Wedding Officiant Services

Celebrating Families Through Marriages
Email: detailedweddingsandevents@gmail.com
Or Call
803-968-3321
to inquire about the "Wedding Officiant's Availability" for your day
1. Elopement Wedding Officiant Service
An elopement ceremony was once defined as running away to marry without informing friends or family, but this definition has evolved over time. Today, an elopement is characterized as a smaller, more intimate affair, while a full-service, partial, or day-of wedding ceremony typically involves a larger celebration with many guests and more traditional elements.
If you are planning an elopement ceremony at the Swan Lake Iris Gardens' Gazebo, located at 822 W. Liberty Street in Sumter, or at the Memorial Park Gazebo, located at 417 W. Hampton Street in Sumter, please note that decorations and chairs are not permitted without signing a contract with the Swan Lake Iris Gardens office. The cost for a ceremony at Swan Lake, Memorial Park, in-office, yard, patio, porch, or your residence is $50 before tax and $53.50 after tax. Gazebo reservations require a minimum of one week's advance notice to inquire whether a contracted customer will be using the park on the desired date for your non-contracted ceremony. Please be aware that the Swan Lake Iris Gardens Gazebo is not available for any contractual reservations, nor is it free to use during the month of May when the Iris Festival is held, or in December during the Festival of Lights.
If you wish to add decorations and chairs for your ceremony and/or reception, the Swan Lake application requires a refundable security deposit of $100. Rental times are available in two-hour increments at a rate of $50 for each two-hour block. Couples interested in purchasing a custom bouquet in one or two colors for use during the wedding ceremony can do so for $26, while a custom boutonniere costs $6.50. Please provide at least one week's notice in case the desired colors are not in stock and need to be ordered. Additionally, couples awaiting their permanent rings after the elopement ceremony can purchase a $10 three-piece temporary ring set, consisting of two wedding bands and an engagement ring, for ceremonial purposes and photographs. We accept cash or you may use our provided payment link on the day of the ceremony. A 7% tax will be added to all services and/or purchases. As a token of our appreciation, all Elopement Ceremony Couples will receive a complimentary gift bag.
Here is what you can expect from an elopement or vow renewal wedding officiant service scheduled for less than two months from today:
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If you are looking for a wedding officiant for a ceremony only, please email your request to detailedweddingsandevents@gmail.com or call 803-968-3321 a minimum of seven business days and up to two months before the ceremony date to check the officiant's availability for your planned date.
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The officiant will perform the couple's selected style of ceremony vows, as listed below in section #4, on the day of the ceremony.
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The officiant will communicate with the couple through email and/or phone calls.
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A courtesy email or text will be sent to confirm the departure and/or arrival times of the wedding officiant on the day of the ceremony.
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The officiant will conduct the ceremony after verifying the couple's driver's license, military ID, or state ID to ensure that the identification matches the names on the marriage license.
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An event-day team member will arrive with the officiant to capture photos of the ceremony only. The complimentary images will be sent via email or text.
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A payment of $53.50, including tax, is required on the wedding day after the ceremony.
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The officiant or the couple must return the signed marriage license to the Sumter County Probate Court within 15 days following the ceremony date.
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A courtesy email or text will be sent to inform the couple when the signed marriage license has been returned by the officiant to the probate court, if applicable.
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Informed of a Pre-Arranged Contingency Plan where the officiant will make every attempt to provide a replacement officiant qualified to perform weddings in the state of South Carolina at no additional cost to the couple in the event of an emergency health issue, transportation accident, transportation breakdown, or force majeure (due to unforeseeable acts beyond anyone's control).
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A "Just Married" photo of the couple will be posted on this page.
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The newlyweds will receive a QR code to submit a Google review.
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Any wedding ceremony that starts late by 30 minutes or more after the scheduled start time, will incur a "late-start" fee of $53.50, which must be paid before the officiant signs the marriage license. Additionally, couples should anticipate a convenience fee of an additional $53.50 if they book a wedding on any of the following holidays:
New Year's Eve
New Year’s Day
Easter
Memorial Day
July 4th
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
2. Full, Partial or Day-of Wedding Officiant Services
Hiring a wedding officiant is a crucial step in planning a wedding ceremony. Officiants come in various forms and offer different levels of service to suit your needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown of what "full," "partial," and "day-of" wedding officiant services entail with us:
a. Full Wedding Officiant Service:
This is the most comprehensive package and usually involves the officiant from the early stages of planning to the actual ceremony. It includes:
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Initial Consultation(s): Getting to know the couple, their story, their values, and their vision for the ceremony.
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Personalized Ceremony Creation: Working closely with the couple to write a unique and meaningful ceremony script that reflects their personalities, beliefs, and relationship. This might involve:
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Offering guidance on ceremony structure and flow.
