Officiation & Facilitation

As a ritual creator, officiant, and facilitator, I support people and communities in marking moments that matter. Some of what I have designed:

  • Wedding and marriage ceremonies

  • New Year’s rituals

  • Rituals marking gender expansion and affirmation

  • Interfaith and Jewish rituals

  • Rituals to open protests and marches

  • Rituals celebrating birthdays and life transitions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the officiation process?

I normally start by meeting with the couple on Zoom or in person before starting to design a ceremony. I learn about what you’ve liked in other wedding ceremonies; what spiritual, religious, ancestral, or creative traditions you might want to incorporate; who else might hold roles in the ceremony; and what other rituals might be important to you, before or after the ceremony. Then, we work together to develop an original ceremony, as well as go over about the legal and logistical pieces of getting married. I often meet with the couple 3-5 times before the wedding, and will offer support in communication with other people who may hold roles in the wedding.

How do you understand the role of the officiant?

Weddings can be a lot - from logistics to family to friends, from money to religion to gender, and more. I understand the role of the officiant to be a calm and supportive presence for the couple, working to create a sense of ease and authenticity when it comes to the ceremony. Your ceremony should be a sacred space within the wedding to set aside your stressors, and just be in the present with the one(s) you love. The officiant’s role is to support the creation and holding of that sacred space.

What are the logistics of working with an officiant?

Most officiation processes begin 3-4 months before the wedding, and we meet regularly as the ceremony comes together. I am available to meet on Zoom, by phone, or in person (if local to Massachusetts/Rhode Island). For the wedding itself, we will discuss if I will come early to support a ceremony rehearsal and any pre-wedding rituals (such as a mikvah). I take a hands-on approach during the wedding, and am available for announcements or other facilitation needs day-of. After the wedding, I may be responsible for filing the marriage paperwork, depending on the state.

Are you ordained? What’s the deal with that?

I am technically ordained through the Universal Life Church, which is accepted in all states. Depending on the state, I may also be able to obtain a one-day officiation license (such as Massachusetts).

Do you do Jewish weddings only?

I am happy to work with Jewish, non-Jewish, or interfaith couples. What matters most is that your religious and spiritual traditions are reflected in a way that feels authentic and connective, and I will do my best to facilitate that.

How much do you charge?

I ask that the couple cover the cost of transportation and accommodations, as well as an officiation payment on a sliding scale from $180 - $500. I also ask that you cover any associated fees (such as materials, legal paperwork, etc). If cost is an issue, let’s chat about how to make it work for both of us!

If you’re interested in ritual creation, officiation, or facilitation services, contact me!