Halliwell Handfastings
Officiants, Unique Services
As Clergy, I am non-judgmental and and open-minded. I do not affiliate myself with any particular Church or organized Religion. I've been performing and creating various Ceremonies and Rituals for others for the past decade. I enjoy performing various Ceremonies, leading Rituals, Sabbats, and Esbats. I also Teach various Classes, hold Workshops and Discussion Groups, and am available for Seminars and Guest Speaking.
I was ordained by Universal Ministries on March 10th, 2005 and with the Universal Life Church Monastery on July 30th, 2008. According to Minnesota law, I may legally marry any male/female couple who are of legal age and not related. My credentials are filed with Nicollet County, MN. I also perform Commitment Ceremonies for those whose relationships are not yet recognized by the state. I currently perform a small number of Ceremonies annually and am thus usually available for more. My training has largely been on my own through years of spiritual searching and research. I am currently working on a Doctorate in Religious Philosophy through Universal Ministries.
I am a proud sponsor of The Witches' Voice.
I am a member in good standing of the Fellowship of Isis.
Package Rate Chart
* Before making a payment, PLEASE call (507-317-9023) or email me to be sure of my availability!
| Elopement Ceremony | $50, plus travel/lodging | $25 non-refundable deposit |
| Year-and-a-Day Ceremony | $50, plus travel/lodging | $25 non-refundable deposit |
| Basic Ceremony | $100, plus travel/lodging | $50 non-refundable deposit |
| Classic Ceremony | $150, plus travel/lodging | $75 non-refundable deposit |
| Custom Ceremony | $200, plus travel/lodging | $100 non-refundable deposit |
| Simple Vow Renewal Ceremony | $50 plus travel/lodging | $25 non-refundable deposit |
| Elegant Vow Renewal Ceremony | $100, plus travel/lodging | $50 non-refundable deposit |
Packages Indepth
Elopement Ceremony:
This is ideal for the couple who wants a quick, private wedding ceremony. It is a simple, pre-written ceremony performed at your site. There are no preliminary meetings or rehearsal. Basic elements include a brief introduction, short reading about marriage, exchange of simple vows, optional giving of rings, pronouncement of marriage, signing and filing of the marriage license. Ceremony length is 10-15 minutes. * I do require a copy of the marriage license for my personal records.
Fee: $50, plus mileage/lodging
Deposit/Retainer: $25- non-refundable.
Includes:
- Couple receives a copy of their Ceremony and a Certificate of Handfasting/Marriage suitable for framing.
- Couple may choose from several pre-written ceremonies which I will mail or email to them in a packet.
- There is usually no personal meeting- only phone and email contact until the day of the ceremony.
- I will arrive 30 minutes early to give instructions and go over the ceremony briefly.
- Appropriate ministerial clothing will be worn (as discussed prior).
- I will sign the license, legalizing the union (the couple is responsible for obtaining the license, bringing it to the ceremony, and providing witnesses).
Year-and-a-Day Handfasting/Marriage Trial:
This Ceremony is for those Couples who wish to make commitments to each other, but choose not to become legally united. The time period of a year-and-a-day can be lengthened to suit the couple or renewed or made legal at the end of this period. This is a betrothal period or marriage trial that either ends at the end of the term or is renewed/legalized. It is a simple, pre-written ceremony performed at your site. There are no preliminary meetings or rehearsal. Basic elements include a brief introduction, short reading about Handfastings and Marriage, exchange of simple vows, optional giving of rings, pronouncement of Handfast, signing of the Handfasting Certificate. Ceremony length is 10-15 minutes. * I do require a copy of the Handfasting Certificate for my personal records.
Fee: $50, plus mileage/lodging
Deposit/Retainer: $25- non-refundable.
Includes:
- Couple receives a copy of their Ceremony and a Certificate of Handfasting suitable for framing.
- Couple may choose from several pre-written ceremonies which I will mail or email to them in a packet.
- There is usually no personal meeting- only phone and email contact until the day of the ceremony.
- I will arrive 30 minutes early to give instructions and go over the ceremony briefly.
- Appropriate ministerial clothing will be worn (as discussed prior).
- I will sign the Handfasting Certificate.
* During a temporary Handfasting period no children should be conceived. It is a spiritual marriage or trial marriage for the couple- not a license to have unprotected sex.
Basic Ceremony:
Perfect for the couple wishing to celebrate their marriage in style, but without hurting their pocketbook. This option is deal for small- to medium-sized gatherings. Ceremony length is 15-30 minutes. * I require a copy of the marriage license for my records.