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Providing examples of readings, vows, and rituals.
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Incorporating personal anecdotes and stories shared by the couple.
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Pre-Marital Counseling (Optional): Some officiants offer pre-marital counseling sessions to help the couple prepare for marriage.
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Rehearsal Attendance: Guiding the wedding party through the ceremony flow and cues during the rehearsal.
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Officiating the Ceremony: Performing the marriage ceremony on the wedding day.
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Filing the Marriage License: Ensuring the marriage license is properly signed and submitted to the relevant authorities.
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Communication and Coordination: Regular communication with the couple and other vendors (e.g., wedding planner, musicians) to ensure a smooth ceremony.
This service is ideal for couples who:
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Want a highly personalized and meaningful ceremony
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Need guidance in creating their ceremony
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Value having a professional involved in the planning process
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Want the officiant to attend the rehearsal
b. Partial Wedding Officiant Service:
This option offers a middle ground, providing some level of personalization and support but typically less involvement than a full service. It includes:
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Consultation(s): Meeting with the couple to understand their preferences.
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Using a Pre-Written Template with Some Personalization: The officiant might offer a selection of ceremony templates that the couple can customize with their names, vows, and perhaps a reading or two.
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Reviewing and Editing Couple-Written Vows: Providing feedback and suggestions on vows written by the couple.
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Officiating the Ceremony: Performing the marriage ceremony on the wedding day.
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Filing the Marriage License: Ensuring the legal paperwork is handled.
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Rehearsal Attendance (Sometimes Optional/Additional Fee): Attendance at the rehearsal might be an extra charge or not included in the base price.
This service is suitable for couples who:
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Have a good idea of what they want for their ceremony but need some guidance and a professional to deliver it.
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Are comfortable with a semi-customized ceremony
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May not need extensive planning support or rehearsal attendance
c. Day-Of Wedding Officiant Service:
This is the most basic level of service, primarily focused on legally officiating the marriage on the wedding day. It includes:
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Brief Consultation (Often Limited): A short meeting or phone call to go over logistics and basic details.
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Performing a Standard, Non-Personalized Ceremony: The officiant will usually use a standard, legally binding ceremony script with minimal or no personalization.
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Filing the Marriage License: Handling the legal paperwork.
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No Rehearsal Attendance: The officiant will typically not attend the rehearsal.
This service is best for couples who:
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Primarily need someone to legally marry them
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Are having a very simple or elopement-style ceremony
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Have a friend or family member leading the ceremony but need a licensed officiant to handle the legalities. (This is a very common scenario and there are officiants who specifically offer a "legal signing" or "marriage license signing" service for couples who want a friend or family member to lead their ceremony.The officiant's primary role is to be legally present, witness couples signing the marriage license, and then sign it themselves. This is the crucial step that makes your marriage legally binding
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Are on a tight budget
Here is what you can expect from the wedding officiant for a full, partial, day-of or vow renewal wedding officiant service scheduled three months to a year or longer from today:
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If you are looking for a wedding officiant for a ceremony only, please email your request to detailedweddingsandevents@gmail.com or call 803-968-3321 at least 14 business days before the ceremony date to check the officiant's availability for your planned date.
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After contact is made via phone or email, the officiani will begin services once a contract is signed and a 50% non-refundable retainer fee is paid. The remaining balance must be paid no later than two weeks before the ceremony. The fee for officiating a ceremony only is $53.50, including tax, while the cost for the officiant to officiate a ceremony and attend a rehearsal is $160.50, including tax.
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If the couple requests to read and approve a draft of their customized love story (if applicable) before the ceremony day, they will meet with the officiant four times before the ceremony. If the couple prefers the customized love story to be a surprise on their wedding day, they will meet with the officiant three times before the ceremony. The officiant will conduct an initial consultation via phone or in person to gather the necessary information for developing the couple's chosen style of ceremony vows, as outlined in section #4.
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The officiant will offer unlimited draft revisions as necessary.
