Services as a Wedding Officiant in Utah
As a Utah wedding officiant, Rev. Christopher is the most reviewed and highest ranked on WeddingWire for all of Utah making him #UtahsBestOfficiant and is in the top 5 nationwide. Click HERE to see video clips, more photos and well over 750 nearly all five star reviews. He is a nationally and internationally recognized Minister.
Rev. Christopher is a full time, professional non-denominational minister serving all of Utah state, will travel out of state and is even available as your destination wedding officiant. In fact he will travel ANYWHERE in the world and has passport ready for international travel.
2,211 WEDDINGS PERFORMED SINCE JULY 2011
Wedding Packages
Whether it’s a destination wedding, luxury wedding or simply a backyard wedding, we believe in being affordable, ALWAYS. We believe in providing you with value, ALWAYS. And we believe in being accessible to everyone, ALWAYS.
Elopement Packages – Not at a venue and One month notice or less
“Sign & Go”: This option has very specific guidelines and is ONLY available for one month notice or less. This option is available at the park near the Minister’s home in Draper, you will need two attendees (18 or older) to sign as witnesses. This is a 30-45 second ceremony, quite literally the legalities only. I will ask, “Do you choose NAME to be your lawfully wedded wife/husband/spouse to have and to hold from this day forward?” You each answer “I do” (if you have rings you may give them to each other at that point), then “Congratulations! I now pronounce you married!”, you kiss and we sign. Yes, it really is that simple! The fee for this service is $50.00 and is due in full at time of scheduling. If you prefer the Minister come to your location, it is an automatic Bronze level fee of $150.00.
“Kiss & Go” : This option has very specific guidelines and is ONLY available for one month notice or less. This option is available for a 5 minute non-religious (or lightly spiritual) ceremony or up to an 8 minute religious ceremony taking place only at the park near the Minister’s home in Draper, you will need two attendees (18 or older) to sign as witnesses. Number of attendees allowed is twenty or less. This is a scripted/template ceremony with the vows already built in, though you get to choose formal/traditional vows, modern/contemporary vows or a set that is a combination of those elements. You have a choice of either religious ceremony with prayer or completely non-religious, or just lightly spiritual. No ceremony additions allowed. No substitutions or alterations allowed. The fee for this service is $100.00 and is due in full at time of scheduling.
Bronze level: The same ceremony details as “Kiss & Go” except that this option is available for a ceremony to take place in your home or at a city park within Salt Lake County (NOT at a venue). The fee for this service is $150.00 and is due in full at time of scheduling.
Online Marriage / Remote Appearance Wedding / Virtual Wedding
Virtual Ceremony – “Sign & Go“: No ceremony additions allowed. No substitutions or alterations allowed. The fee for this service is $50.00 USD, same ceremony details as “Sign & Go” above, though this ceremony can take place by remote appearance over a video chat platform/app. The couple MUST obtain the marriage license from Utah County Clerk’s Office. If you do not have 2 witnesses, we may be able to provide them for you. International wedding? See Additional Services for Apostille/Consular Certification, etc. below.
Virtual Ceremony – #ZoomAndGo (Basic): No ceremony additions allowed. No substitutions or alterations allowed. The fee for this service is $100.00 USD, same ceremony details as “Kiss & Go” above, though this ceremony can take place by remote appearance over a video chat platform/app. The couple MUST obtain the marriage license from Utah County Clerk’s Office. If you do not have 2 witnesses, we may be able to provide them for you. International wedding? See Additional Services for Apostille/Consular Certification, etc. below.
Virtual Ceremony – #ZoomAndGo (Premium): This option allows for longer ceremony time, ability to incorporate your own vows or messages of love and any ceremony addition you desire. The fee for this service is $300.00 USD and is due in full at time of scheduling, same essential ceremony details as the Silver package, though this option takes place by remote appearance. The couple MUST obtain the marriage license from Utah County Clerk’s Office. If you do not have 2 witnesses, we may be able to provide them for you. International wedding? See Additional Services for Apostille/Consular Certification, etc. below.
