CEREMONIES

This is the Fun Part…
Where the Magic (and the Marriage) Begin
Let’s Explore The Ceremony Style That’s Right for You!

With Bonnie as your Wedding Officiant, your ceremony will never feel generic or cookie-cutter, boring, or lack heart. No matter how simple or elaborate the format, your ceremony will be thoughtfully prepared so it feels authentic, meaningful…and will be infused with love.

Whether you’re envisioning a spiritual, religious, or secular ceremony – the choice is entirely yours.

The vibe of your ceremony can be formal and poetic, romantic and heartfelt, light and joyful—or a beautiful blend that stirs all the right emotions. Together, we will determine the style that feels most authentic to you.

Most couples prefer to keep the final script a surprise for their wedding day once the ceremony outline is finalized; however, if you would prefer to review it in advance, that option is always available.

Regarding Ceremony Fees…

Pricing is often the first question couples have, therefore, customary fees are listed within each category. Several factors can affect your final ceremony fee, such as location, level of customization, duration and complexity of your ceremony, travel, and additional services. We’ll collaborate to create the option that best fits your personalities, your celebration, and your budget.

Indian Wedding - New Hill NC
Tied the Knot - in Fuquay Varina NC

ROMANTIC FUN FACT: 💋 The first on-screen kiss in film history happened in 1896, and it caused quite a scandal. Weddings by Bonnie expects your kiss to be equally iconic (but with much less controversy – unless of course, that’s what you’re going for)!

LEGAL SIGNING

SIMPLY SAY “I DO”!
Raleigh $150 / Durham $175 / Chapel Hill $200

A simple and meaningful way to make your marriage official—without the fuss. This option is perfect for couples who:

  • Are looking for a courthouse alternative, or
  • Plan to have a family member or friend lead their celebration but need a legally ordained officiant under North Carolina law, or

  • Intend to celebrate with a larger gathering at a later date.

What’s included:

  • Couples will arrive with a valid marriage license and two witnesses at a pre-arranged location.

  • The legal signing includes the Declaration of Intent, a traditional ring exchange, pronouncement of the marriage, and completion and filing of your marriage license. Couples are welcome to share their personal vows.

  • Your marriage license will be completed and filed within two (2) business days.

  • A travel fee applies for locations outside the Research Triangle.

ELOPEMENTS & MICRO WEDDINGS

From Just the Two of You, to a Gathered Few
(up to 25 guests)
In the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Area

CAROLINA CLASSIC CEREMONY
$375

This 15-minute ceremony is perfect for elopements or micro weddings with just a handful of guests. The script is thoughtfully written to celebrate your love with warmth, heart, and connection—without the extra frills. Every word and moment is designed to feel personal, loving, and meaningful.

You can look forward to all the classic elements: guest appreciation; a prayer (if requested); reflection of your journey together; guiding words of marriage; vows and ring exchange; romantic closing statements right before you are pronounced “married”!

Your ceremony will be intimate, heartfelt, and never rushed just because it’s the two (or a few) of you.

               

CAROLINA CUSTOM CEREMONY
For Elopements & Micro Weddings
$450

This option is ideal for couples who love everything included above in the Carolina Classic Ceremony, but prefer a more personalized experience.

This 20 – 25 minute heartfelt ceremony is a reminder of the many reasons you love one another, realizing how your love has evolved, and led you to the intimate moments being celebrated on your wedding day. You’ll receive guidance on personal vows, inspirational readings, optional unity traditions, and thoughtful touches that reflect your personalities, values, and connection—making your ceremony memorable and truly one-of-a-kind.

Click Here – What to Expect & What’s Included

FULL WEDDING CELEBRATIONS

SOUTHERN ELEGANCE CEREMONY
(Includes A Few Frills)
In the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Area
$475

Perfect for larger gatherings, this timeless ceremony is ideal for couples who prefer a traditional yet modern format that creates a heartfelt experience for everyone in attendance. While simple in structure, your ceremony will include all the essential elements along with several personal touches based on the details you share.

