What types of wedding ceremonies do you perform?
Religious, non-religious, traditional, contemporary, and fully personalized ceremonies based on your preferences. If you’ve dreamed it, I’ve probably done it—or would love to . . . unless you are doing a Star War theme.
Are you available for last-minute weddings or elopements?
Sure am! I’ve done weddings with 2 years’ and 3 hours’ notice. Just reach out to check availability. My pen and tie are always close at hand.
Do you do legal-only signing of the Tennessee marriage license?
Yes—if we meet in person and include a brief exchange of vows (required by law). The fee depends on date, time, and location. The deets here.
Can we customize our ceremony?
Absolutely. I provide an 8-page Ceremony Planner that helps you design a ceremony that sounds like you. One request. I’ve been asked twice to begin weddings with a quote from the movie Princess Bride: “Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us togethah today…” Please don’t ask!
Do you travel outside of Nashville or Middle Tennessee?
Yes, though a travel fee may apply.
How far in advance should we book you?
Sooner is always better—especially for weekends in the spring and fall. In those seasons, weddings cluster like middle Tennessee cicadas.
What’s your booking process?
Contact me with your wedding date and details. Once we confirm availability, I’ll send simple steps to get started (including deposit info). No long contracts. No fine print. No blood oaths.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes—a nonrefundable deposit secures your date, wedding location and time. That way you know I’m committed to you. It’s like putting a ring on my calendar.
Can we meet with you before the wedding?
Definitely. We can meet at my home, via video call, or phone call. Whatever works for you.
What happens if you have an emergency and can’t attend?
I’ve only missed one wedding in over 20 years—and that was due to the historic 2010 Nashville flood (and the couple couldn’t make it either). In the unlikely event I’m abducted by an alien, I’ll do my best to help you find a backup.
Can we write our own vows?
Of course! Most couples don’t but when done well it’s very nice. Inside jokes that only a few get are ok. And yes, the brides just about always write more.
Do you help us plan the ceremony wording and flow?
Yes—that’s a big part of what I offer. I’ll walk you through the structure and give you tools to make it personal, polished, and “you.”
How long is the typical ceremony?
Usually between 10–20 minutes, depending on what you include. Long enough to be memorable but short enough that your guests don’t start checking their watches – or blood sugar. Just don’t cut off too much – it moves fast.
How soon do you arrive for weddings?
I usually shoot for an hour prior to ceremony time. I search out the director, get the license, double-check details and do a sound check for the mic if needed. Takes only a few minutes but everybody knows I’m there and ready to make the magic happen.
Do you provide a microphone or sound system?
No, but I’ll coordinate with your DJ or venue staff to make sure I’m heard clearly. I could yell but I might spit on you if I do. The best sound comes from in-house systems or one set up by a pro.
Do you attend the rehearsal?
Not often, but yes, if requested (and for an added fee). Most couples feel confident without my rehearsal attendance once we’ve talked through everything.
Can you legally marry us in Tennessee?
Yes. I’m a legally recognized officiant (minister of the gospel) under TN law and have officiated thousands of weddings across the state.
Do we need a marriage license before the ceremony?
Yes. You’ll need a valid Tennessee marriage license in hand before I can legally marry you. Don’t worry – though I think they should twist your arm behind your back and ask “Are you sure?” – it’s really easy to get a license.
Where do we get a marriage license in Tennessee?
At any County Clerk’s office in Tennessee. No blood test. No waiting period. See easy!
Do you file the marriage license after the wedding?
I can mail it in for you, or you can hand-deliver it yourself to get the certified copy on the spot. Either way, it must be returned within 3 business days.
Can you officiate a wedding over Zoom or virtually?
Nope. Tennessee law requires the officiant and couple to be physically present for the ceremony to be legal. That’s my understanding. Love may be eternal – but your WiFi isn’t.
How much do your officiant services cost?
My fee is $300 (most weddings, though some can be a bit higher), which includes access to my self-paced At-Home Marriage Prep Course (which can save you $60 on your license).
Are there extra fees for travel or rehearsals?
Yes in some cases if especially far and for a rehearsal if absolutely needed. I’ll spell everything out up front—no surprises.
Do you offer marriage preparation or counseling?
I offer a DIY, At-Home Marriage Prep Course that you can complete on your own schedule (and often in your pajamas). Hey, even the guys love it!
What should we do if we don’t want a big ceremony?
No problem! I offer simple elopements, courthouse alternatives, and small backyard weddings. All the meaning, none of the madness.
Can you officiate vow renewals?
Absolutely. Vow renewals are some of my favorite ceremonies—no pressure, just love and life lived well.
What do you wear to the ceremony?
Always the classic black suit, white shirt, , black pants, and black shoes. Unless your doing a honky-tonk twist and then I’ll have to get some boots and cowboy hat.
Can we include children or pets in our ceremony?
Yes, it’s your wedding. And yes, I’ll put the dog biscuits in my pocket (already done it once) if needed to settle your furbaby .
What should we call you—Pastor, Reverend, Minister?
“Ralph” please. But if it makes your grandma happy, I’ll respond to Reverend Griggs. I’ve been called just about everything and nothing offends me – except what my wife called me one time and we aren’t going there.
Are there any surprises in the ceremony?
You wouldn’t think you’d need to ask that. But, oh I’ve heard the stories. Whatever we decide on for your ceremony is pretty what we do. Only slight variations possible if something happens in the moment. If a squirrel falls out of a tree on somebody’s head, we gotta say something.
Do you stay for the reception?
You’re sweeter than a pecan pie for asking (see I am Southern) but it’s rare. Like Batman, once my mission is complete, I vanish. Plus, you don’t want to see me do the electric slide.
Do you coordinate with photographers, videographers, DJ’s, etc.?
Sure do. We are your team and need to play well together to make your ceremony sparkle instead of sputter. Who wants Beyoncé playing during their vows!
Do you move out of the way for the kiss at the end of the ceremony?
Yep, always! I’ve mastered the art of the wedding-day sidestep so I don’t become a photobombing nerd in your photos.