It doesn’t matter if you are eloping, having an intimate micro-wedding, or are throwing the biggest wedding of the decade—your wedding ceremony will be the heartbeat of your wedding. It sets the tone and lays the foundation for all the celebrating you’ll be doing, and it should be a meaningful experience for you and your guests.
You want this moment to live in your hearts forever, and you want your guests to remember this day and feel all that love. So today we’re sharing 6 ways Celebrant wedding ceremonies create a meaningful experience for you and your guests. Maybe a Celebrant wedding is exactly what you’ve been dreaming of for your ceremony? 1. Craftsmanship: Celebrant weddings are artfully crafted. Every single ceremony is custom written for each individual couple. No one will have the same exact ceremony as you. Ever. You don’t want a cookie cutter ceremony, do you? Of course you don’t! You want your ceremony to be as individual as the both of you. Celebrants are trained in the art and history of ceremony and ritual. They have vast resources and a wealth of rich ideas for creating custom ceremonies that are unique and reflect who you are as a couple. 2. Beliefs: Celebrant weddings honor all beliefs. Secular, religious, spiritual, naturalist, interfaith; no matter what your beliefs are, a Celebrant will create a ceremony that reflects and honors what is important to you as a couple. Maybe you’re both coming from two different religions and aren’t sure how to incorporate them into your ceremony. A Celebrant can help you do exactly that. A Celebrant works to marry what’s important to the both of you, into your ceremony in a way that is graceful, respectful, and meaningful. A Celebrant will never try to force their own personal beliefs into your ceremony, but rather will become the vessel to create the ceremony that is perfect for you and your beliefs. 3. Blending Cultures: Our personal heritage can be an important part of our identity. Living in the modern world, our lives are often enriched by cultures other than our own. Love is not bound by our cultural heritage and our wedding ceremony doesn’t have to reflect only one culture's tradition. A Celebrant specializes in blending multi-cultural aspects into your ceremony. Personalized rituals can be created to honor each of your individual traditions. This blending results in a beautiful ceremony that will feel extra special to you, your guests, and may even honor your family in a very touching, heartfelt way. 4. Control: You have complete control over your ceremony. A Celebrant will work with you until your ceremony is everything you dreamed of and more. You will receive unlimited edits on your ceremony, and it will be worked, and reworked until every last word is loved by the both of you. We’ve all been to a wedding where the officiant begins to tell a long winded story that has absolutely nothing to do with the couple being married. That will never happen with a Celebrant wedding. There will never be any sidebar conversations, or long winded, irrelevant stories during your ceremony. It will be 100% all your story. You never have to feel surprised by what your Celebrant is saying while you’re standing at the altar, because you approved every last word. 5. Love Story: Weaving your personal love story throughout your ceremony is the hallmark of a Celebrant wedding. Your love story is important, and a Celebrant will tell your story in a way that makes your ceremony sing. Guests will be moved to tears and laughter as they witness the story of your love throughout your ceremony. Your love story is powerful. It has the ability to let family and friends understand how deep your love is. It will help to incorporate your new position in your community from single to a loving, married couple. Most importantly, your love story will not only live in your hearts forever, but can be passed down for generations to come. It is a story worth telling, indeed! 6. Magic!: If you are looking for an extraordinary wedding experience, no matter what that means to you; whether it means you want your ceremony to have an ethereal quality with subtle nuances, grace, beauty, depth, and meaning, or whether it means you want an over the top, heavily themed, wild celebration, or any other single thing under the stars you can dream up for your ceremony….a Celebrant can deliver. In fact, personalization is exactly the magic a Celebrant brings to the table. Your wedding, your vision, your way! A Celebrant can create the custom ceremony of your dreams, and officiate with grace and sincerity. Are you planning an elopement or micro-wedding in Rhode Island and interested in how a Celebrant can create a custom wedding that weaves your love story throughout your ceremony to create a meaningful wedding experience? Get in touch to see if we're a good match! I'd love to tell your love story, Wild in love's Top 10 Parks for an Autumn Elopement in Rhode IslandThere’s something magical about a fall wedding in Rhode Island. Crisp autumn air fortifies our spirits before the long winter and inspires us to gather with the ones we love. Is there a better time of year to get married? We don’t think so.