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The officiant will assist in finalizing the order of the ceremony, including the addition of special ceremony music, unity ceremonies, cultural traditions, and other details. This will help to create a wedding ceremony program that can be handed off to a wedding coordinator or a printing service via email or uploaded.
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A courtesy email or text will be sent to confirm the arrival of the wedding officiant on the day of the ceremony or rehearsal to the wedding coordinator or designated individual.
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The officiant or the couple will return the signed marriage license to the Sumter County Probate Court within 15 days after the ceremony date.
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A courtesy email or text will be sent to inform the couple when the signed marriage license has been returned to the probate court, if applicable.
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Informed of a Pre-Arranged Contingency Plan where the officiant will make every attempt to provide a replacement officiant qualified to perform weddings in the state of South Carolina at no additional cost to the couple in the event of an emergency health issue, transportation accident, transportation breakdown, or force majeure (due to unforeseeable acts beyond anyone's control).
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A "Just Married" photo of the couple will be posted on this page.
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The newlyweds will receive a QR code to submit a Google review.
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Any wedding ceremony that starts late by 30 minutes or more after the scheduled start time, will incur a "late-start" fee of an additional $50 or $53.50 including tax. The fee must be paid before the officiant signs the marriage license. Additionally, couples should anticipate a convenience fee of $50 or $53.50 including tax, if they book an officiant for any of the following holidays:
New Year's Eve
New Year’s Day
Easter
Memorial Day
July 4th
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
3. Vow Renewal Wedding Officiant Service
A vow renewal wedding officiant service is specifically designed for couples who are already legally married and wish to reaffirm their commitment to each other in a ceremony. While it shares similarities with a traditional wedding officiant service, there are some key distinctions. Here's what a vow renewal wedding officiant service entails with us:
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Consultation(s): The officiant will meet with the couple to understand their journey together since their wedding day. This includes significant milestones, challenges overcome, and the reasons they want to renew their vows.
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Personalized Ceremony Creation: Similar to a wedding ceremony, the officiant will work with the couple to create a meaningful and personalized ceremony. However, the content will often focus on their established marriage and future aspirations rather than the beginning of their life together. This might include:
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Reflecting on their years of marriage.
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Sharing stories and memories.
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Incorporating children or other family members.
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Choosing readings or poems that resonate with their enduring love.
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Renewal of Vows: The heart of the ceremony involves the couple reaffirming their original vows or writing new ones that reflect their growth and continued commitment.
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Ring Exchange (Optional): The couple may choose to exchange their original rings again or present new ones as a symbol of their renewed commitment.
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Involving Family and Friends: The ceremony can be tailored to include children, grandchildren, or other significant people in the couple's lives.
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Symbolic Acts: The officiant can suggest or incorporate symbolic acts that represent the strength and longevity of their marriage.
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Rehearsal (Optional): Depending on the complexity of the ceremony and the involvement of others, a rehearsal might be desired.
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Officiating the Ceremony: The officiant will lead the vow renewal ceremony on the chosen day.
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Certificate of Renewal: Unlike a wedding, a vow renewal ceremony doesn't involve legal paperwork. However, the officiant will provide guidance to how a commemorative certificate of renewal can be obtained.
What a Vow Renewal Officiant is NOT Involved In:
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Filing a Marriage License: This is not a legal marriage ceremony, so no marriage license is involved.
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Pre-Marital Counseling: This is usually specific to couples entering marriage for the first time.
Reasons Why Couples Hire a Vow Renewal Officiant:
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Celebrating a Milestone Anniversary: Couples often renew their vows on significant anniversaries (e.g., 10th, 25th, 50th).
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Reaffirming Commitment After Challenges: Some couples choose to renew their vows after overcoming a difficult period in their marriage.
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Including Children or More Family: They may want to have a ceremony where their children can participate in a meaningful way.
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Having the Wedding They Always Wanted: Some couples may have had a small or rushed wedding initially and now want a more elaborate celebration of their love.
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Simply to Reaffirm Their Love: It's a beautiful way to publicly declare their ongoing commitment and love for each other.
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Destination Celebrations: A vow renewal can be a great excuse for a special trip and celebration in a meaningful location.
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After a Significant Life Transition: Events like retirement, becoming empty nesters, or other major life changes can prompt a couple to reflect on their relationship and renew their vows.
