It’s Simple
Planning your dream ceremony together…
I’m excited to add your wedding or elopement to my calendar, and we’ll begin the booking process with a call or meeting!
First…We’ll have an in-depth talk so I can learn more about your unique love story and what you’d like to include in your ceremony. What special touches, ceremonies or people would you like to include? I’ve officiated many weddings that involve children, grandparents, pets and symbolic acts like hand fasting and creating personal unity ceremonies.
Next… I’ll write your custom ceremony to reflect your love and personalities. Once complete, you’ll review the script and provide feedback before we finalize the ceremony. You can also decide if you’d like to rehearse with me before your wedding..
Finally…I’ll contact you to double check our times and I’ll arrive early and prepared to guide you through one of the best moments of your lives. I look forward to being there with you!
Radiant Gatherings provides wedding and elopement ceremony officiant services in the Knoxville, Tennessee area, the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Chattanooga Tennessee and East Tennessee.
Common Questions
Here are a few questions I hear when couples are considering hiring me as their wedding officiant. Of course, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions of your own!
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400 + and counting
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My ordination/endorsement from Federation of Christian Ministries allows me to legally marry anyone in the US.
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My unique back ground in the arts and world religions gives me the ability to design and create memorable ceremonies from blending Jewish-Christian weddings to Hand fasting Climbing ropes to creating State Park Stamp Unity Ceremonies and Buddhist Unity Water Ceremonies
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I have other licensed, ordained officiants who can cover for me. I have used them to do so, and I have covered for them as well.
Q&A with Sandy
Wedding and elopement officiant in Knoxville, TN
A minister friend who officiated weddings needed a backup and called to ask if I could help her out. It was exciting to see how much fun the couple enjoyed and how much it meant to everyone there.
What happens when something goes wrong in the ceremony? (forgot rings, forgot part of the unity ceremony, forgot to pick up the bride’s mom - or the dress)
It happens, and we make it work. There’s always what I call “Star Wars” ring- or unity ceremony items. We’ve made a few long trips to get a bride’s mom or the dress.
What keeps you going during the stressful wedding day?
Well, first of all, I’m type B, so continuing the chill vibe, I hope I can offer that to my couples.
Coffee - every day and every way
I love dogs and am thrilled when dogs are in the ceremony. I’ve had a couple of rabbits too
I love seeing what unpredictable things kids do in the wedding. A couple of weeks ago, we had a 3 year old take off running up the hill (no one was harmed)
THE most asked question…
How do we get our wedding license in Tennessee? (other states are different including witness requirements)
You and your partner can apply together in person (or on-line to save time) then pick up your license with your valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) where you will both sign it. Then bring the license to the ceremony. I will sign it and return it.
You can get your license at any County Clerk's office in Tennessee if you plan on getting married in the state. It’s best to get your license closest to the place you’ll be getting married or where you live.
The license fee is usually around $100 but varies slightly by county. You can save $60 with premarital counseling either paid or free options.
A blood test is not required in Tennessee.
The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue so you must get married within that 30 days.
You can get the license that day and get married!!
You do not need a witness to sign your license in Tennessee - other states do require witnesses - up to two in some states.
