Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Do you always wear religious robes during the ceremony?

I am very sensitive to inter-faith and non-Christian couples. For Christian ceremonies, I usually wear a clerical collar and a robe with crosses (as pictured above). I often wear a plain black robe similar to a judge’s robe and can substitute the clerical collar with a shirt and tie if that is more appropriate for inter-faith ceremonies.  Every effort is made to make the ceremony a joyous occasion and not cause offense to any guest or even to the couple themselves. The photo gallery has pictures of me in various official ceremonial robes.

Q. How long is the ceremony? 

The length of course depends on many variables i.e.:    

Will someone be reading either a poem or from the bible or  both?
Will anyone sing a special song during the ceremony?·
How many will be in the procession? 

Since most reception sites have a 30 minute limit, Reverend Joseph respects that policy.

Q. What type of ceremonies do you perform?

While the ceremonies are non-denominational, they are deeply spiritual and are designed to meet the couples’ individual needs.

Some of the various types of ceremonies are:       

• Inter-faith where one or both partners is not Christian       
• Non-denominational      
• Vow Renewals      
• NJ Civil Unions       
• Domestic Partner or Commitment Blessings     
• Baptisms      
• Funerals       
• Adoption Ceremonies 

Q. When and how do I get a marriage license? 

Just click on the “License Rules” button on the left and you will be directed to complete and detailed steps on how to obtain a license in your State and when. 

Q. I am divorced, does that matter? 

What matters to Reverend Joseph is if the couple loves each other. If the State issues a license, a marriage can take place so long as the couple is in love and freely chooses to get married without any question in their mind to do so. Reverend Joseph believes that because you embrace a very serious love and wish to commit to each other “all the days of your life” that you have God’s blessing.

Q. Can I write my own vows? 

Of course, you can since Reverend Joseph feels that your ceremony should have special meaning to you. You may however want to review with him all options and the vows he has written before making a decision. 

Q. What is your fee?

The fee is based on several factors i.e. location, type of ceremony etc.  with the average Northern NJ ~NYC ceremony set at $375. with Central and Southern NJ or Hudson Valley ceremonies slightly higher.
Typically, a deposit of $75.00 will reserve your date with the balance due on the day of  the ceremony. 
Remember the ceremony is the MOST IMPORTANT aspect of your wedding day and probably the least expensive. 

Q. What do your services include? 

My services include:
 
Meeting with the couple to compose the ceremony.
Reviewing and giving written rehearsal instructions for your  maitre   d’ to enable him/her to conduct the rehearsal.
Reviewing the rehearsal instructions with the ceremony participants ½ hour before the ceremony to ensure unison.
Co-ordination with both the maitre d’ and the DJ on the day of the ceremony ensuring a smooth flow for the ceremony.
Officiating the Ceremony.
Travel expenses to and from the reception site.
Filing your marriage license in the town that the ceremony took place in.

Q. What is the next step?

Once you have set your ceremony date, you should contact Reverend Joseph to make an appointment to discuss your ceremony and all of the details of your special day.

During your consultation visit, he will discuss readings, mentioning people who are not able to be at the ceremony, the unity candle, circle of love for children, writing your own vows and any other special touch you may want in your ceremony. 

If you are in need of a minister for any of your special life events,  contact Reverend Joseph by clicking on the "Contact" Button to the left or via:

~e-mail:  ReverendJoseph@ReverendJoseph.Org
~Office: 201- 417- 0118
~Fax: 201-203-3179

Reverend Joseph Anthony Ministries®
Serving All Who Have Been Turned Away™