When looking for a vow renewal officiant, consider:
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Their experience with vow renewal ceremonies
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Their willingness to personalize the ceremony
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Their personality and connection with you as a couple
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Their fees and what is included in their service
In essence, a vow renewal officiant helps couples create a meaningful and heartfelt ceremony to celebrate and reaffirm their enduring love and commitment. It's a chance to look back on their journey and look forward to their future together.
4 Ceremony Vows Style Options
Please select your preferred type of ceremony vows from the list below for your wedding day. The officiant requires a minimum of 14 business days to prepare a non-elopement ceremony and seven business days for an elopement ceremony. Email your request to detailedweddingsandevents@gmail.com or call 803-968-3321. All ceremonies will include the Declaration of Consent (the question, do you take this man or woman to be your lawful wedded spouse?) and the Pronouncement of Marriage (where the officiant announces the couple as husband and wife). If desired, the couple may also include personal vows in their selected ceremony type.
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Baptist Traditional Ceremony - Contains the question: who gives this woman to be married to this man?
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Beauty & The Beast Inspired Ceremony - You must set the stage for this ceremony, which is great for a grand ballroom decorated with gold, red and soft candlelight. A live orchestra or a violin also creates a magical atmosphere but is not included in an elopement ceremony
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Blended Family Ceremony #1 - Includes the names & participation of the bride's children & the groom's children
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Blended Family Ceremony #2 - Can include the couple's love story, bride's children, groom's children & Sand Blending Unity Ceremony, but is not included in an elopement ceremony. This ceremony is written for religious Christian couples who wish to include their children in the ceremony, it includes a Bible verse, blessing, family vows and joint vows, consent of children, a unity sand ceremony with colored sand blending, and a special wedding reading by a child. The couple must purchase a Unity Sand Ceremony Set with two different colored packets of sand
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Buddhist Wedding Ceremony with Meditation Ceremony - Includes a simple meditation for guests and the couple, bell ringing for moments of mindful reflection, a quote from Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, and a sweet vow exchange but is not included in an elopement ceremony.
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Catholic Inspired Modern Ceremony - Begins with a Ring Warming Prayer, Entrance Rite, Sign of the Cross, Welcome & Renewal of Baptism
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Catholic Traditional Ceremony - Begins with Entrance Rite, Sign of the Cross, Welcome & Opening Prayer
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Chinese Simple Ceremony - Guests will receive a printout of the ceremony in Chinese & English to follow along in their preferred language, and the ceremony includes an Invocation and Declaration of Intent but is not included in an elopement ceremony
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Christian Ceremony #1 - Begins with the Invocation: We are gathered here today...
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Christian Ceremony #2 - Includes marriage prayer and recognition of children
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Christian Ceremony #3 - Symbolizes a couple's promise to keep their faith and love of God at the center of their marriage & includes the Cord of Three Strands Unity Ceremony but is not included in an elopement ceremony. The couple must purchase a Cord of Three Strands Wedding Sign
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Christmas Themed Ceremony with Unity Candle Ceremony - This religious Christmas themed wedding ceremony uses Christmas carols as the music for the ceremony, and each guest will be handed a tea light candle as they enter, to be lit during the ceremony, Couple must purchase a Unity Candle Kit, tealights for guests and a tapered candle for each usher but is not included in an elopement ceremony.
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Cinderella Themed Ceremony – Inspired by the Rodgers & Hammerstein's Soundtrack but is not included in an elopement ceremony
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a ceremony based on Rodgers & Hammerstein's 1997 Cinderella Soundtrack with Brandy, Paolo Montalban & Whitney
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a ceremony based on Rodgers & Hammerstein's 2008 Cinderella Soundtrack with Lea Salonga, Peter Saide & Charlie Parker
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Disney Themed Ceremony – Inspired by Walt Disney Movie Soundtracks but is not included in an elopement
1. based on Walt Disney Records' love songs
2. based on R&B versions of Walt Disney Records' love songs
3. based on Disney Hits & Disney Movies on Celtic Harp
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Episcopal Ceremony - This ceremony includes the Lord's Prayer
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Fairytale Ceremony - Inspired by Walt Disney's Fairytale Songs but is not included in an elopement ceremony
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a ceremony based on Walt Disney Records' Disney Fairytale Wedding Songs (instrumental)
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a ceremony based on Walt Disney Records' Disney Classics (orchestral version)
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a ceremony based on Walt Disney Records' Disney Violin
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a ceremony based on R&B versions of Walt Disney Records' Disney Fairytale Wedding Songs
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a ceremony based on Pop versions of Walt Disney Records' Disney Fairytale Wedding Songs