Fee: $100, plus mileage/lodging
Deposit/Retainer: $50- non-refundable.
Includes:
- Couple receives a copy of their Ceremony and Certificate of Handfasting/Marriage suitable for framing.
- I will give general help in planning the Ceremony. This includes: 1 meeting (mileage/lodging will be added to the total balance)
- I will write and revise the ceremony (up to 3 times- more revisions are $10 each and will be added to the total balance).
- Get acquainted meeting (no charge if located under 1 hour from me, otherwise mileage/lodging will be added to the total balance- see Travel Fees above for more information).
- I will attend the rehearsal (to be less than 1 hour) and arrive 30 minutes early to the Ceremony to help coordinate and offer support.
- Ministerial attire may be discussed.
- I will practice the ceremony before the rehearsal and again before the Ceremony
- I will sign the license- it may be given to me to hold until the Ceremony where I will then give it back to the couple to mail in.
Classic Ceremony:
This package is the most recommended. It is the best choice for most couples. This option is deal for small- to medium-sized gatherings. Ceremony length is 30-45 minutes. * I require a copy of the marriage license for my records.
Fee: $150, plus mileage/lodging
Deposit/Retainer: $75- non-refundable.
Includes:
- Couple receives a copy of their Ceremony and Certificate of Handfasting/Marriage suitable for framing.
- Couple receives the Ceremonies Components Book and Wedding Planning Kit.
- I will give general help in planning the Ceremony. This includes: 3 meetings- the first to discuss the components, the second to build the Ceremony, and the third to finalize the Ceremony. (There will be no charge if the meetings are under 1 hour from me, otherwise mileage/lodging will be added to the total balance)
- I will write and revise the ceremony (up to 5 times- more revisions are $10 each and will be added to the total balance).
- Get acquainted meeting (no charge if located under 1 hour from me, otherwise mileage/lodging will be added to the total balance- see Travel Fees above for more information).
- I will attend the rehearsal (to be less than 1 hour) and arrive 30 minutes early to the Ceremony to help coordinate and offer support.
- Ministerial attire may be discussed.
- I will practice the ceremony before the rehearsal and again before the Ceremony
- I will sign the license- it may be given to me to hold until the Ceremony where I will then give it back to the couple to mail in.
Deluxe Ceremony:
This is the package for the couple wishing for a Ceremony that is specially designed for them with a Clergy that is dedicated to making their day less stressful and more relaxed and well-organized. Ceremony length is 30-60 minutes. * I require a copy of the marriage license for my records.
Fee: $200, plus mileage/lodging
Deposit/Retainer: $100- non-refundable.
Includes:
- Couple receives a copy of their Ceremony and Certificate of Handfasting/Marriage suitable for framing.
- Couple receives the Ceremonies Components Book, Name Change Kit, and Wedding Planning Kit.
- I will give general help in planning the Ceremony. This includes: 3 meetings- the first to discuss the components, the second to build the Ceremony, and the third to finalize the Ceremony. (There will be no charge if the meetings are under 1 hour from me, otherwise mileage/lodging will be added to the total balance)
- I will write and revise the ceremony as needed. (Up to 10 times without revision cost: $10 per revision after that)
- Get acquainted meeting (no charge if located under 1 hour from me, otherwise mileage/lodging will be added to the total balance- see Travel Fees above for more information).
- I will attend the rehearsal and any other dinners/events as requested
- I will arrive 30 minutes early to the Ceremony to help coordinate and offer support.
- Ministerial attire may be discussed
- I will practice the ceremony before the rehearsal and again before the Ceremony
- I will sign the license- it may be given to me to hold until the Ceremony and I will then mail it in.
Simple Vow Renewal Ceremony:
A Vow Renewal is a ceremony in which an already-married couple re-affirms their love for one another and their commitment to their marriage by either repeating their original vows or by creating new vows. Typically, a renewal is held on a significant anniversary (10th, 25th, 50th etc). Or it may be held after the resolution of a difficult time in the marriage as an affirmation of their relationship. Ceremony length is 15-30 minutes. * I require a copy of the original marriage license for my records.
Fee: $50 depending on my level of involvement, plus mileage/lodging
Deposit/Retainer: $25- non-refundable
Includes:
- Couple receives a copy of their Ceremony and Certificate of Renewal suitable for framing.
- I will write and revise the ceremony (up to 3 times- more revisions are $10 each and will be added to the total balance).
- Get acquainted meeting (no charge if located under 1 hour from me, otherwise mileage/lodging will be added- see Travel Fees above for more information).
