Marriage and Union Ceremonies

*Please see the sections regarding Special Circumstances, Requirements, and Fine Print below for important information.

Ceremony Packages in Central Ohio

  • Ceremony Package A - $175

    After a complimentary initial consultation, this package includes one, 60-minute planning meeting, one, one-hour rehearsal at your site, and up to three hours at the ceremony. Additional planning meetings can be purchased at a $50/hour special rate.

    Best for basic or short services.

  • Ceremony Package B - $250

    After a complimentary initial consultation, this package includes two, 60-minute planning meetings, a one-hour rehearsal at your site, and up to three (3) hours at the ceremony. Additional planning meetings can be purchased at a $50/hour special rate.

    Best for services with several special elements or where you would like me to prepare original material.

  • Ceremony Package C - $325

    After a complimentary initial consultation, this package includes three, 60-minute planning meetings, a one-hour rehearsal at your site, and up to three (3) hours at the ceremony. Additional planning meetings can be purchased at a $35/hour special rate.

    Best for longer services requiring more customization or if you would like me to prepare a message or sermon.

  • Planning Meeting - $75

    After our complimentary initial consultation, if you would like to have a fuller discussion about your ceremony, we will meet for a one-hour planning meeting.

    Purchasing this option does not require you purchase any other service or engage me as your officiant.

  • Custom Service Writing - Starting at $100

    Already have an officiant, but want a custom service written to your desires and dreams for your day? After a complimentary initial consultation, we will meet for a 60-minute planning meeting. This service includes one free round of edits. Additional rounds of edits can be purchased for $25 and additional planning meetings can be purchased for a $50/hour special rate.

  • Services Outside Central Ohio - Contact for More Information

    I’m happy to plan and officiate at services outside Central Ohio. However, such services will incur additional costs including but not limited to food, travel, and, if necessary, lodging. Please contact me for more information.

Schedule an Initial Consultation

Special Circumstances

I recognize that every situation is different, and sometimes, those situations can make wedding planning complicated. With that in mind, I can offer the following options, which we can discuss during our initial consultation.

  • Pay What You Can Pricing - No forms or documentation needed; just let me know where your budget is, and we will find a point that works.

  • Less than 60-Day Notice - Typically, I require at least a 60-day notice to schedule and plan a ceremony. In some cases, I can adjust and be ready for your ceremony in less than 60 days. A 25% fee will apply in any situation where our initial consultation is held less than 60 days before your ceremony date.

You’re planning a wedding! Take a break and watch this College Humor sketch (Step 8 will come up below).

Notes and Requirements for Marriages and Union Ceremonies

  • As a proud Queer person and a person working for the full equality and affirmation of the LGBTQIA+ community, I’m happy to officiate at union ceremonies that may not yet be sanctioned by the government (i.e. polyamorous groups) or people seeking a ceremony without government effect.

  • I’m a Christian and I serve as the pastor of a Christian congregation. I’m very comfortable with Christian environments, but I’m happy to plan services and officiate ceremonies that are interfaith or secular in nature. Let me know what is comfortable for you.

  • Unfortunately, you might be in a situation where you are hoping to appease friends AND family with your service and reception (see College Humor’s step 8 above). For the record, I’m a progressive, white, Queer, cisgender man who lives with a chronic illness, is well-educated, and identifies as an aspiring anti-racist ally.

  • In order to best prepare, I require at least 30 days’ notice before the date of a ceremony. Please let me know the date and location of your ceremony during our initial consultation.

  • As a minister licensed by the State of Ohio to officiate at state-sanctioned weddings, I must comply with Ohio marriage laws. Please ensure you have satisfied all requirements and have your marriage license.

  • I reserve the right to refuse to work with a couple/group and/or officiate a ceremony (including the day of) under the following circumstances:

    • One or more of the couple/group is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the ceremony.

    • One or more of the couple/group is under the age of 18.

    • One or more of the couple/group is otherwise unable to give consent.

    • You, your family, your guests, other clergy, or your venue are queerphobic, including transphobic in any way. Within reason, I’m open to not mentioning certain topics, wearing a different stole, modifying vows, etc. to help you “keep the peace.” That said, I will not compromise myself to appease someone.

Fine Print

  • Payment for all services may be made via https://paypal.me/drbenhuelskamp or by check. Please make checks payable to “Ben Huelskamp LLC.”

  • Our work together will start with a 30-minute complimentary phone conversation. Please ensure you have the ceremony's date and location ready for that meeting.

    • If we decide not to move forward, you owe nothing for the consultation.

  • Payment and Deposits

    • If you decide to select ceremony packages A, B, or C, I will send you a contract via email. The contract and a 50% nonrefundable deposit are due at the beginning of our (first) planning meeting.

    • The remaining 50% will be due 14 days after the ceremony and will be invoiced to you.

    • If you add additional planning meetings to a package, these will appear on your final invoice.

  • Cancellations and Penalties

    • If you cancel my services at least 45 days before your date, you will incur no penalty or further payment beyond the 50% deposit.

    • If you cancel my services at least 30 days before your date, you will be expected to pay for 50% of the remaining package fees plus the full cost of any additional planning meetings completed. Payment will be due 14 days from the date of cancellation.

    • If you cancel my services at less than 30 days before your date, you will be expected to pay for 100% of the remaining fees. Payment will be due 14 days from the date of cancellation.

  • Service Writing and Stand-Alone Planning Meetings

    • For service writing where I am not participating in the service, payment will be due at the time of completion. A final document, without watermarks, will be sent to you in PDF and DOCX formats once payment is received.

    • Stand-alone planning meetings, where no contract has been signed, will be billed at a rate of $75/one-hour meeting. Payment is due before or at the time of our meeting.

  • In the event that I cannot complete my services for you for any reason, you will receive a full refund including.