Weddings by Sarah Ritchie

Celebrants are highly trained professionals, legally qualified to marry couples. They specialize in custom, one-of-a-kind ceremonies reflecting your story and personality. Celebrants work with couples not formally connected with religious institutions, those drawing upon faith traditions in symbolic ways, interfaith couples, and those who are spiritual but not religious or entirely secular.

Sarah begins by learning your story—how you met, fell in love, what you love about your partner, and hopes for the future. She drafts a narrative of your personal story, which anchors the ceremony. She then works with you on other components including vows, readings, rituals, and ways to involve friends and loved ones, polishing the ceremony until it meets your complete satisfaction.

Formal wedding ceremonies tend to be about 25-35 minutes depending upon processional, music, and rituals. Micro-weddings and elopements usually run about 20 minutes. The goal is to strike a balance between recognizing the importance of the day while not boring guests.

Yes. For larger weddings, venues may only allow a quick run-through the day of the wedding. If it is impossible to have a rehearsal at the actual venue, one can organize a practice at a different location. Whatever your preference and desire, Sarah is here to make that happen.

Yes. Sarah performs many ceremonies in New York City as well as ceremonies in the tri-state area. She is prepared and registered to officiate in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, as well as on Long Island and in the Westchester and Upstate regions of New York State.

Yes. New York and surrounding areas have become fabulous locations for destination weddings. Sarah is pleased to accommodate wishes and assist in preparing for a last-minute affair.

Yes. Sarah is delighted to speak with you about a meaningful vow renewal, commitment ceremony, or civil union. Her practices for these ceremonies are the same as outlined for traditional wedding ceremonies.

Sarah is not a wedding planner or coordinator, although she works with many qualified professionals in this field. She is happy to assist with certain wedding planning aspects, particularly for people planning weddings from another city or country, including venue research, hotel preparations, flowers, music, and other details.

Yes. Sarah has a short, concise contract outlining her responsibilities with respect to ceremony preparation and revisions, working with other wedding vendors, participating in a wedding rehearsal, and other wedding details. Normally, half of payment is due when the contract is signed, and the other half is due when the ceremony is over.

Sarah has never missed a ceremony. She arrives very early for the event and stays through all paperwork and photographs. Under catastrophic circumstances, you will be served by another officiant trained by the U.S. Celebrant Foundation & Institute or One Spirit Learning Alliance. She is part of a strong network of professional, caring wedding officiants throughout the Northeast and America.