Additional Services for Apostille/Consular Certification. etc.: The Minister provides expedited services for these documents. There is an additional service fee for countries (such as Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam; et al) that require Authorization and Consulate Legalization services as well. Minister’s time for these additional pieces $200.00 (4-5 hours in person procuring/handling all documentation); $11.50 per additional copy of marriage license; $95.00 Apostille/Certification Lt. Gov office fee; in some cases a certificate from the US Department of State is also required $20.00 fee; service for certified translation in over 90 languages and notarization of all documentation are available, fees vary based on number of documents and whether or not notarization is required; each country’s consulate has different pricing and can range from $13.00-$150.00; postal/courier service fees vary depending on number of agencies involved and final destination of all documentation. Contact the Minister to find out what costs will be for your specific situation. The couple MUST ensure that all information is correct on the marriage license application prior to the ceremony taking place and further documentation being finalized.
***Wedding due to immediate military deployment, hospital wedding, jail wedding or prison wedding? See all options shown above.***
Standard Custom Written Ceremony & Destination Wedding Packages – book up to 2 years in advance
Silver level: $600.00 throughout the state of Utah and outlying areas (ie, Evanston, Jackson Hole or Rock Springs, WY; Pocatello, Idaho Falls or Twin Falls, ID; Page, AZ, etc.). This option provides a completely custom written ceremony, personalized to the couple, where you may write your own vows and incorporate any ceremony addition(s) you wish, and timing can be however short or long you desire. It can be religious, lightly spiritual or completely non-religious. It can be formal/traditional, more modern/contemporary or a combination of those elements. No limit on attendees. Service secured with retainer.
Gold level: $800.00 Same as Silver level, though this package also includes a one hour comprehensive rehearsal. See Wedding Rehearsal further below for specific details. Service secured with retainer.
Destination Wedding Packages out of State or USA
Platinum level: Starting at $1,000.00* Same ceremony details as Gold level, though this package applies to any location that is more than 5 hours drive, one way, from Salt Lake City, Utah (does not include international travel – see Double Platinum level below). This package includes a comprehensive rehearsal. Service secured with retainer. *See airfare, hotel and rental car fees listed below.
Double Platinum level: Total fee is dependent upon airfare, rental car/taxi service and hotel fees at time of booking. Same as Gold level, though this package applies to any location that is outside of the U.S.A. . Service secured with retainer. *See airfare, hotel and rental car fees listed below.
Included in these packages are Rev. Christopher’s time preparing and officiating the ceremony and communicating with the couple via telephone and email as much as needed throughout the process. All wedding packages include finalization of paperwork and filing of marriage license with the state. More details listed below.
Rev. Christopher performing virtual wedding ceremonies
A BLESSED UNION by REV. CHRISTOPHER
Congratulations on your decision to join your lives, hearts and minds in everlasting, blessed union! Rev. Christopher is always genuinely honored to be chosen to participate in a couple’s very special day. At Universal Heart Ministry, the goal is to help you create the wedding ceremony you’ve always dreamed of; Rev. Christopher achieves this by meeting with the two of you in person, via telephone or online video conference (especially for out of state/out of country couples) for a one and a half hour consultation to discuss the details.
During this consultation, Rev. Christopher will review with you the Detail Specific Wedding Questionnaire he has created; the answers you provide him will help him determine the key elements to be placed into your custom written, personalized-to-the-two-of-you ceremony. With your input, the ceremony he creates will reflect your thoughts, ideas and beliefs and will honor any faith or family traditions you hold dear. Rev. Christopher provides a multitude of options; for example: you may utilize the vow templates he has on hand, you may write your own or when needed he will assist you in creating vows that reflect your wishes. He is always willing to include something that resonates with you, perhaps a poem or other item that you have found online; this is your special day, the ceremony should be everything you ever hoped, dreamed or imagined it could be.
You may also wish to include a ceremony addition such as:
- Sand Ceremony
- Unity Candle Lighting
- Hand-fasting
- River Rock Ceremony
- Wine Box
- Flower Ceremony
- License Signing
- Religious and Ethnic
- 13 Coins
- Lazo/Lasso
- Jumping the Broom
- Breaking the Glass
- Pinning of the Sash
- Pinning of Cord and Veil
If there is a ceremony addition that you are interested in contact Rev. Christopher and together you can discuss the possibilities. Rev. Christopher even has options he has created as ceremony additions that may be of interest to you. Whatever your hearts desire, after all this is YOUR day…… Let Rev. Christopher put you at ease with his accommodating style. Because he believes weddings should be fun, joyful and as stress free as possible, he treats each wedding as if it were his own and strives to give your wedding the dignity and respect that it and you deserve.
