How far will you travel to marry us?
If we are available for your date, and if you are certain you wish Sandie or Gregory to perform the ceremony,
we will travel to any point in the High Country, or beyond to perform your ceremony. For any destination more
than thirty minutes from our home, we will charge a travel fee.
What type of clothing will you wear?
We typically dress in robes which are burgundy (Sandie’s summer robe is white with a purple stole) in color
and include a white stole. Gregory is willing to wear a black suit if you wish, however it will depend on your
wedding’s degree of formality and your wishes. For weddings near mountain streams or in rugged outdoor
settings, we will attempt to blend into your ceremony. Less formal attire is appropriate for mountain locations
that are difficult to get to. We will discuss these details with you and customize our clothing if necessary
Will you be attending our rehearsal dinner and\or reception?
Reverends Sandie and Gregory feel your rehearsal dinner and reception dinner are events for family and
friends that you’ve invited to celebrate with you. We construct the ceremony, perform it, complete
your license and after a few photographs we will depart so you can enjoy your guests and the rest of your
special event. We do not wish to add to the expense of your wedding by attending these events.
What about a rehearsal?
We will be happy to participate in and lead your rehearsal should you wish. During our initial conversation with
you, we will ask if you prefer to have a rehearsal, which typically takes place the day before the wedding and
involves those members of the wedding party who can be present. Gregory and Sandie recommend a rehearsal when
the wedding party exceeds four people or when the ceremony is complex. The purpose for a rehearsal is to reduce
any stress for the bride, groom and wedding party. If you have a wedding coordinator, we will happily work with
he or she during the rehearsal and throughout the process.
Can we have photographers during the ceremony?
Sandie and Gregory enthusiastically welcome your photographer and videographer to take pictures during the
ceremony. This part of your service will be very important to you and often it passes quickly. The pictures
you see afterward may be your best visual memento of the service.
How much is your fee?
For ceremonies within thirty minutes of our offices, we charge $200.00 without a rehearsal. For ceremonies with
rehearsals, the fee is $350.00. For ceremonies between thirty and forty-five minutes away there is an additional
$50.00 fee per trip. For locations involving greater distances or extenuating circumstances, we will discuss the fee with you.
What about the marriage license and payment?
Gregory or Sandie will collect your marriage license from you upon arrival for your ceremony or rehearsal. We will complete the license at the ceremony and immediately mail the license to the appropriate Register of Deeds. This is our legal responsibility and we take it very seriously. We recommend you request a certified or registered copy of your license when you apply for your marriage license, as you will then be able to make appropriate name changes to your social security account or to your driver’s license. There is a fee for this copy however it will save you a great deal of time after you are married.
When and where should we apply for our marriage license?
In North Carolina, your marriage license is good for sixty days from the day you apply for it.
You may apply in any county in the state and bring the license with you to the ceremony. This means if you
live in North Carolina you may obtain your license in your home county and bring it with you. If you are from
out of state, then you can call the clerk of court in your area and ask or you may look online for marriage
license information in your state. If you prefer to apply in Watauga County, you would apply for your license
in Boone, NC at the Watauga County Courthouse on King Street. Proceed to the Clerk of the Court’s office.
Signs for Marriage licenses are prominent in the Courthouse and it typically opens at 8a.m. and closes at 4p.m.
Monday through Friday. You will need photo identification, a birth certificate and if you have been divorced,
you will need official proof of your divorce. The staff is friendly and helpful. For more information on
obtaining your marriage license from Watauga County please click here.
What about the marriage license and payment?
Gregory or Sandie will collect your marriage license from you upon arrival for your ceremony or rehearsal.
We will complete the license at the ceremony and immediately mail the license to the appropriate Register of Deeds.
This is our legal responsibility and we take it very seriously. We recommend you request a certified or registered copy of your
license when you apply for your marriage license, as you will then be able to make appropriate name changes to your social security
account or to your driver’s license. There is a fee for this copy however it will save you a great deal of time after you are married.
Please click here for detailed information on obtaining your marriage license in North Carolina including a list
of County Clerk of Court phone numbers.
How do we proceed if we feel we would like to have you officiate at our ceremony?
You may phone us or contact us by email in the Contact Us section of this site to inquire about our
availability for your date. Once we have established our availability for your date and location, we will
conduct a short interview with you so we may determine if you feel we’re the appropriate officiants for your
ceremony. This consultation is typically done by phone however if you would prefer to meet with us somewhere
in Boone or nearby, we’ll happily arrange a mutually convenient time. This consultation is free. If you
decide one of us is the appropriate minister, we ask for a 50 percent non-refundable deposit in order to hold
your date and to begin developing your ceremony. This may be paid in cash, by check, or by credit card.