Question 1

Who is Minister Weddings?

Accepted Answer

Minister Joe Portillo owner, has been in the wedding industry for 10 years. Minister Weddings was born 4 years ago from the lack of bilingual wedding officiants in Chicago and neighboring counties. We are a small business located in the Villa Park neighborhood. We operate Mobil, we thrive to make your wedding, Fairytale.

Question 2

What is the meaning of a wedding officiant?

Accepted Answer

A wedding officiant is responsible for legalizing your marriage by signing your marriage license. Our signature represents the legal obligation we carry. Another responsibility of a wedding officiant is to perform your ceremony. Minister Weddings is known for presenting the most beautiful and memorable wedding ceremonies.

Question 3

How long have you been an officiant? How many weddings have you done?

Accepted Answer

Minister Weddings was born in 2022. We became known rapidly, and our small business took off! To this date, we have married over 300 couples.

Question 4

Are you available on our date and legally able to perform a marriage in our wedding location?

Accepted Answer

We are a small business composed of more than one officiant. The fact that we have a team makes us more flexible and available. Now, if you choose a particular officiant and he or/she isn't available, it is up to you to work with another of our experienced officiants. And yes! We are certified to marry couples anywhere, especially in other states.

Question 5

What types of services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer mainly 1 fundamental Officiant.

Question 6

What types of venues do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We provide services at diverse and unique venues such as hotels, banquet halls, boats, restaurants, outdoor spaces, & Backyards. Remember that you can get married anywhere you desire. You name it!

Question 7

Will you help us obtain our marriage license?

Accepted Answer

We are here to guide you in the process! Even though the couple is the only one who can obtain a marriage license, we will answer all of your questions regarding applying for one. We have all the information you need. We recommend starting the process for your marriage license a month before the wedding. But you can obtain a marriage license even the week before the wedding. So don't panic!

Question 8

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

We offer different pricing options and packages to suit your  wedding vision. Please call us to discuss our wedding services. You can also visit our service page wedding estimator.

Question 9

Are there any extra charges for travel fees?

Accepted Answer

Travel fees to the ceremony location beyond 50 miles round trip from zip code 60181 incur a travel fee.

Question 10

Can you perform a wedding that incorporates our religious/cultures?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the majority of our ceremonies are non-denominational. But we can integrate the couple's religious/cultural beliefs by including biblical scriptures or having a family member participate during your ceremony by reading a spiritual lecture.

Question 11

Can you perform same-sex weddings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are LGBTQ+ friendly.

Question 12

Do you have a script or do you personalize the wedding ceremony for each couple?

Accepted Answer

Both! Our wedding ceremony programs are exclusively for our clients. And we also take into consideration the ideas and vision of each couple. Customizing a ceremony is often portrayed by one of the following: when the couple decides to write their vows, tell their love story, perform any ceremony traditions, etc.

Question 13

Can we write our own vows? Will you help us with that?

Accepted Answer

We encourage you to write your vows. And if you need our help writing yours, don't hesitate to ask us. Also, some couples may prefer to do theirs in private. We can always ask the traditional ones during the ceremony.

Question 14

How long is a typical ceremony?

Accepted Answer

15 minutes or less. Always! but can be up to 30min id multi-languages are preferred.

Question 15

How many times will we meet?

Accepted Answer

From our initial consultation and booking of our professional services, we will work with the couple according to their wedding date and needs. Minister Weddings begins concentrating on your wedding 60-90 days prior. Nonetheless, our commitment to you is that you can always call, text, and email us. We are here to guide you in the process!

Question 16

Will you attend/lead our rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

Although it's not part of our standard packages, we do offer rehearsal services as an add-on. Many couples find that having a rehearsal a day or two before their wedding helps them feel more prepared and confident for the big day.

Question 17

What time will you arrive?

Accepted Answer

We arrive at the venue around 25 to 35 minutes before your scheduled ceremony time. Being late is out of the question. Especially if you rented our speaker add-ons as we ensure a proper sound check and give ample time.

Question 18

What do you wear?

Accepted Answer

We wear a suit or dress. Predominantly we stick to the color black or navy blue, a stole (is optional). A traditional robe are NOT part of our dress code.

Question 19

Will you fill out and file our marriage license?

Accepted Answer

That's our job! Legalizing your marriage license is part of our obligation, although you have 10 days from signing to turn in your License. We can file your marriage license at the County Clerks' office. please see fees on our contract. Note: this excludes other states or "special circumstances." Keep in mind that any and all fees must be paid before signing,  including but not limited to late start fee, holiday fee, balances due, wrong county license issued fee, filing fees etc...

Question 20

Do you have a back-up?

Accepted Answer

Certainly! In case of illness or unforeseen circumstances, Minister Weddings is ready to provide another highly experienced and qualified officiant from within our company.

Question 21

How Much to Tip Your Officiant?

Accepted Answer

If you're hiring a professional officiant to conduct your ceremony, consider giving them a tip of around $350, Mansur says. However, where the money will be directed will vary depending on the type of person you tap for the position. For example, if you're using a religious leader as your officiant, you likely will not be able to tip them directly, but you can make a donation to their house of worship. Additionally, if a civil officiant conducted your ceremony at a courthouse, know that the law prohibits gratuity, adds Diana Gottsman, an etiquette expert.

Frequently asked questions