Nature takes care of the decorating for you—fireworks of leaves everywhere—and your photos come out breathtakingly beautiful. Celebrating your elopement or micro wedding around a crackling autumn fire, sipping warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks and orange slices. Can you see it? It’s what autumn wedding dreams are made of. Putting together a romantic autumn elopement or micro wedding can be done in a short amount of time and still be an exceptional experience. That’s a big part of the reason why so many couples are drawn to elopements and micro weddings in the first place...to forgo planning a big wedding that not only takes up a ton of time—often a year or more—but a ton of money too. For a little state, we have endless gorgeous spots to have an elopement or micro wedding ceremony...and a lot of them are absolutely free and don’t require a permit if you have under 15 guests. Today we are sharing a few of our favorite Rhode Island parks to hold an elopement or micro wedding ceremony this fall: 1. India Point Park, Providence, RI India Point Park is the perfect urban park for an elopement. It’s waterfront location overlooks Providence Harbor and provides some sweet spots for a short and sweet ceremony. There are plenty of trees and even a ceremonial dock screaming for couples to take photos on. 2. Rocky Point State Park, Warwick, RI If you grew up in Rhode Island in the 80’s you probably have some wicked awesome memories of Rocky Point Amusement Park. Since it’s closing in 1994 it sat abandoned for years but became a state park in 2014. The park has been developed into a beautiful coastal park with wild flower lined walking paths and a long, hunky pier perfect for a short and sweet ceremony with a nautical vibe. 3. Beavertail State Park, Jamestown, RI We do a lot of elopements at Beavertail. Why? Because it’s a prodigy of nature, that’s why. The rocky coastal nature preserve feels like sacred ground. You’ll get some of the most gorgeous coastal shots for your wedding photos and you’ll love coming back to visit on your anniversaries. It’s often wildly windy there so keep that in mind when deciding how you want to wear your hair;) 4. Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI How many ways do we love doing elopements and micro weddings in Roger Williams Park? Let us count the ways... There are so many places to get married within Roger Williams Park—some of them require reservations, like the Botanical Center, The Casino, and they also offer a tent space. But there are so many other spots within the 427 acres of park that don't require reservations and are free if you only have a handful of people...which is perfect for eloping! We love: The Lover’s Retreat Bridge The Japanese Garden The Temple To Music Or any other spot in the park that speaks to your heart...maybe under a huge oak tree full of fiery autumn leaves? 5. Prospect Terrace Park, Providence, RI The “Jewel of the City,” Prospect Terrace Park stands watch over downtown Providence. With dramatic cityscape views, an elopement in Prospect Terrace Park is urban, chic, and perfect for hardcore lovers of our beloved capital city. 6. Goddard Memorial State Park, East Greenwich, RI We have done so many elopement and micro weddings at Goddard Park. Why? Because it’s such a unique park with sprawling lawns, a beach front, an old carousel that is now used as a performing arts center that can be rented for weddings, a huge variety of trees and the most charming foot bridge for stunning pics! We love Goddard Park because there are also covered areas in case of rain. 7. Colt State Park, Bristol, RI This seaside wonder of a park is a popular place for weddings both large and small. There’s an outdoor, open air chapel—the Chapel by the Sea, available to reserve for a small fee by contacting the Colt State Park office at 401-253-7482. A permit is required to use the chapel but between the picnic groves and the shoreline overlooking Narragansett Bay, there are many other spots in the park perfect for an intimate ceremony. 8. Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln, RI Our favorite time of year to visit Lincoln Woods is autumn. The foliage is always spectacular because there are just so many trees. Couples can find many spots overlooking Olney Pond, or choose a more wooded area for an intimate ceremony. 9. Slater Memorial Park, Pawtucket, RI Slater Park is filled with many picturesque spots for a romantic elopement in the fall. There are tons of trees, ponds, gardens, a gazebo overlooking the water and some wooden foot bridges that make for some gorgeous photo opportunities. We love Slater Park for couples who are looking for a hassle-free, pretty spot in the Blackstone Valley area. 10. Waterplace Park, Providence, RI Okay, so Waterplace Park might not have a ton of trees...but we love the idea of an urban autumn elopement during a waterfire...imagine the photos—yes please! We hope our list of our top 10 favorite parks to elope in Rhode Island has sparked some autumn love in your hearts. Even if you don’t plan on getting married this autumn, these parks are all worth a visit any time of year! But if you are planning on having an elopement or micro wedding, we’d love to hear all about your love story! Contact us, let’s see if we’re a good fit! Writing your own wedding vows is a heartfelt offering for your partner on your wedding day. Sharing personal vows with your main-squeeze on your wedding day can be one of the most intimate, moving moments of your ceremony. Not only will your partner be moved by vows you've written yourself, but your guests are sure to love this moment between the two of you as you exchange vows.
