Wedding Officiant Services
Joy Fragola, Wedding Officiant
Wedding Officiant Services
Joy Fragola, Wedding Officiant
Wedding Officiant Services for Your Marriage Ceremony
As an ordained Minster through Universal Life Church for over 10 years, I am available for non-denominational, spiritual, civil, religious, and LBGT ceremonies. Each ceremony is customized for each couple.
The Customized Marriage Ceremony
Creating your marriage ceremony may require frequent communication. Please feel free to contact me by text, phone, or email.
The challenges of planning a wedding may mean that you choose to simply do our initial discovery, either by phone or in person, and have me create your ceremony based on that interview. You will be given a copy of the ceremony ahead of time to approve or edit. You will also be emailed a copy of the final ceremony for your remembrance.
Children may also be included in the ceremony with names written into the wedding script and/or a special unity ceremony.
Vendors We Work With
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A WEDDING CEREMONY?
- Procession
- Bride may be presented for marriage by family member – optional
- Officiant Greeting/Welcome
- Moment of Silence for those not with us –optional
- Officiant addresses the meaning of marriage
- Readings by Officiant or guest –optional
- Additional ceremonies – optional
- Exchange of Vows – may be written by the couple – optional
- Ring Exchange
- Officiant Closing remarks/blessing
- Official Pronouncement
- First kiss
- Introduction as married couple
- Recession
Obtaining a Marriage License In Louisiana
A license must be obtained in Louisiana for any wedding performed in the state. The Clerk of Court in any parish can issue a license that can be used anywhere within the state. The license must be issued at least 24 hours before the ceremony but can be issued up to 30 days before the ceremony. I recommend that you contact the Clerk of Court’s office to determine if you need to make an appointment since COVID restrictions may still be in place in some areas.
What documents do I need to get a marriage license in Louisiana?
Both you and your fiancée must have the following documents:
- Completed and notarized marriage application.
- Valid identification (driver’s license, passport or state ID)
- Certified copy of a birth certificate or birth card.
- Certified proof of prior marriage dissolution.
- Social Security card.
- Fee to pay for marriage license.
Additional information is available on the parish websites.
I suggest ordering additional certified copies of your marriage certificate at the time you apply for your license. Certified copies are required for many legal transactions, such as name change, health insurance, and social security changes.
Additional Special Options
Additional Special Options for the ceremony:
These are only a few of the options available that you can choose to add to your ceremony
Rose ceremony
At the beginning of the ceremony, a rose is presented to each mother or other important individual by the bride and groom. This beautiful symbol of love and grace is given to recognize the role these individuals played in their upbringing. As an added touch, a handwritten letter or note can be presented with each rose.
Sand ceremony
The bride and groom each have a small container of sand that will be poured into a larger vase or container. As they pour the sand into the larger glass vase together, the two colors form a graceful pattern of comingled sand. Once the two colors are poured together, they can’t be separated. This beautiful ceremony symbolizes the joining of the couple in marriage, separate but one.
Unity candle
This ceremony is usually performed after the ring exchange, symbolizing the joining of the two families. The mothers, or other family members light two taper candles at the opening of the ceremony. These candles stay lit during the vows and ring exchange. After the ring exchange, the bride and groom use the smaller candles to light the large Unity candle, symbolizing the joining of the families united by love and marriage.
Family ceremony
These ceremonies are custom created to include children or other family members. It can be as simple as including the children in a blessing at the end of the ceremony or it can include the children in the vows of marriage.