Interfaith Wedding Officiant

Home > Featured > October 4th, 2007

Interfaith Weddings by Rev. John P. Gaffney

The Basics

1. Tell us a little about your business.

I specialize in interfaith and humanist weddings. I meet at least twice with each couple and each meeting lasts at least an hour. I encourage the couple to participate fully in fashioning the ceremony. This is their day and I am there to serve them. I am very flexible. I was a Roman Catholic priest for ten years and now am a non-denominational minister with a Master's in pastoral counseling and certified as a marriage counselor.

2. What areas do you serve?

The areas I serve are the District of Columbia and Maryland, especially those areas closest to Baltimore and Annapolis.

3. What makes you stand out?

I believe I stand out because of my long experience ( I was ordained in 1962), my intensive training, and the time I spend with each couple and the respect I give them. I consider it an honor to be part of their very special day.

4. What price range do you fall in to?

The fee for the two meetings and the wedding ceremony is $350. If I conduct the rehearsal, there is an additional fee of $75 to cover time and travel.

5. What is one piece of advice you have for brides in the wedding planning process?

My advice for a couple, when they are selecting an officiant, would be to meet with the officiant and only make a decision after leaving the meeting and discussing whether they feel comfortable with this person presiding over a very important day in their life. There should be no cost for this session and they should not feel pressured to make a decision then. The couple should constantly remind themselves that this is their day and anyone, even the officiant, is contracted to serve them. I would also encourage the couple to plan far in advance to secure the services of the best people they can find.