- I will attend the rehearsal (to be less than 1 hour) and arrive 30 minutes early to the Ceremony to help coordinate and offer support.
- Ministerial attire may be discussed.
- I will practice the ceremony before the rehearsal and again before the Ceremony
Elegant Vow Renewal Ceremony:
This version is a bit more detailed and is for those Couples wishing to have a more detailed Ceremony or those who had a "quickie" for their first Ceremony. Ceremony length is 30-45 minutes. * I require a copy of the original marriage license for my records.
Fee: $50 depending on my level of involvement, plus mileage/lodging
Deposit/Retainer: $25- non-refundable.
Includes:
- Couple receives a copy of their Ceremony and Certificate of Renewal suitable for framing.
- Couple receives the Ceremonies Components Book and Wedding Planning Kit.
- I will write and revise the ceremony (up to 5 times- more revisions are $10 each and will be added to the total balance).
- Get acquainted meeting (no charge if located under 1 hour from me, otherwise mileage/lodging will be added- see Travel Fees above for more information).
- I will give general help in planning the Ceremony. This includes: 3 meetings- the first to discuss the components, the second to build the Ceremony, and the third to finalize the Ceremony. (There will be no charge if the meetings are under 1 hour from me, otherwise mileage/lodging will be added to the total balance)
- I will attend the rehearsal (to be less than 1 hour) and arrive 30 minutes early to the Ceremony to help coordinate and offer support.
- Ministerial attire may be discussed.
- I will practice the ceremony before the rehearsal and again before the Ceremony
Explanation of Services
People often wonder how I came up with my prices. Please keep in mind that I am not associated with a Church and therefore do not have a salary for my services. Each Ceremony takes about 10 hours of work, including: emails, phone calls, research, revisions, practicing the Ceremony, travel and mileage, etc.
Here is my explanation of services in alphabetical order for your convenience:
Assistance Writing Vows:
I include this, upon request, with all my packages, except Elopement (which is more of a standard format). I am willing to spend as much time on the phone and over email as is necessary to help each of you put your feelings into words that are meaningful and beautiful. For those within 100 miles, I’m willing to meet with you privately to discuss this in person. I only ask that travel be paid.
Ceremony Components Book: A large, comprehensive book consisting of over 250 pages. Includes vows, ceremony elements, readings, blessings, and other Ceremony ideas. This book was designed specifically for those who wish to write their own wedding ceremony. The elements have been well-researched and culled from various world religions, traditions, and customs. Please go to my store at CafePress to purchase this book.
Fee: $25, plus shipping and handling, but can be deducted from overall package fee in all but my Elopement Ceremony.
Choice of Pre-Written Ceremonies:
All of my packages have the option of choosing from several pre-written Ceremonies. Most of these are included in my Ceremony Components Book. I have written quite a few myself and culled some from different sources as well. I feel that it is always a good thing to have a general idea to start from when performing such important Ceremonies and I try to stick with what works and add to or modify from there.
Customized Ceremony:
This is available, upon request, for all my packages- except Elopement (which still includes a choice of several Ceremonies). My Ceremony Components Book is available to be used to develop your perfect Ceremony. In the Classic Package, I add up to 3 elements of your own choosing that are not in my book. In the Custom Package, you may add as many elements from any source to your Ceremony as you wish.
Custom Written Ceremony:
Available upon request, this is service is included in the Classic and Custom Packages. This usually takes me a minimum of 10 hours- including consulting with you, the Couple, and doing basic revisions. I spend a great deal of time going over what you want for Ceremony elements (readings, unity candle lighting, hand blessing, etc) and making sure that the Ceremony "flows" nicely. I also read it out loud repeatedly so that I get an idea of how it will sound and how long the Ceremony will be. Memorization is not necessarily an option, but I try my best not to just "read along".
Fee: $50-100 (or about $10 an hour)
Handfasting Broom:
If you’d like me to create your broom, please let me know what elements you’d like me to use. I sometimes have brooms available that I’ve already made that you may choose from as well- see my Store page for availability. Please try to have ideas for handle and bush in mind. Also, I do a blessing on all my brooms prior to use.
Fee: $50 or more, depending on what handle and bush are made of and what other elements are included (IE: runes, woodburning, crystals/stones, charms, etc)
Handfasting Cord:
The Handfasting Cord can be custom made for your Ceremony. I may also have Cords available that I’ve already made- see my Store page for availability. Please try to have ideas for the colors of the braid and charm(s) to hang from it in mind. I do a blessing of all my cords prior to use.