Being an actual non-denominational Minister, Rev. Christopher is able to offer ceremonies ranging from formal, traditional and religious (all faiths), to very modern, contemporary and lightly spiritual, to completely civil and non-religious. Each ceremony is created specifically for the couple he is working with. Premarital Counseling is available upon request (see FAQ below), though is not a requirement. You can rest assured that, as your wedding officiant, Rev. Christopher will be:
- Genuinely flexible and open minded
- Respectful of affiliations and family needs
- Friendly and easy going
- Perfectly comfortable with being non-religious or religious
- Dependable
- Knowledgeable
- Professional
Following the ceremony you will be provided with a copy of your ceremony printed on fine archive quality linen paper, suitable for framing or to be placed in an album. A beautiful gift to you as a cherished keepsake of this momentous occasion. Rev. Christopher is here to help create a wedding day that is special and unique to each couple and that is abundantly joyful! Office hours are held by appointment only; contact us to schedule your FREE initial consultation today. Please feel free to text or call Rev. Christopher at 801-577-0542 or send an email to UniversalHeartMinistry@gmail.com See Wedding Packages above for detailed pricing information.
Vow Renewal
- Celebrate Anniversaries
- Renew vows after hardship
- Make a “Vegas Wedding” feel more momentous for family & friends
- Create a “do over” if the last wedding went…bad
Although an officiant is not necessary for a vow renewal, as it is not legally binding, it is still often a good idea to utilize an officiant to help with the creation and direction of the ceremony and for their knowledge of faith traditions and rites; as such, Rev. Christopher can also provide a sense of formality generally welcomed and regarded by family members. Following the vow renewal ceremony you will be provided with a copy of your ceremony printed on fine archive quality paper, along with a vow renewal certificate which are each suitable for framing or to be placed in an album. A beautiful gift to you as a cherished keepsake of this momentous occasion. A vow renewal taking place at your home, a city park or canyon within Salt Lake County is $300.00, or $400.00 if a rehearsal is desired as well. Vow renewals at any venue are automatically the Silver, Gold, or Platinum packages only.
Marriage Equality
Rev. Christopher absolutely believes in love; and wholeheartedly believes in Marriage Equality. He has been an activist for over 35 years and has served on the Board of Directors for Equality Utah, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Utah Steering Committee, LGBT Public Safety Liaison Committee and is one of the original founding members of an organization that provided education about and advocacy for transgender people. He is an active and long-time member of the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce as well as the National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. He’s always been and remains an ally working toward achieving fairness and equality for LGBTQ+ people. He believes in love regardless of color, creed, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. If consenting adults, whether opposite or same gender, love each other and wish to formalize their commitment to one another then he is truly happy to perform their ceremony. Love shall always and will always win.
Wedding Rehearsal
Entirely optional are wedding ceremony rehearsals, though of course, are viewed as best practice; particularly if you have detailed items such as a ceremony addition. Should you choose to have Rev. Christopher present for a rehearsal you will know with certainty that your whole wedding party will know what to do and, perhaps more importantly, when. Being exceedingly thorough, Rev. Christopher covers everything from A-Z: the two of you and your wedding party will be instructed on how to walk for the processional, where and how to stand once at stage area, key players and their roles during the ceremony, how to exit for the recessional and several other important tips to get through the celebration with comfort and ease.
As an added bonus, when available, his wife and ministerial assistant, Teinamarrie, who has over twenty-five years of event coordination experience will lend her expertise during the rehearsal as well as day of coordination and processional timing. The ceremony rehearsal can take place anywhere. While it is optimal for a rehearsal to be held at the same location as the ceremony this is not always an option with venues; in such cases Rev. Christopher performs the rehearsal in your living room, backyard, apartment clubhouse or nearby park. The comprehensive rehearsal is only available in the Gold or Platinum packages.
RETAINER
Services are subject to availability; you must contact us to ensure the minister is available for your date and time. In order to secure Rev. Christopher’s services for the time and date that you have selected for your ceremony, a non-refundable retainer of $200 is required. The retainer is applied toward the overall fee, not in addition to it. As Rev. Christopher typically books well in advance (8 months to 2 years) and his policy is on a “first come, first served” basis, the retainer fee may be received in advance if you wish to concretely secure Rev. Christopher’s services prior to meeting with him; you will receive a receipt via email upon payment of retainer.
