Wedding Officiant in Raleigh, NC
A Wedding Ceremony That Feels Like You
Bonnie Sanchez is a Raleigh wedding officiant with nearly 2,000 ceremonies, 1,000+ five-star reviews, and a gift for making your wedding ceremony feel personal, grounded, and authentic.
A Ceremony That Starts With Your Story
You’ve poured your heart into planning this day. Every detail has been thoughtfully chosen…the venue, the music, your bridal party, and the guest list.
But the ceremony? That’s the heart of it all. It’s the moment you take each other’s hands, share a few deep breaths (and maybe a few happy tears), and say, “This is it. This is my person.” These are the moments your guests remember most. It should feel like you.
I work closely with each couple to create a completely customized ceremony, one that reflects your love, your journey, your beliefs, and all the little things that make your relationship uniquely yours.
Your guests won’t just witness a ceremony, they’ll feel it. They will laugh, tear up at the moments that matter, and walk away saying, “that was so them.” Many will come up afterward and ask how I knew you so well.
Love Story
From Our First Conversation to Your First Kiss
Tell Me Your Love Story
We will connect over a call, FaceTime, or coffee, and just talk.I want to hear your story…how you met, what drew you to each other, the moments that made you think “this is different.” I want to hear the sweet and slightly awkward moments, funny stories, and especially your romantic engagement story.
This is my favorite part of the process, because it’s where I get to know you. At this point, your ceremony will begin to take shape in a way that feels natural, meaningful and completely personalized.
How Your Wedding Ceremony is Planned
First, I’ll send you a ceremony preference questionnaire to fill out together. It’s designed to capture your story, your style, and what you want your ceremony to feel like, with optional ideas for vows, readings, and unity traditions to get you thinking.
From there, I’ll put together a detailed outline of your ceremony. The framework, the order, the speaking points, all of it. We’ll go back and forth on it until you’re thrilled with how your day is going to unfold. Most of my couples choose to let the final script be a surprise on their wedding day, but the choice is always yours.
Your Day, Your Moment
Everything is in place. Your people are there. The music begins… and then it’s time. You walk up, face the person you love, take their hands, and hear your story told back to you in a way that feels honest, meaningful, and completely you. There will be laughter. There will be a few happy tears.
And there will be a moment where everything else fades away except the two of you. And when it’s time for that first kiss… make it count. Because if it needs just a little more oomph, I am absolutely going to ask for a second take! (Your guests will love it.)
"Bonnie was the heartbeat of our daughter's wedding."
– John Nelson
Every Love Story Gets Its Own Ceremony
I officiate weddings, elopements, vow renewals, and destination ceremonies. Each one is thoughtfully crafted to reflect your traditions, cultures, and beliefs, including LGBTQ+ celebrations of love.
I believe a meaningful ceremony honors not only the two of you, but also the people who have supported you along the way, your family and friends.
Whether your day is intimate or elaborate, the goal is always the same:
a ceremony that feels deeply personal, beautifully grounded, and unmistakably yours.
Wedding
Big or small, formal or backyard. Full ceremony writing, rehearsal coordination, and a calm presence so you can stay in the moment.
Elopements
Just the two of you, or a handful of your favorite people. Intimate ceremonies with the same heart and care as a larger celebration.
Interfaith & Multicultural Ceremonies
Your ceremony can honor every part of who you are - your heritage, your faith, traditions, and the experiences that have shaped your lives.
ready for more?
A Little About Me
I’ve been officiating since 2014 and have officiated nearly 2,000 ceremonies across seven states.
I’ve stood with couples on beaches, in the desert, in barns, backyards, stadiums, hot air balloons – and yes, even once in a bathroom stall.
I’ve worked with couples who spent over a year planning every detail, and others who called me with just 24 hours notice. No matter the setting or the timeline, my role remains the same: to create and perform a ceremony that feels personal, and truly reflective of you.
I still get emotional at almost every ceremony – because I genuinely care. I care deeply about your story and I care how it’s told. I especially take notice during that moment you “seal the deal” with your first kiss. Don’t be surprised if I ask for an encore (your photographer and guests will LOVE it!).
Officiating Weddings Across North Carolina
I officiate wedding ceremonies throughout Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and across North Carolina.
Wedding Officiant
FAQ
FAQs
Questions Couples Ask
My ceremonies start at $450. Every ceremony is fully customized, so there are no extra fees for add-ons, whatever you want included is part of the same fee. Pricing depends on the type of ceremony (elopement, micro-wedding, full traditional wedding with guests, or vow renewal) and mileage and travel time.
Yes, and I love them. I’ve done hundreds of ceremonies across all faiths, traditions, and lifestyles. I’ve co-officiated with Rabbis, Priests, and Shamans, and I’ve worked with translators for ceremonies in multiple languages. Whatever your ceremony looks like, I’ll make it yours.
Most couples book 6 to 12 months out, especially during peak season (April through October here in NC). But I’ve also done weddings with 48 hours’ notice. If you have a date, just reach out and I’ll let you know.
All the time. Outer Banks, Asheville, the mountains, the coast, and out of state too. Travel fees may apply depending on distance, but I love getting to see new places.
I’ve officiated through hurricanes, snowstorms, and 115-degree heat. I’ll work with your planner or venue to adjust, and I always come prepared. Some of the best ceremonies I’ve ever performed happened in the rain.
Absolutely. Some couples want to write their own, some want me to handle all of it, and some want a mix. I’ll guide you through it so you can express what you’re feeling in a way that sounds like you, without the pressure of staring at a blank page alone.
Yes! I’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do, when to do it, and where to go. In North Carolina, both of you need to appear together in person at any county Register of Deeds office, and the license is valid statewide for 60 days, so timing matters. There’s no waiting period, which is a bonus. On your wedding day, following your ceremony, your two witnesses and I will complete and sign the marriage license. From there, I’ll ensure it’s properly filed with the county so your marriage is officially recorded. Simple and taken care of.
Let’s Talk About Your Day
Rather Pick Up the Phone?
Call or text me at: 941-600-8009
email: info@weddingsbybonnie.com
Serving couples in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and across North Carolina. Learn about my ceremony services.