Typically lasting 20–25 minutes, the ceremony is custom crafted from processional to recessional. You will be presented with thoughtful options for each segment of the script, including sample readings, your choice of vows, and a few basic unity traditions. Your journey as a couple will be reflected throughout, making the ceremony deeply personal and meaningful.

This celebration focuses on the unconditional love you share and warmly includes your family and friends, creating a meaningful, memorable, and fully inclusive experience.

Click Here – What to Expect & What’s Included

THE NORTH CAROLINA SIGNATURE CEREMONY
In the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Area
$550

Celebrate your love by honoring timeless traditions, while embracing meaningful, contemporary elements that reflect your unique journey, the bonds of family, and unity.

This 30-minute Signature Ceremony features a carefully curated blend of classic structure and bespoke touches, including a romantic reflection of your love story. Together, we will revisit how you met, the excitement of your first date, the adventures you’ve shared, and above all…the many reasons you fell deeply in love and chose to marry.

You will be presented with thoughtful ideas for honoring parents, grandparents, cherished guests, and beloved family members no longer with us. Meaningful readings, unity traditions, cultural or faith-based elements, and guest participation can all be seamlessly woven into your ceremony. Light, creative moments may also be included to ease nerves and invite warm connection.

There is virtually no limit to the meaningful details that can be incorporated. Every element is intentionally designed to create an emotional, engaging experience—one that moves your guests and beautifully reflects the unconditional love you share. Your ceremony will truly be, one of a kind.

Click Here – What to Expect & What’s Included

VOW RENEWAL CEREMONIES

In the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Area
Honoring The Journey, Renewing The Promise
$400

A Customized Vow Renewal Ceremony is a beautiful way to celebrate the love that has grown over time—and the family that has grown along with it.

Whether you’re marking a milestone anniversary or simply reaffirming your commitment, this ceremony honors your shared journey while embracing the people who’ve been part of it.

Together, we’ll create a personalized celebration that may include updated vows, meaningful readings, new (or symbolic) ring exchange, and special moments that involve your children, grandchildren, or close loved ones.

This ceremony also includes a decorative certificate to memorialize your Vow Renewal celebration.

It’s more than just a renewal—it’s a tribute to the life, love, and legacy you’ve built together. Because your “forever” deserves to be celebrated again!

Click Here – What to Expect & What’s Included

WHAT TO EXPECT & WHAT’S INCLUDED

Regardless of which ceremony option is the best fit for you, every couple will receive the same “above and beyond” level of care and service, which includes:

Initial ConsultationLets Connect

  • We will schedule a relaxed meeting by phone, FaceTime, or WhatsApp to ensure we are a wonderful fit. During our time together, the ceremony process will be explained, along with a detailed overview of what to expect from processional to recessional. By the end of our conversation, you will feel confident, at ease, and excited for what lies ahead. And truly, my favorite part is getting to know the two of you and hearing your love story.

Marriage License Made Simple

  • You will receive a dedicated email (specific to your county of residence), providing clear, step-by-step guidance on obtaining your marriage license from any Register of Deeds office in North Carolina.

  • Your will receive a friendly reminder the day before your wedding day to ensure your marriage license arrives with you to the ceremony!

  • At the conclusion of the ceremony, both copies of your marriage license will be properly completed, and signed by your two witnesses.

  • Your marriage license will be filed (returned) to the appropriate Register of Deeds office within two business days – either personally delivered or sent certified mail for tracking purposes.

  • Approximately two weeks after the ceremony, you will receive helpful guidance for the Bride to legally change her last name, should she choose to do so.

Crafting the Perfect Ceremony

  • It all begins with your “homework” assignment—the Ceremony Preference Questionnaire (and yes, the very first assignment is to practice your kiss!). Your thoughtful responses guide the design of your ceremony, helping me carefully shape each segment with intention and flow. From there, your story is woven together in a way that reflects your journey, honors your connection, and creates a shared experience for everyone present.

  • Wedding Vows – you will receive guidance in writing your personal vows (if requested) and sample “promissory vows” will also be provided that you can repeat after me, read to one another, or have me write in such a way that you just need to say, “I DO!”

