FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Mike began serving as a pastor (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) starting in 1998, and has since "retired". Over the years, he officiated at many weddings in his capacity as a minister, and offers to do non-religious, non-traditional ceremonies as well as ones that are more traditional/religious. His wedding credentials are recorded in Nobles County in southwest Minnesota.  NOTE: Mike is licensed to do weddings in the state of Minnesota, but can also legally perform wedding ceremonies in Wisconsin..

Mike is willing to officiate at civil/secular ceremonies as well as religious ceremonies for straight and same-sex couples. Though he is most familiar with the Christian religion (for those requesting a religious ceremony), Mike is always willing to learn about other faiths. Mike is easy-going and quite comfortable officiating traditional and non-traditional ceremonies

Click here to see the fees Mike charges for his services. The total fee can either be paid ahead of time, via PayPal or Venmo, or can be paid at the ceremony. Mike resides in Rosemount, MN for mileage and driving time calculation purposes.

Once you have contacted Mike and he has indicated that he has an opening, a $50 non-refundable deposit will reserve your date. NOTE: This deposit will count toward your overall total fee total at the time of your wedding..

This depends on Mike's schedule. He might have another wedding ceremony on his schedule on the day you were hoping to have your rehearsal. Because a rehearsal involves extra travel and time (and precludes Mike from accepting other wedding ceremony opportunities for that day), he does charge extra for this additional effort. (Click here to see the fees Mike charges for his services.)

No. Mike generally meets with couples via Google Meet (or Zoom) and/or via phone calls and email. Usually, this allows the planning process to get done fairly easily. Throughout the planning, Mike always welcomes contact per his availability (within reason, of course). The final wedding ceremony script is usually completed around a week before the wedding day. NOTE: Keep in mind that, during the school year, Mike is busy teaching elementary school kids on M-F during the day and may not be able to immediately respond to contacts.

You - the wedding couple - have complete control of the process! Mike is there to help guide you as much (or as little) as you choose. Elsewhere on this website ("Ceremony Options") you can find sample examples of the various pieces of a wedding ceremony. Plus, Mike is always there to provide advice as needed. You get the opportunity to make your ceremony as unique as you like, and are encouraged by Mike to do so. Together we will make your ceremony as special as we possibly can!

Depending on personal circumstances going on in Mike's life, he is generally available to travel to officiate wedding ceremonies well outside of the metro area where he resides (in Rosemount). Because ceremonies farther away require more time, effort, and wear and tear on his vehicle, Mike does charge a mileage fee and driving time fee (click here to see the fees Mike charges).

The simple answer is No. Mike's role is to help plan the script for the ceremony, and he will show up to the wedding to "run the show" from the script during the actual ceremony. All of the logistical items (such as microphones, tables, candles, musicians, etc.) that are needed are the responsibility of the couple.

When leaving home to drive to the wedding ceremony, Mike will send a text indicating he is on the way. Once he arrives (about an hour before the ceremony), Mike will speak with all of the main participants (the couple, musicians, readers, ushers, photographers, videographers, sound techs, etc.) to ensure that all things are ready to go. Once all is set, the best part - the ceremony - happens!

Though it certainly is a nice gesture, Mike generally requests that he NOT be invited to the reception. As a happily married man, Mike's prefers to spend as much time as he can with his lovely wife Nancy and not be gone from home any longer than necessary.

Here's Mike's backup plan: From his many years as a church pastor, Mike is friends with literally dozens of minister friends all around Minnesota who would be called to help out in a pinch. 

Yes, Mike can legally officiate weddings in Wisconsin! His Lutheran pastor ordination satisfies Wisconsin state law.