Your retainer will also accompany an electronically signed contract for Rev. Christopher’s services. All payments are processed through Square and you will receive a receipt for your records immediately following. Only once a retainer has been received will you have secured our services for your date and time requested.
REFUND POLICY
All fees are strictly non-refundable (except in the event the Minister himself is incapacitated, unable to perform your ceremony AND is unable to secure a replacement officiant). Should the date change, as long as the Minister has availability for the new date and time, there are no re-booking fees and any payments previously made will simply be applied to the new date.
POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL CHARGES
Airfare, hotel and rental car: These fees will be based on actual amount per item and applies to all ceremonies held out of state or country. The hotel fee is included in the Platinum Packages.
Ceremony Additions: There is no additional fee to incorporate any ceremony addition (ie; sand, unity candles, hand fasting, 13 coins, river rocks, wine box, unity cross, etc.). Though you must buy those items yourselves.
Costume/Themed ceremony: If you would like Rev. Christopher to be in costume for Halloween or themed ceremonies please note that a costume fee may be incurred; any actual cost incurred would be added to the total fee. You may secure the costume yourself or provide the Minister with the according payment to secure it himself.
Pre-marital Counseling sessions: This is optional and is not mandatory. Minimum of three, one hour sessions for a total of $300.00. Any additional sessions requested will be charged $100.00 per hour.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions regarding our wedding services
Q: How many weddings have you performed?
A: Since July 2011 I have served over 2,200 couples (see top of this page for actual current count).
Q: Do you speak any other languages?
A: Though not fluent in either Portuguese or Spanish, I am semi-bilingual and have spoken several key pieces in those languages within wedding ceremonies. To date, I have spoken at least one phrase in more than a dozen other languages. If you or your family members speak a language other than English, I am happy to incorporate that language for you.
Q: How many weddings do you book on the same day?
A: Generally 2 in-person ceremonies on the same day. There are occasions where timing/location may allow for up to 4 ceremonies. If virtual, I am able to accommodate several on the same day.
Q: Do you perform a remote ceremony or virtual ceremony?
A: Yes I do. I perform online ceremonies, many of which are for international couples.
Q: Do you have a back-up minister/officiant in the event you are ill?
A: Yes I do. I have other colleagues that may be utilized as alternates in such an event.
Q: Will you co-officiate with another clergy member? A: Yes.
Q: Do you have a payment plan? A: Yes, I have a payment plan available. Payment can be made the day of the initial consultation, split up over the time until the event and paid in full one month prior to the day of the ceremony.
Q: Do you accept cash or checks? A: Yes, I do accept cash when meeting in person. Checks are no longer accepted.
Q: Do you accept credit or debit cards? A: I can accept credit/debit cards payments via Square either over the phone, via emailed invoice to be paid online, or in person.
Q. Do you require a contract? A. I do require a signed contract for my services; which must be accompanied by at least the initial retainer in order to schedule and secure the time and date being requested.
Q: Do you have any restrictions regarding the wedding ceremonies? A: At this point I have no restrictions regarding anything about the ceremony.
Q: Do you require premarital counseling prior to performing the ceremony? A: I generally don’t require premarital counseling prior to the ceremony. Please see above for Pre-marital Counseling information.
Q: How far do you travel? A: Literally anywhere in the world and have passport ready for international travel.
Q: Will you come to our home to marry us? A: Of course. There is nothing more relaxing nor intimate as a home wedding.
Q: We both have children from previous relationships, may our children participate in the ceremony? A: Absolutely! We have ceremony additions which include children and will help them feel involved on your special day. Smaller children may wish to participate as ring bearer, flower child/petal person or junior bridesmaid/groomsman. Children may also walk a parent down the aisle.
Q: What if we’re not sure what we want?
A: The initial consultation is FREE, simply contact me and we can discuss some options that may interest you.
Q: Are you open to being in costume for a Halloween or other themed wedding? A: Yes, provided the costume does not interfere with the general duties of the ceremony I must perform. See above in Possible Additional Charges.
Q: What is the quickest way to contact you?
A: I’m available by telephone at 801-577-0542 (also by text message) or by email at UniversalHeartMinistry@gmail.com.
