaina to pick up the flower leis and the girls helped eachother with hair and makeup.

At sunset we began. I walked down the aisle to Bruno Mars, "Just the way you are", but not the traditional rendition. This was a beautiful colaboration that he did with some other artists and it was slowed down and so beautiful.


We wore silly glasses and took fun photos before and after the ceremony and dinner reception.

Thursday: After some morning snorkeling, we made our way to the harbor to catch an afternoon snorkeling cruise that was basically FREE when you rent snorkel gear for the week from Boss Frogs.
We snorkeled at Coral Gardens, drank Mai Tais and enjoyed a VERY windy afternoon cruise.

Friday: We took 3 of the girls on a drive North to see some great overlooks and a really cool Blow Hole. Then it was time to go to Lahaina for our tatoo appointment. My husband and I have never had a tattoo before. We decided this would be special getting them for our 15th anniversary. Each is a tribal sea turtle that includes interlocking gold wedding rings. OUCH!! But we did it!
A little more shopping with the girls while Gene finished up with his tattoo allowed us to go to Maui Divers for pearls. So much fun choosing your own oyster and discovering your new pearls then setting them in custom jewelry.
For dinner, everyone brought all of their food from their condos to be cooked at ours so we could use it all up and have a buffet. 

Saturday: Cooked up all remaining food for breakfast plus a few bottles of champagne, lol, cleaned the condos then headed for the airport. This was a trip I will never forget.

Everyone is hoping to do it again for our 20th Anniversary!!!

LUXE Bridal Event March 8th, 2012

A Bridal Event you won't want to miss! March 8th 2012 at the historic Tiffany Center!Visit Website for Details

Wedding Season winding down

2011 has been an amazing year for weddings. I have had the honor of performing ceremonies in a variety of beautiful locations and the pleasure of working with so many wonderful couples.

My "wedding weather karma" came through once again for an entire season. None of my outdoor weddings got rained on and every weding was beautiful. I feel that I am the luckiest person alive to have such a fulfilling and enjoyable career.

Some of my favorites though are the elopement packages that I've offered to a few couples. This is a package that includes location (my 11 acres of wooded paradise in the country with the ceremony on the custom built dock of a trout pond), Officiate, custom ceremony and vows, 1 hour photography on CD (2nd photographer for during ceremony) champagne toast and beautiful decor. It turns an elopement into a dream wedding for the couple and up to 10 of their closest friends & family.

Other locations I had the privelage to perform at this summer have been;

Bell Tower Chapel Heathman Lodge Hoyt Arboretum The Aerie at Eagle's Landing

Skamania Lodge Postlewait's Country Gardens Laurelhurst Club Edgefield Youngberg Hills Vineyard Weatherfords Grand Lodge Peninsula Park Abernethy Center & Gardens Rockaway Beach Deepwood Estates Canby Ferry Vista Hills Winery Kennedy School Pioneer Community Center Cedar Springs Country Estate and many many many wonderful weddings in homes and backyards.

Every wedding is special and unique no matter the size or the location. I have one more ceremony this fall that I am looking forward to most of all. That will be my 15 year Vow Renewal ceremony to my wonderful husband.

On October 12, 2011, Gene and I will be renewing our vows on the beach of Maui with 12 of our closest friends. Rather than exchanging rings, we will exchange leis as we say our vows to each other.

The ceremony will be performed by my dear friend Tonya Koski of Top Hat Style Weddings in Tri-Cities, Washington. The photography will be provided by my friend Juston of CardwellPhotography.com. Hair and makeup will be done by my friend Janee', owner of Shears2You in Oregon City. Best Man and Maid of Honor will be our two best lifelong friends, Dr. Michael Coffman and Ms. Lynn Yut. My bridesmaid will be my lovely daughter, Amanda Hilton.  My honorary attendants will be Janee', Stefanie, Patti, Robbie, Laura Lee and Lynette. They will all be wearing Carribean Blue.

I will be walking down the aisle to Bruno Mars, "Just the way you are" and finishing up with Colbie Callet singing "I Do".

The rest of the week I plan to relax, play and have fun. Snorkeling is my all-time favorite activity in Hawaii. I will not stress or obsess over ceremony details once we get there (hopefully) and just keep it fun and casual.

Thank you for following my Blog and I hope that you have had a wonderful year also!!

Beverly Mason

The Radiant Touch

NW Wed Pro

NWWP Network

I found my dream destination wedding gown last January at the Brides Against Breast Cancer gown sale in Portland, Oregon. It is in ivory and that's all I'm telling! You'll just have to wait for photos.

