My Final Words To You

Professional Services

I am a Chicago Wedding Officiant
How to Obtain Your Marriage License
Your Planning Session
Your Rehearsal
Your Wedding Ceremony
Elopement Ceremonies in Chicago
Chicago Justice of the Peace
Child Naming/Parental Dedication

Pricing and Fees

Contact Me (by email)

(800) 523-5957

225 Chicago Wedding Venues
See You Tube Video
See a Slide Show
My Facebook Page

All About My Services

About Thomas Witham
How My Ceremonies Are Different
The Couples I Work For
Wedding Venues Where I've Performed
Religious & Philosophical Expression
Your Greatest Advocate
Letters of Appreciation
For Those Previously Married

Designing Your Ceremony

Facing Your Guests (Modern Format)
Backs Turned (Traditional Format)
Examples of Wedding Vows
Environment
Ushers
Effective Seating
Aisle Runner or Petals
Children in Wedding Ceremonies
The Escorting of a Bride
Taking Parental Vows
The Use of Music
Using a Pedestal
Using a Wedding Carriage
A New Role For Grandparents
Readers
Wedding Ceremony Readings
In Memoriam

Ceremonies in Special Places
Ceremonies in Theme
Using a Photo Montage
Taking Your Ceremony to Others
Improvisation
Staying in Character
What Name Should I Use?
What if it Rains?
Fibbing Your Start Time
Ceremonies in Candlelight
The Reception Line

The Order of Events

Primary Options:
The Unity Candle
Wine Sharing
The Sand Ceremony
The Blessing Tree
The Giving of Roses

Options In Finale:
Butterfly Release
Dove Release
Balloon Release
Tossing Petals
Bubbles in a Wedding Ceremony
Applause Walk

The Five Rules:
Rule One
Rule Two
Rule Three
Rule Four
Rule Five

Advice on Photography
Death by Venue

An Invitation To Journalists

Resources and Links

For Those Considering Plagiarism

Home Page

Site Map

 

Pricing and Fees
Recessional Walk
Jeremy and Kim in their recessional walk at Elgin Country Club - Elgin, Il.

Elopement Ceremony (or Small Informal Ceremonies)

Typically this is a ceremony for an eloping couple taking place at Buckingham fountain, the observation deck of the John Hancock building etc. These are small ceremonies requiring no rehearsal or instruction on my part. My fee includes planning this ceremony with you by phone and Internet in conjunction with my web site. ( $350 )

To learn more about Elopement Ceremonies Click Here.
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Formal Ceremony (Requiring instruction from me prior to start.)
This is a formal ceremony for couples who are not rehearsing, but who will need appropriate instruction on the use of their options when I meet them prior to the start of their ceremonies. My fee also includes planning this ceremony with you by phone and Internet in conjunction with my web site. ( $400 )

To learn more about Formal Ceremonies Click Here.
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Formal Ceremony and Rehearsal Session (on a prior day)
For couples wishing to thoroughly prepare themselves, their bridal parties, and their families for the big day. Typically ceremonies of intermediate size or larger should have a dedicated rehearsal session on a day prior to the wedding- especially those ceremonies including large bridal parties and/or which have a significant use of wedding ceremony options. My extensive rehearsal sessions are an hour and fifteen minutes in length and only I give the instruction (I do not send stand-ins or substitutes). Rehearsed couples give great performances as they are much calmer and far more confident. My fee includes planning this ceremony with you by phone and Internet in conjunction with my web site. ( $600 )

To learn more about my Rehearsal Sessions Click Here.
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Video Planning Session
This 90-minute interview and wedding planning session, taking place at their residence, gives the bride and groom an opportunity to get acquainted with me, their prospective wedding officiant, and to learn about the many effective options I bring to wedding ceremonies.
Most importantly, you will see video footage of dozens of my ceremonies shown to you on my lap top computer. In these video clips you will see how beautiful your ceremony can be as you confidently choose the options that are right for you. ( $100 )

To Learn more about Video Planning Sessions Click Here.
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Important:

Any couple considering my services is free to call me and discuss their wedding plans at length at no charge. I can be reached 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 800-523-5957.

Couples wanting to interview me may do so through Skype. Skype is free, and will enable you to see me live on your computer as we discuss your ceremony (and does not require a video camera on your part). Again, there is no charge to do this, either from me or from Skype.

Learn more about Skype at www.skype.com

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