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Filipino Modern Ceremony - This is a modern twist on a traditional Filipino Wedding Ceremony & includes a blessing from the couple's parents or elders, Unity Veil and Cord Ritual (sometimes called a Lasso Ceremony), Exchange of Unity Coins, Unity Candle Lighting Ceremony, and lots of guest participation. The couple must purchase all the supplies needed for the ceremony, but it is not included in an elopement ceremony.
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Game of Thrones Ceremony - Inspired by the Game of Thrones, with music and references to many of the favorite GoT storylines, episodes, and characters. Honor your commitment in the company of friends and family, Old Gods and New Gods, and the Seven aspects, and watch your love triumph over White Walkers, Stone Men, and any other challenges that lie ahead on the path of life. It includes a Cloaking Ceremony, Exchange of Vows, and Exchange of Rings but is not included in an elopement ceremony. The couple must purchase two cloaks.
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Hourglass Sand Ceremony - This is a fun twist on the traditional Unity Sand Ceremony and requires the couple to pour sand into an hourglass that they need to purchase but is not included in an elopement ceremony
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Intercultural Ceremony
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Muslim & Jewish - Begins with the Invocation, Opening Prayer/Shehecheyanu (a Jewish blessing meaning "Who has given us life}, and a Blessing & Reflection on the Chuppah but is not included in an elopement ceremony.
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Interfaith Ceremony
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Jewish & Christian Marriage with Breaking the Glass - Begins with a Ketubah (marriage contract) Signing, Welcome, Introduction, Moment of Silence, and Lighting of a Memorial Candle but is not included in an elopement ceremony.
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Muslim & Christian Marriage - Begins with Wedding Invocation, Opening Prayer & Declaration of Intent
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Jump the Broom Ceremony - Includes Invocation and Welcome and can include Personal Vows, but the couple must purchase a wedding ceremony broom. Twenty-four to 34" is a good length for a couple to jump across
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Lighthearted Ceremony - Includes a warm welcome to family & friends, a funny reading about marriage, funny wedding vows & insights on creating a loving marriage from Wilferd Arlan Peterson's “The Art of a Good Marriage"
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Marriage License Signing Ceremony - This ceremony happens when the couple signs their Marriage License at the altar after the vows & rings exchange
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Moment of Remembrance Ceremony - Remember a deceased relative during the ceremony
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New Year's Eve Ceremony with Anniversary Box - Celebrate the start of a new year & new life together with this New Year's Eve ceremony but is not included in an elopement ceremony
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Non-religious Ceremony - Begins with Invocation, Declaration of Intent and includes Rings Exchange
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Personalized Ceremony - Includes details of your relationship to tell your love story, but is not included in an elopement ceremony
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Princess Bride Ceremony - Based on a Princess Bride inspired vows ceremony
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Romantic Ceremony - includes details of your relationship to tell your love story, but is not included in an elopement ceremony
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Shortest Wedding Ceremony - The couple is married within 2 minutes or less, and the ceremony does not include a wedding song
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Shotgun Ceremony - A unique, funny and lighthearted ceremony for couples who are pregnant on their wedding day
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Simple Ceremony #1 - Performed with or without a Tree or Flower Planting Unity Ceremony, but is not included in an elopement ceremony
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Simple Ceremony #2 - Includes spiritual but not religious wording and includes with this ring, I marry you phrase during rings exchange
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Surprise Ceremony - this is a surprise ceremony for Partner A or Partner B and is delivered during a dinner party, casual party, cocktail party, or similar gathering of friends and family members and begins with an Invocation/Opening Words, Declaration of Intent and Pronouncement of Marriage
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Vows Renewal Ceremony - Includes recognition of the children; without recognition of the children, but can happen for a larger second ceremony occurring after a small first ceremony, a milestone, a recommitment, or an anniversary
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Winter Wedding Ceremony - Includes the couple lighting a unity candle with participation from the mothers to light their unity candles, and the ceremony reflects on the meaning and symbolism of the solstice. The couple must purchase a large Unity Candle and two small unity candles for the ceremony, and they may want to include extra candles down the aisle, but this ceremony is not included in an elopement ceremony
5. Fees
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For elopement or vow renewal ceremonies scheduled for two months or less before the ceremony date: The full payment of $50 or $53.50, including tax, is required to officiate on the day of the ceremony. We accept cash and all major credit cards. Please note that a card processing fee of 3.4% applies (approximately $55 for a $53.50 payment), and the transaction should post within 1 to 3 business days.
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For full, partial, day-of, or vow renewal ceremonies scheduled for three months or more before the ceremony date: A non-refundable retainer of 50% is required to activate the contract in the amount of $26.75, one-half of $53.50 including tax for an officiant only or $80.25, one-half of $160.50 including tax for an officiant and a rehearsal. The remaining balance of either $26.75 or $80.25 must be paid two weeks before the ceremony date. We accept cash and all major credit cards. Please note that a card processing fee of 3.4% applies to a $50 officiant fee of $53.50 including tax (approximately $55) and a 3.4% applies to a $100 rehearsal fee and a $50 officiant fee totaling $160.50 including tax (approximately $165) and the transaction should post within 1 to 3 business days.