Fee: $25 or more, depending on what the cord is made of and what/how many charms are added to it.
Initial Interview:
The Initial Interview is always free. Though if in person, help with travel/lodging is appreciated (and required for distances over 100 miles).
Keepsake Marriage Certificate:
I give a beautiful, frame-worthy keepsake Certificate of Handfasting/Marriage to all of my couples. I have also been known to create custom certificates for those who have a particularly special theme to their Wedding.
Name Change Kit:
This is a pamphlet of checklists and reminders for changing one’s name after the Wedding. Some will charge $10-20 for this, but I include it, upon request, in all my packages- except Elopement.
Fee: $5 (for printing costs)
Phone/Email Consultation:
This is included in all packages, except Elopement (where it isn’t really necessary). Email is always unlimited, but I try to limit phone time to about 60-90 minutes for the Basic and Classic and 90-120 minutes for the Custom Package. Some others will say that this is a "luxury" or "deluxe" service and charge as much as $150 for this, but I try to be as available to my couples as I can be (within reason, of course). * Please respect my time and try to call only during pre-discussed availability times.
Premarital Counseling:
This includes classes, a marriage/relationship workbook, as well as counseling on issues specific to the Couple. Workbook also available on CD. Items to be reviewed/discussed include: finances, communication, sex, household chores, personalities, in-laws, spirituality, parenting, and other issues depending on the couple. * Please note: completion of this course will enable me to give you a Certificate of Completion and may lower the cost of your marriage license.
Fee: $100, plus mileage/lodging (consists of 4 2-hour classes and a marriage/relationship workbook)
OR $200, plus mileage/lodging for a Weekend Intensive (consists of 2 4-hour classes and a marriage/relationship workbook)
Pre-Ceremony Coordination:
This is included for all packages, upon request, except the Elopement (there isn’t much preparation with that). I always arrive early to help organize/coordinate the Wedding Party, talk with the musicians, speak with the photographer/videographer, greet the parents, calm the Couple, etc. I usually come 30 minutes early, though we can discuss earlier arrival. Some others charge $25-100 for this service.
Performing the Ceremony:
Many Clergy or Justice of the Peace will charge separately for this service specifically. I chose not to charge at all for this specific service. Performing your Ceremony is an honor and a privilege that I am happy to do for free as my gift to you.
Reception Attendance:
I include this, upon request, with all packages, except Elopement (though if there is a Reception you wish me to attend, I can)- if I’m invited. This is an honor for me and I will have prepared a short speech and prayer if the couple wishes me to do them (please tell me in advance). I do this at no further charge- though others sometimes charge between $100- 250 more for inclusion in your celebrations. I only ask that travel/lodging is paid for so that I may enjoy your celebration with you and your guests.
Rehearsal Dinner Attendance:
I include this, upon request, in all packages, except Elopement (since there is usually no Rehearsal)- if I am invited. Again, it is an honor for me to spend time with your family and friends in preparation for your Ceremony. I will have prepared a short speech and prayer (different from the Reception speech and prayer) if the couple wishes for me to do so (please tell me in advance). I only ask that travel/lodging is paid for so that I can enjoy this special preparation time with you and your guests.
Rehearsal Facilitation:
Many others charge extra fees for this, but I include it, upon request, in all packages except Elopement (since there is usually no Rehearsal). I am more than happy to organize, instruct, and guide you and your Wedding Party through the Ceremony- usually twice- so that everyone is on the same page and knows what parts they need to play. Again, all I ask is that travel/lodging is paid so that I can focus on you and your guests.
Signing the License:
Most Justice of the Peace will charge between $150-250 for this service alone- this is often NOT including performing the actual Ceremony! I find this appalling and thus charge way below this benchmark.
Fee: $50
Large book which includes: guest list, various worksheets (types of meals, menu ideas, locations, dress options, etc.), various checklists (flowers, photos, music, decorations, etc.), charts for tracking and deciding how to spend money, many tips, favor ideas, and other important information regarding planning a wedding. Also available on CD. Please email me for more information.
Fee: $25, plus shipping and handling
I offer written scripts of the Ceremony, upon request, for all key players (anyone with a part in the Ceremony), including the Couple. I will provide this either beforehand or at the Rehearsal to better facilitate a fluid Rehearsal and Ceremony. I do this at no charge, though if you require extra copies- for family or other important guests for keepsakes or to help follow along- I charge only $1-5 each (depending on the length of Ceremony/number of pages). * Please specify if you’d like the plain paper or cream-colored keepsake version.
10% Referral Discount