Writing your own wedding vows doesn't have to feel intimidating. It doesn't have to feel like a daunting, scary task. Here are 4 easy steps to help you write your own personal vows for your soon to be husband or wife. 4 Easy Steps To Write Your Own Vows 1. Tell your partner what you love about them. Example: “Partner, I love how safe I feel when I’m with you, your sweet and gentle heart, and the way you show up in the world—hardworking, kind, and selfless.” 2. Tell your partner what they mean to you. Example: “Having you by my side makes me a better person and brings joy to my life” 3. Make a promise to your partner. Example: “I promise to always support your dreams and be your loving and faithful husband/wife” or “I will be there to comfort you in times of sorrow and to share in moments of happiness” 4. Tell your partner what your hopes for the future are. Example: “Partner, I'm look forward to working hard towards our goals together, and enjoying all the little moments of our life” That’s it. String it all together and you've written some beautiful vows for your wedding day! Here's an example of what your vows might look like all strung together: Astrid, I love how safe I feel when I’m with you, your sweet and gentle heart, and the way you show up in the world—hardworking, kind, and selfless. Having you by my side makes me a better man and brings joy to my life. I promise to always support your dreams and be your loving and faithful husband. I will be there to comfort you in times of sorrow and to share in moments of happiness. Astrid, I'm look forward to working hard towards our goals together, and enjoying all the little moments of our life. I love you. Would you like help with your vows? Soul Ceremony offers consultation to help you write your vows. Want someone to write custom vows for you? Want to WOW your Bride or Groom with breathtaking vows? Soul Ceremony also offers custom vow writing service. Are you coming to Rhode Island from out of state to get married? Here’s a quick guide on what you need to do in order to obtain your marriage license.