Wine Country and Vineyard Weddings

Wine Country Weddings! From the Columbia River Gorge to the Willamette Valley and of course the Yamhill County vineyards, you will find some of the State's most beautiful wedding settings.

July 23rd I had the honor of performing a wedding for Christy & Peter at Youngberg Hill Vineyard in McMinnville, Oregon. Situated high up on a hilltop, the stone ceremony site overlooks the entire valley and hills. The view was amazing.

The reception dinner was served under a big tent which provided nice shade. The band played lively music that everyone enjoyed. It was a perfect day!

I am looking forward to seeing the final video captured by Focal Point Digital Media. Ryan is a true professional and creates the most beautiful wedding videos.

There are a lot of vineyards to choose from when planning your wedding. You can view many of them at http://www.nwwedpro.com listed under venues.

Visit http://www.OregonWeddingMinister.com when choosing your officiant. Cheers!

Oooh, another Enchanted Elopement!

From March until October, Radiant Touch weddings fills the day with beautiful and romantic elopement packages for couples in love.

This last weekend was no exception. Tami and Sulieman have maintained a long distance relationship and engagement from the United States to the Middle East, Jordan to be exact. Through the technology of Skype and mobile phones they have kept their love alive.

Last year they were able to have a ceremony of Love in the Middle East. Continuing their long distance relationship through distance and time, they were finally able to set a date for their legal U.S. marriage ceremony.

Tami and Sulieman chose Beverly Mason of The Radiant Touch for their marriage ceremony and celebration. Tami found Beverly online and inquired about an elopement ceremony. After hearing about their relationship and history, Beverly offered an exclusive elopement package that offered everything they could ever want in their special day. The date of June 11, 2011 was set. Sulieman had acquired all necessary documents and VISA to finally be with his beloved Tami.

On Saturday, June 11, 2011 Sulieman and Tami, along with Tami's daughter, mother and best friend, arrived at the country wooded setting of Radiant Touch Weddings, outside of Oregon City.

The assistant photographer, Amanda, was shooting photos as the couple met with Beverly and she filled out the certificate and other paper work. Once everyone had arrived, they proceded down to the dock on a rainbow trout pond. The beautiful 16-20 inch trout jumped out of the water to gobble up the feed thrown to them.

The ceremony proceeded as the sun broke through the clouds for a beautiful afternoon. Beverly performed a non religious ceremony which spoke of the love and commitment shared between Suleiman and Tami. After exchanging vows and rings, Tami's daughter, Madisyn, joined the couple in a Unity Sand ceremony.

After they were pronounced husband and wife, each signed the marriage certificate and had many photos taken throughout the beautiful locations on the property. Photos of the couple and their friends taken on the dock, the bridges and the sprawling green lawn captures the happiness and joy of the day.

It was a beautiful wedding ceremony and a enjoyable time had by all.

To schedule your own Elopement Package, contact Beverly Mason on www.TheRadiantTouch.com It will be romantic, memorable and affordable to be enjoyed by all!

Enjoy a slideshow video of the event at http://animoto.com/play/1XOA0kDRIFk6Ir9xZwx21A

Weddings of the World Showcase

On Sunday May 15th, I had the pleasure of being a vendor at a fantastic new Wedding Showcase called Portland Weddings of the World.

The show was hosted by the Portland Sheraton Airport Hotel. Each ballroom was a different theme. There was Eastern Russia, Latina, Asian and Indian. The decor was over the top incredible.

Semper Fashion hosted the fashion show. Gorgeous models walked the runway wearing wedding gowns from around the world. The colors, styles and cultures were spectacular.
Hair and makeup was provided by Paul Mitchell the School and other local artists and stylists.

Featured Sponsors included Mega Music, Barclay Events and West Coat Drape.

I was lucky enough to be placed right next to Donna Cole of Pearl and Roses wedding planning. She is a fun and talented lady. I enjoyed spending the day with her. Paul Garcia Photography and Cakes by Design were friends of mine in the Asian Ballroom and I had a wonderful time with Annie of Floral Sunshine who provided the floral decor for the Indian ballroom.

This was the first year of this event but the turn out was amazing. Hundreds of brides and families packed the show from 1pm until closing at 5pm. This will be a "don't miss" event for years to come.

Radiant Touch Weddings Officiant Beverly Mason is proud to be a returning vendor at this fantastic show.