I specialize in working with couples to create a wedding ceremony that reflects their spiritual beliefs and expresses their personal commitment. I am open to working with all beliefs. Couples I have officiated for include those from Christian faiths, Eastern religions, the Jewish faith, earth-based practices, free spirits, agnostics and atheists. In many of the marriages, the bride and groom did not share the same spiritual beliefs. I have officiated ceremonies that are traditional, non-traditional, non- denominational and multi-denominational.
All I require is that your ceremony meet those requirements set by the State of New York, that is that you have a marriage license and that you state in my presence and in front of least one other witness that each takes the other as his or her spouse.. A link to NY State Law can be found in the purple area at the bottom of this page.
I offer three categories of ceremonies.
Custom Created Ceremony
This is the most popular option, the details of which are featured on this website. You can create a ceremony that expresses your thoughts on love and relationship and your spiritual beliefs. You make selections for each part of the ceremony from my website, and then I arrange the parts and write transitional language so it flows nicely. Feel free to tell your story, personalize or to add cultural or spiritual touches. Many of the multicultural, interfaith or themed ceremonies can fall into this category. New, creative ideas welcomed. More information can be provided during our initial meeting or by phone, email
Totally Unique Ceremony
Celebrate with a ceremony unique to you, based on needs and interests expressed in an initial meeting and subsequent phone or email conversations. These ceremonies require I research and write extensive original script. I travel to the location of your choice. More information can be provided during our initial meeting or by phone, email
Short and Sweet Ceremony
Choose from one of 11 prewritten options, some secular-some with mention of God. I travel to the location of your choice. Consult by email or phone only. Ceremony options will be emailed to you. This ceremony option is available only within a 50 mile radius, and on short notice. More information can be provided by phone, email.
Handfasting Ceremony
Celebrate with a ceremony that honors the elements and directions. With a marriage license this is a legal wedding ceremony. without a license it is a commitment ceremony, normally for a year and a day. Use one I have already developed, or for an additional fee, we can tailor one to your needs.
Where to start? Begin by browsing my website. Read what other couples have to say and review some of the options I offer. If you are interested in a Custom Created or Totally Unique Ceremony, call me to set up a time for an informal meeting over coffee. I can explain how I work and you can give me some basic info about what you are looking for. You are not expected to have your ideas fully formulated. Most couples don't know where to begin! I can help you through the process.
At this meeting you can also get a feel of what I am like and if I am a "good fit" for you. It is very important that you be comfortable with your officiant for this very important event in your life. I would like to get to know a little about you, but don't worry, I won't pry or make any judgments.
Out of town? Out of state? Out of country? I work with all three scenarios- we first "meet" by phone and plan by phone/email. When you do come to town, we meet in person. Video chatting is also an option.
Creating a personal ceremony can be easy and fun! So relax, enjoy the site and contact me. I look forward to meeting you!
Rev. Kris
P.S. If you are planning on two ceremonies, please also see the "Having two weddings?" tab. If you want to include rituals from your heritage and culture, be sure to visit the Honor Culture and Beliefs page. If you want a Short and Sweet Ceremony, please read details on the Fees page and send me an email.
I have officiated in several venues* and many private residences throughout the state. I love revisiting favorite spots and always look forward to new experiences!
Places I have officiated:
* Alphabetical order within area- no preference intended
Rochester and surrounding area:
- American Association of University Women (AAUW) in Rochester
- Black Creek Park in North Chili
- Brios in Pittsford
- Brook House in Greece
- Brook Lea COuntry Club in Rochester
- Burgundy Basin Banquet and Wedding Center in Pittsford
- Casa Larga in Fairport
- Chapel Hill in Rochester
- Chili Country Club in Scottsville
- Clarion Riverside in Rochester
- Cobblestone House at Mendon Ponds Park in Mendon/Pittsford
- Colgate Divinity in Rochester
- Colonial Belle tour boat in Fairport
- Country Club of Rochester
- Crescent Beach Hotel in Rochester
- Daisy Flour Mill in Rochester
- Deerfield Country Club in Brockport
- Diplomat Party House in Rochester
- Dolomite Lodge in Penfield
- Ellison Park in Rochester
- Ellwanger Estate in Rochester
- Village Landing Gazebo in Fairport
- George Eastman House Gardens in Rochester
- German House in Rochester
- Glendoveers in Rochester
- Golden Ponds in Greece
- Green Lantern Inn in Fairport
- Hedges Nine Mile Point in Webster
- Highland Park in Rochester
- Inn on Broadway in Rochester
- Interfaith Chapel at the University of Rochester
- Irondequoit Country Club in Rochester
- Jack's Place in Rochester.
- Kennelley Park in Fairport
- Kent Park Arboretum in Webster
- Lake Riley Lodge at Cobbs Hill Park in Rochester
- Lakeshore Country Club in Rochester
- Lamberton Conservatory in Rochester
- Linehan Chapel at Nazareth College in Rochester
- Lower Mill/Rabbit Room in Honeoye Falls
- Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester
- The Newport House in Rochester
- Pier 45 in Rochester
- Plantation Party House in Spencerport
- Radisson in Rochester
- Ravenwood Golf in Victor
- Rochester Baha'i Center
- Rochester Club Ballroom in Rochester
- Rochester Museum and Science Center in Rochester
- Roger Robach Center in Rochester
- Senator's Mansion in Churchville
- Shadow Lake in Penfield
- Strathallen in Rochester
- Warner Castle Sunken Garden in Rochester
- Tay House at Cobbs Hill Park in Rochester
- Webster Park In Webster ( White House and Pavilions)
- Webster Golf Club in Webster
- Westminster Hall & Chapel in Mendon
- Whittier Party House in Rochester
- Wildwood Country Club in Rush
- Woodcliff Hotel and Spa in Fairport
Finger Lakes area:
- Belhurst Castle in Geneva
- Bristol Harbour in South Bristol
- Canandaigua Inn on the Lake in Canandaigua
- Esperanza Mansion in Bluff Point
- Geneva Inn on the Lake in Geneva
- Geneva Country Club in Geneva
- Kershaw Park in Canandaigua
- Norton Chapel at Keuka College in Keuka Park
- Ramada Inn in Geneva
- Snug Harbor Inn in Hammondsport
- Sonnenburg Gardens in Canandaigua
- Ventosa Vineyards in Geneva
- Watkins Glen State Park in Watkins Glen
South of Rochester area:
- Allegiance B&B in Mt Morris
- Charlton Inn in Avon
- Genesee Country Inn in Mumford
- Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford
- Glen Iris Inn in Castile (Letchworth Park)
- Joseph's in Livonia
- Letchworth Park pavilions
- StoneyBrook State Park in Dansville
- Sweet Briar in Geneseo
Buffalo area and west of Rochester:
- Arrowhead Country Club in Akron NY
- Buffalo Erie Historical Society in Buffalo
- Goat Island in Niagara Falls
- Hidden Valley Animal Reserve in Varysburg,
Syracuse area and east of Rochester:
- Bayshore Grove in Oswego
- Justin's Grill in E. Syracuse
- Lakeshore Yacht & Country Club in Cicero
- Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse
Wayne County area:
- Branding Iron Steakhouse in Ontario
- Blue Heron Hills Country Club in Macedon, NY
- Elks Club in Lyons
- Greystone Golf in Walworth