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For Late Starts: Any wedding ceremony that starts late by 30 minutes or more after the scheduled start time will incur a "late-start" fee of an additional $50 or $53.50 including tax. The fee must be paid before the officiant signs the marriage license. Additionally, couples should anticipate a convenience fee of $50 or $53.50 including tax, if they book an officiant for any of the following holidays:
New Year's Eve
New Year’s Day
Easter
Memorial Day
July 4th
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
6. Complete a Premarital Counseling Online Video Course 12 Months Before Purchasing a Marriage License
For couples seeking a six-hour SC Premarital Course together, which is taught online by a relationship expert (psychologist) and a minister, the SC Premarital Preparation Online Video Course is available for a fee of $24. The course must be completed 12 months before applying for a marriage license, and a probate court judge or clerk of court must be informed to certify on the South Carolina marriage license that you have completed the course. As of May 25, 2022, couples can submit a copy of their Premarital Course Certificate, along with the SC Department of Revenue Premarital Preparation Course Tax Credit Form (TC32) to determine eligibility of a tax credit of $25 for each individual or $50 jointly on their SC Tax Form in the upcoming year. Read about it here: SC DEPT OF REVENUE PREMARITAL PREPARATION COURSE CREDIT FORM TC32 For the SC Premarital Preparation Online Video Course, click the course link here: 6-HOUR PREMARITAL COURSE LINK
7. Per Diem Rates Apply if the Event Is More Than 50 Miles Away From Sumter, Except Cents Per Mile
For locations more than 50 miles outside of Sumter, a per diem rate will apply. This covers necessary overnight accommodation if the travel distance exceeds 50 miles (approximately a one-hour drive). The per diem includes:
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Meals: To cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and any small food-related expenses.
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Lodging: The cost of the hotel or other overnight stay.
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Incidentals: Minor expenses like tips, transportation to/from the airport, parking, and other small costs incurred during travel.
To determine the per diem rates for an event’s location, follow these simple steps:
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Distance Check: First, use a tool like Google or Google Maps to calculate the distance between Sumter and the venue's city or zip code.
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50-Mile Threshold: If the distance is 50 miles or greater, a per diem rate applies.
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GSA Rate Lookup: Use the official GSA (General Services Administration) Per Diem Rates. You can also view these rates yourself using this link: [GSA Per Diem Rates].
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Search Your Venue: On the GSA site, you can search by using the venue's state, city, or zip code.
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Identify the Rate: The search will show the specific per diem rates listed for the location, which will detail the costs for Lodging, Meals, and Incidentals
As an example, the GSA rates from Sumter to a venue in Blythewood, SC for the year 2025 are:
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Daily Lodging: $115 (if an overnight stay is required due to the distance).
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Full Daily Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE): $74 for each full day of travel (covering Breakfast = $18, Lunch = $20, Dinner = $31, and small incidentals =$5).
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Partial Day M&IE for the First and Last Travel Days: 75% of the full daily M&IE ($55.50).
Regarding Travel Costs [Cents Per Mile]: Clients will not be charged any mileage fees for travel. As an independent contractor, we are responsible for our transportation expenses, which include adhering to the standard IRS standard mileage rates for business travel. This approach is a common practice among professionals for managing their travel expenses.
[IRS Standard Mileage Rates]
8. SC Marriage License Information & Additional Copies: Contact the Sumter Probate Court for answers to any questions about the Marriage License. Additionally, it is important to note that witnesses are not required for SC ceremonies, nor is a blood test required. For more information, please refer to the Sumter County Probate Court link: Sumter Probate Court to ask for Marriage License Information
Additional certified copies of the marriage license can be purchased after it has been returned to the probate court. As of the summer of 2023, the cost is $5 per certified copy, and the price may increase without notice.
9. Decorative Ceremonial Marriage Certificate & Commemorative Certificate of Renewal Are Available
Decorative Ceremonial Marriage Certificate or Commemorative Certificate of Renewal are not available at the Sumter probate court. The couple can purchase a Decorative Ceremonial Marriage Certificate or a Commemorative Certificate of Renewal in advance of the ceremony date from the wedding officiant to display in their homes or pass it on as a memorable keepsake for $7, $9, or $11. Orders take as long as two weeks or sooner. Shipping methods and charges are as follows:
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Shipping via Media Mail (7-14 Business Days) (No Tracking) costs $0.00
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Shipping via First Class Mail (3-5 Business Days + Tracking) costs $5.50
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Shipping via Priority Mail (2-5 Business Days + Tracking) costs $9.50
All orders have a one-business-day processing time. AMM ship orders Monday through Friday, not including holidays. Delivery times are measured from the day your order ships and movement can be seen via the tracking, but tracking is not seen on the day the order is placed. For example, if a Priority order is placed on a Friday, it will ship Monday, and is likely to be delivered within 2 to 5 business days.
If you would like to purchase a certificate, the options and prices are posted below and tax is not required.
Traditional Marriage Certificate $9