  • Readings & Unity Traditions – With a Custom Ceremony, you’ll receive a selection of inspirational readings, blessings, recommended scripture verses, and unique unity tradition ideas to consider (or not!). These suggestions are entirely optional, designed to inspire and guide you as you create a ceremony that feels personal and meaningful, and unique to you.

  • Detailed Ceremony Outline – Upon receiving your completed questionnaire, a detailed ceremony outline will be prepared to provide you with a clear understanding of the structure, flow of each speaking point and duration of your ceremony. From there, we build and refine. Once finalized, the outline will be shared with your Planner so they know what to expect. Many couples find the ceremony outline helpful when creating their ceremony programs.

  • Your Guests! – While your ceremony is centered on the love you share, it also honors the circle of family and friends who have supported your journey. With a heartfelt and intentional approach, your guests will be warmly welcomed and included, reminded that their presence is one of the greatest blessings of your wedding day. Several meaningful touches can be incorporated to convey just how much they are appreciated.

Classic vs Custom – What is the Difference?

  • Classic Ceremonies – While not as extensively customized as the Custom option, each Classic Ceremony script is still heartfelt and personal, crafted from the details you provide, without all the frilly extras. A brief reflection of your journey together is included, alongside the many traditional elements that honor your love and commitment. This option typically does not include readings, complex unity traditions, or guest participation, and runs approximately 15 – 20 minutes in length, depending on your input.

  • Custom Ceremonies – The Custom Ceremony is a fully personalized experience, start to finish: Every detail is covered, from:

      • Pre and post ceremony announcements (these are important!)
      • Options to consider for the presentation of the Bride.
      • Acknowledgement and welcoming your guests, ensuring they feel loved and appreciated (including the livestream guests!); honoring lost loved ones; expression of love and gratitude to your parents/grandparents; ice breaker that will include your guests and relax the atmosphere in our ceremony space, allowing the two of you to relax!
      • Your love story: You will be asked to send your responses to these questions separately so it is a surprise to each other on wedding day.
      • Optional readings, blessings, or scripture verses to consider, which can be recited by a friend or family member.
      • In depth guidance with your personal and promissory vows
      • Several unique unity tradition ideas (see bottom of this page!)
      • Fun ideas to involve your guests during the recessional (bubbles, lavender, sparklers, swords, beachballs).
      • Ideas on how to incorporate family members.
      • Advance communication regarding your ceremony details with your Planner, DJ and Photo/Video team.
      • Your creative ideas and feedback are always welcome!

Custom Ceremonies typically run 30 minutes, giving space to tell your story and savor every special moment.

ADDITIONAL FEES

Rehearsal fees ($100 – $150) are not included in the above ceremony prices.

  • If you have a professional Planner/Day of Coordinator, you likely will not need me to attend since they usually facilitate the logistics of the processional/recessional part of the rehearsal. We will have already discussed your actual ceremony script in detail, well in advance of the wedding week. That said, I am happy to attend if you prefer I participate.

Microphone & Blue Tooth Speaker: $40

Unique Services That Incur Additional Fees:

  • Additional fees may be incurred for mileage/travel time outside Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill

  • Additional fees may be incurred if customary service time is exceeded due to unique location circumstances (i.e. yacht, water taxi, hot air balloon, horseback, or helicopter travel).

  • Admission fees into attractions, museums, parks, parking fees over $10, boat or water taxi, gondolas, air travel, etc., will be paid by the Couple.

  • Couples will be responsible for providing all supplies relating to rituals performed within the ceremony (i.e. candles, sand containers, unity cross, handfasting cord, crowns, broom, ropes, sage, cords, etc).

Please Read The FAQ’s On The RESOURCES Tab

To Learn More About Working With Weddings By Bonnie.

UNITY TRADITIONS AND RITUALS

Unity traditions and rituals are meaningful elements that symbolize the joining of two lives, families, and futures. These special moments add depth and personal expression to your ceremony, reflecting your values, heritage, or shared journey. Regardless of the unity tradition you choose (or we create!), this will serve as a powerful visual representation of your commitment. Your unity ritual can also include children, parents, or other loved ones—making your ceremony even more inclusive and memorable.

