Your ceremony, the part of this whole occasion that will change your lives forever, should be a memory that will lift your hearts and remind you of why you have chosen one another out of all the available humans out there. It’s a moment to be savored, so don’t be afraid to craft something that’s true to the two of you and your love. Here are some possibilities:
Photo by Love Me Do Photography. 
intimate ceremonies
Photo by Kalz Photography. 
Having the ceremony in front of a handful of your dearests is perfect for couples who want to wed in a private home, favorite little restaurant or gallery, or on a mountaintop—anyplace you love that’s not conducive to a crowd. Intimate ceremonies are also perfect for people who just don’t want to deal with a massive event, and they can be absolutely lovely and memorable.
A destination wedding is much, much easier to pull together for five or 15 than for 75.
You can plan something with a level of personalization that would be hard to achieve at a big event—have people sit in a circle and join you in a ritual, for example. You can have a relaxed meal after the vows are spoken, spend more quality time with your company, and lavish your loved ones with food, drink, or entertainment that would be insanely costly for a mob. A destination wedding is much, much easier to pull together for five or 15 than for 75.
You can then, if you wish, plan a bigger party for another day without having to fuss over all the elements of a classic reception. People won’t be expected to bring presents to this, though some of them may surprise you.
private vow sharing
Photo by Love Me Do Photography 
Sharing your vows in private frees you to express the full depth of your emotions to your sweetheart. Not everyone wants to voice their most personal thoughts in the spotlight. Sharing personal vows on your wedding eve, as part of your first look, or right before you make your reception entrance can be an intense, meaningful experience. You may or may not want to include one or two witnesses each. It’s a wonderful moment to capture, but keep the photographer at a distance. Tell each other exactly why you are doing this, what you most adore and admire about each other, and what you promise to be and do as long as you both shall live. Get choked up, wipe each other’s tears of joy, kiss, and walk into the public phase of your festivities feeling as beautiful as you truly are.
quick ceremonies
Photo byClean Plate Pictures for the Wedding Foundry. Officiant Michele Zipp. 
Sharing personal vows on your wedding eve, as part of your first look, or right before you make your reception entrance can be an intense, meaningful experience.
Quick ceremonies pair beautifully with a private vow sharing. There are three key elements—a statement of intent, an exchange of simple vows, and a pronouncement from the officiant—that will make your ceremony legally binding; everything else is a choice. The official business can be handled in 5 minutes.
Photo by Teresa Horgan Photography. 
make it yours
Make it indelibly yours by bringing resonant rites and customs you love into a ceremony that fills your hearts and joins you to one another and the human community, whether that’s a Catholic Nuptial Mass, a Jewish wedding ceremony under a huppah, or having your attendants shower you with glitter confetti at a strategic moment. Use a poem or a song that captures your shared feelings.
Think about your cultural heritage and family history and see what elements you might want to include in this key moment; after all, you’re starting a fresh new branch of the family tree
Think about your cultural heritage and family history and see what elements you might want to include in this key moment; after all, you’re starting a fresh new branch of the family tree. Unity rituals have existed all over the planet throughout human history for a reason—unification is our deepest, finest social instinct. Pouring drinks from two pitchers into a shared glass, combining two flames to light a unity candle, planting a tree, handfasting with a silken cord or a garland of flowers, tying a love knot together—there are a vast variety of ways to embody and celebrate the message of two becoming one.
CUSTOM WEDDINGS BY RACHEL
Woodstock, 201-294-9872, customweddingsbyrachel.com
At Custom Weddings by Rachel, I create fully bespoke wedding ceremonies that reflect your unique love story. With a commitment to inclusivity and attention to every detail, I ensure your ceremony is a perfect expression of who you are as a couple. Let’s work together to craft a celebration that feels truly personal, heartfelt, and unforgettable. All love is celebrated here—let’s begin today!
ELITZA RITUALIST
New Paltz, 646-752-5337, elitzadempsey.com
Elitza is a ritualist offering yoga, breath work, meditation, Reiki and life coaching, drawing on 22 years of experience. Her skills extend a deeply grounding and expansive physical, emotional, and energetic alchemy. She will create a tailored empowering, pacifying, and centering exchange for you, so that you are fully present and vibrant on your wedding day. Schedule your 20-minute complimentary discovery call today! Happy to travel within 30-mile radius.
FATHER MICHAEL
New York, 203-570-0171, frmoy@yahoo.com
IT’S YOUR WEDDING… as your OFFICIANT, I feel privileged to be a part of the preparation and Ceremony. We should feel comfortable with each other. I want to respect you both, your wishes, your backgrounds, and your families. Very flexible and welcoming, Traditional, Mixed Religion, LGBTQ+. Let’s talk.
MICHELE ZIPP, CUSTOM CEREMONIES & RITUALS
Hudson Valley, NYC, 646-509-6600, michelezipp.com
Michele is a nondenominational wedding officiant who has been crafting customized ceremonies filled with love and laughter since 2011. She’s a writer and Reiki Master, so telling your love story and including spirituality is part of her life’s work. Her unique ceremonies include meaningful rituals like handfasting, blessing circles, crystal grids, Tibetan singing bowls, magical botanicals and herbs, and Reiki healing, with everything personalized for each couple.
PETER SONNENBERG
Hudson Valley, 914-522-9118
Peter is a non-denominational/interfaith officiant providing customized wedding ceremonies that reflect the couple’s personalities, beliefs, and passions. His specialty is combining cultural and/or faith traditions, as well as incorporating unique and distinctive ritual elements to create a truly personalized and meaningful ceremony. As a spiritual director of a Westchester Holistic Healing Center, Peter has been in the field of the healing arts for over 27 years.
WEDDINGS IN THE GUNKS
New Paltz, 845-475-8879, weddings.inthegunks.com
Your wedding is your story, come to life. It is a moment in time that you will want to share with loved ones for the rest of your lives. This is a day to take stock of who you have been separately and to proclaim to the world who you wish to be together. All you need is the right storyteller to tell the tale.
GLAMPSTAR
Woodstock, 845-532-6939, glampstar.com
On-demand pop-up glamping at your event location. GlampStar provides a luxury camping experience for you and your guests. All-season tents equipped with foam queen mattress, rugs, tables, chandelier, twinkle lights, and more. Big or small events, we have you covered with up to 26 tents. Now available: large double-door suite can be a luxury suite, up to four beds, or a lounge. The fun is in tents!