Timeless Renewal of Vows Certificate $9

AMM Signature Marriage Certificate $9


Wood Frame for Certificate $25
Personalized Timeless Marriage Certificate $11

Floral Marriage Certificate $7

10. How to Wear Your Engagement Ring During the Wedding Ceremony Engagement Ring Link
11. Ideas for Free or Affordable Places to Marry Ceremony Venue Ideas Link
12. Cancellation and/or Change Policy
Cancellation: If a couple does not remit payment as specified, the wedding officiant has the right to cancel a contract without further obligation to refund the retainer or to perform services. However, the retainer can be applied to another date and time, as long as the couple notify the officiant with a request in writing or email no later than 14 days prior to the new ceremony date and/or time to detailedweddingsandevents@gmail.com.
If the couple needs to cancel a ceremony due to a relationship conflict or force majeure (due to unforeseeable acts beyond anyone's control), the couple will forfeit fees paid to the officiant for the ceremony work and research completed.
Change: The deposit can be applied to another date and time, as long as the Couple requests a change via email to detailedweddingsandevents@gmail.com no later than 14 days before the ceremony date.
The officiant will inform the couple of a Pre-Arranged Contingency Plan to provide a replacement officiant qualified to perform weddings in the state of South Carolina at no additional cost to the couple in the event of an emergency health issue, transportation accident, transportation breakdown, or force majeure (due to unforeseeable acts beyond anyone's control).
13. Qualifications, Email Contact Button and the Just Married Gallery
The officiant is a certified professional and is recognized as a legally ordained wedding officiant of American Marriage Ministries and is also fully qualified to officiate weddings in the state of South Carolina as of July 2, 2022. The officiant is also experienced in public speaking, and she has served as a radio broadcaster in Warrenton, VA, Nashville, TN and Florence, SC.


21 April 2023 Mr. & Mrs. Millender
Swan Lake Iris Gardens - Sumter

21 September 2023 Mr. & Mrs. Wilson
Pointe Lookout Farm - Wedgefield

2 October 2023 Mr. & Mrs. Creed
Swan Lake Iris Gardens - Sumter

26 December 2023 Mr. & Mrs. Helms
Swan Lake Iris Gardens - Sumter

24 February 2024 Mr. & Mrs. Long
Swan Lake Iris Gardens - Sumter

5 January 2024 Mr. & Mrs. Sanchez
Swan Lake Iris Gardens - Sumter

11 March 2024 Mr. & Mrs. Dukes
Residence - Sumter

11 February 2024 Mr. & Mrs. Merrill
Residence - Sumter

17 May 2024 Mr. & Mrs. Wheeler
Residence - Olanta

25 May 2024 Mr. & Mrs. Watters
Memorial Park - Sumter

27 January 2025 Mr. & Mrs. Owens
Memorial Park - Sumter