Need ideas? Bonnie has created and performed countless heartfelt, fun, and delightfully “off-the-wall” unity rituals throughout her career.. From meaningful cultural traditions to playful, one-of-a-kind moments, she’s here to help you craft something that feels truly you. To Name Just a Few…

Unity Couple Tie - Bonnie, Ordained Minister, Wedding Officiant, Wedding Celebrant, North Carolina (NC)
Unity Ceremony, Couple Sitting - Bonnie, Ordained Minister, Wedding Officiant, Wedding Celebrant, North Carolina (NC)
  • Hand Washing & Blessing

  • Handfasting
  • Rose Ceremony
  • Unity Candle
  • Unity Sand
  • Fisherman’s Knot
  • Wine Ceremony
  • Chuppah & Breaking of the Glass
  • Shotski
  • Surprise Ring Bearer(s)
  • Stefana Crowning
  • Tree Planting
  • Cord of Three Strands/God Knot
  • Dove Release
  • Viking Mead Horn Toast
  • Kick the Bucket
  • Tea Ceremony
  • Seven Circles Around Fire with the Saptapadi (Seven Sacred Vows)
  • Wine & Love Letter Box
  • Time Capsule/Anniversary Box
  • Unity Crystal
  • Sage Blessing
  • Veil, Lasso & Coin Blessing
  • Paint & Canvas
  • TableTop Love
  • Fireball Roulette
  • Ring Warming
  • Ceremonial Foot Washing
  • Jumping the Broom/Golf Club
  • Ring Blessing
  • Decadent Chocolate
  • Butterfly Release
  • Unity Puzzle
  • Floral Lei/Garland Exchange
  • Arras (13 Gold Coins Exchanged)
Unity Candle Ceremony - Bonnie, Ordained Minister, Wedding Officiant, Wedding Celebrant, North Carolina (NC)
Rings Ceremony - Bonnie, Ordained Minister, Wedding Officiant, Wedding Celebrant, North Carolina (NC)
Sand Ceremony - Bonnie, Ordained Minister, Wedding Officiant, Wedding Celebrant, North Carolina (NC)
Handfasting Ceremony - Bonnie, Ordained Minister, Wedding Officiant, Wedding Celebrant, North Carolina (NC)
Rose Presentation - Bonnie, Ordained Minister, Wedding Officiant, Wedding Celebrant, North Carolina (NC)
Blessing Of The Coins - Bonnie, Ordained Minister, Wedding Officiant, Wedding Celebrant, North Carolina (NC)

Officiant Coaching, Script Writing & Ceremony Preparation

Asked to Officiate a Wedding?

Weddings by Bonnie Can Help!

($350)

Being invited to officiate a loved one’s ceremony is an incredible honor. As exciting as it is, it can also feel a bit overwhelming when you are unsure of where to start. After all, this is a huge responsibility!

Weddings by Bonnie, your Raleigh based Wedding Officiant, offers guidance and support to help you feel confident, prepared, and fully “wedding-ready.” Together, we’ll ensure you are equipped to deliver a meaningful, heartfelt ceremony the couple (and their guests), will never forget.

What’s Included:

Custom Script Creation
A beautifully written, personalized ceremony script that reflects the couple’s love story and tone—typically 20 minutes in length.

One-on-One Coaching
Approximately four hours of instruction and support via phone and email.

Ceremony Structure & Flow
Learn the key elements of a well-paced ceremony, from opening announcements to the pronouncement and recessional.

Fact Gathering Guidance
Tips for gathering meaningful details from the couple to personalize the ceremony.

Presentation & Delivery Tips
Techniques for confident public speaking, pacing, and connecting with the couple and guests.

Wedding Day Logistics
Practical advice on rehearsals, timing, marriage license signing, communicating with fellow vendors, conducting yourself at the altar, most appropriate attire, and more.

Final Review & Read-Through
A final session to walk through the script, fine-tune your delivery, and ensure you’re comfortable for the honorable role as a Wedding Officiant.

The final result?
A beautifully written, heartfelt ceremony that you’ll feel confident and proud to present.

Let’s Get You Ready For The Altar!