Where do you go? Out of state couples getting married in RI have to apply for a marriage license in the city or town clerk’s office they are to be married in. For non-RI residents, Rhode Island state law says that the marriage license is only valid in the city or town from which it is issued. If the marriage is performed in any other city or town other than where it was issued….the marriage may not be valid. Who has to be there? You must both be present to apply for the license and the both of you must sign the licence in front of the city clerk. What should you bring? You both must bring a valid government issued ID, and your certified birth certificates. If either of you were born out of the United States, the city clerk may require a certified translation of your birth certificate. If either of you had a previous marriage, and the marriage ended in divorce, dissolution or death, then you must present a certified copy of the FINAL decree of divorce or dissolution, or a certified copy of the death certificate to the clerk. No joke….if you don’t have your FINAL decree of divorce, you’re not getting a marriage license! How long is it valid? Rhode Island marriage licenses are valid for three months. NOT three months and a day. Three months—firm, so plan accordingly. How much does it cost? Rhode Island marriage license costs $24. When will you get your license? This may vary from town to town. Some City Clerk’s offices give it to you on the spot, others may have a 24-48 hour wait. It’s best to call in advance to the City Clerk’s office for specifics regarding whether or not you’ll get the license on the same day you apply. Helpful Tips: The most common mistake that officiants make on RI marriage licenses is letting everyone sign in blue ink. RI marriage licenses MUST be signed in non-water soluble ink, and NO correction products (like whiteout) can be used on the license. So, be sure your officiant has a black pen to sign. If there are any mistakes The State Office of Vital Records at the Department of Health has to correct it for you. Regarding Accurate Information: This is what the State Of Rhode Island Department of Health states on their website regarding accurate information: “Any person who willfully and knowingly supplies false information intending that the information be used in the preparation of a marriage license shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both, pursuant to Section 23-3-28 of the RI General Laws.” For more information on marriage license laws ih RI, visit The State Of Rhode Island Department Of Health website: www.health.ri.gov/records/howto/getamarriagelicense/ 1. Craftsmanship: Celebrant weddings are artfully crafted. Every single ceremony is custom written for each individual couple. No one will have the same exact ceremony as you. Ever. You don’t want a cookie cutter ceremony, do you? Of course you don’t! You want your ceremony to be as individual as the both of you. Celebrants are trained in the art and history of ceremony and ritual. They have vast resources and a wealth of rich ideas for creating custom ceremonies that are unique and reflect who you are as a couple.
2. Beliefs: Celebrant weddings honor all beliefs. Secular, religious, spiritual, naturalist, interfaith; no matter what your beliefs are, a Celebrant will create a ceremony that reflects and honors what is important to you as a couple. Maybe you’re both coming from two different religions and aren’t sure how to incorporate them into your ceremony. A Celebrant can help you do exactly that. A Celebrant works to marry what’s important to the both of you, into your ceremony in a way that is graceful, respectful, and meaningful. A Celebrant will never try to force their own personal beliefs into your ceremony, but rather will become the vessel to create the ceremony that is perfect for you and your beliefs. 3. Blending Cultures: Our personal heritage can be an important part of our identity. Living in the modern world, our lives are often enriched by cultures other than our own. Love is not bound by our cultural heritage and our wedding ceremony doesn’t have to reflect only one culture's tradition. A Celebrant specializes in blending multi-cultural aspects into your ceremony. Personalized rituals can be created to honor each of your individual traditions. This blending results in a beautiful ceremony that will feel extra special to you, your guests, and may even honor your family in a very touching, heartfelt way. 4. Control: You have complete control over your ceremony. A Celebrant will work with you until your ceremony is everything you dreamed of and more. You will receive unlimited edits on your ceremony, and it will be worked, and reworked until every last word is loved by the both of you. We’ve all been to a wedding where the officiant begins to tell a long winded story that has absolutely nothing to do with the couple being married. That will never happen with a Celebrant wedding. There will never be any sidebar conversations, or long winded, irrelevant stories during your ceremony. It will be 100% all your story. You never have to feel surprised by what your Celebrant is saying while you’re standing at the altar, because you approved every last word. 5. Love Story: Weaving your personal love story throughout your ceremony is the hallmark of a Celebrant wedding. Your love story is important, and a Celebrant will tell your story in a way that makes your ceremony sing. Guests will be moved to tears and laughter as they witness the story of your love throughout your ceremony. Your love story is powerful. It has the ability to let family and friends understand how deep your love is. It will help to incorporate your new position in your community from single to a loving, married couple. Most importantly, your love story will not only live in your hearts forever, but can be passed down for generations to come. It is a story worth telling, indeed! 6. Magic!: If you are looking for an extraordinary wedding experience, no matter what that means to you; whether it means you want your ceremony to have an ethereal quality with subtle nuances, grace, beauty, depth, and meaning, or whether it means you want an over the top, heavily themed, wild celebration, or any other single thing under the stars you can dream up for your ceremony….a Celebrant can deliver. In fact, personalization is exactly the magic a Celebrant brings to the table. Your wedding, your vision, your way! A Celebrant can create the custom ceremony of your dreams, and officiate with grace and sincerity. |