If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the market for a wedding officiant, right? I was able to get some insight from the best one in Myrtle Beach. I may be a little biased. She was our officiant after all. Regardless of my opinion, the rave reviews speak for themselves. I was able to ask Vows by Dawn a handful of questions to about her officiating style. She evens opens up about the legal paperwork and nitty gritty behind it all.

How long have you been officiating weddings?

How long have you been officiating weddings?18 years! My first 13 years were in New York, and now I am in my 5th year of officiating here in South Carolina.

How would you describe your officiating style?

I bring a passion for love and commitment to my role as a wedding officiant. I uniquely tailor each wedding ceremony to reflect the couple’s values and relationship, ensuring a true celebration of their bond. My goal is to create a stress-free planning process, allowing my couples to relax and savor every moment of their special day. My couples tell me my style is warm, easy and breezy, and people who I’ve just met say they feel like they’ve known me forever. For me, it’s an honor and privilege to be part of such a significant occasion in their lives.

Do you offer premarital counseling or advice to couples before the wedding?

Yes, if a couple requests this. It is not required in order for me to be booked as their officiant.

How do you collaborate with couples to create a personalized ceremony?

I specialize in creating simple & touching non-religious ceremonies, tailored to my couple’s preferences. During our initial conversation, I love getting to know my couples. I get the couple’s feedback on what they want their ceremony to look like and I share my recommendations. Then we partner up to select and curate the perfect vows for the ceremony. It’s all about creating a ceremony that reflects the couples’ love for one another.

How do you handle the legal paperwork, and will you submit it to the authorities?

I provide all the information my couples need to easily obtain their South Carolina or North Carolina marriage license before their wedding (whether they live in-state or not). I am also available to them 24/7 to answer any questions/concerns. We sign together at a mutually agreed-upon time and location (usually the day of their ceremony). Once signed, I will file it with the appropriate county probate court after their ceremonI provide all the information my couples need to easily obtain their South Carolina or North Carolina marriage license before their wedding (whether they live in-state or not). I am also available to them 24/7 to answer any questions/concerns. We sign together at a mutually agreed-upon time and location (usually the day of their ceremony). Once signed, I will file it with the appropriate county probate court after their ceremony

How do you handle unexpected situations or last-minute changes during the ceremony?

I create open lines of communication with my couples, starting on day 1 (the date they book me). They know they can contact me any time, and I am extremely easy to reach. So surprises don’t usually come up. (This continues beyond their ceremony date as well. I answer any remaining questions regarding follow-up on obtaining their certified marriage license, and I provide the necessary resources so name changes can be processed quickly and easily). I also put my couple’s minds at ease by letting them know I stay very flexible so I can work with any unforeseen changes that may pop up. My goal is to present my couple’s vision for their ceremony, and that means that their vision could change for them over the weeks and months leading up to their wedding date.

Do you offer any additional services (e.g., rehearsal attendance, vow renewal ceremonies, elopements)?

Yes! I am available for rehearsals! I also perform vow renewals and elopements, and I have a “Sign & Wed” service as well (appropriate for couples who are not currently planning a ceremony but would like to be legally married as soon as possible).

Do you have a backup officiant in case you’re unable to make it?

Yes. I have a local partner that I work with here on the Grand Strand, and I also have another partner available in the low country.

Can you share an example of a memorable wedding you’ve officiated and why it stood out?

There are so many that are near and dear to my heart! It is the unique and timeless love stories that truly capture my heart. I loved officiating the marriage of Dorothy (75 years old) and Jerry (88 years old). Their ceremony reminded everyone there (including me!) that true love is eternal. In a similar vein, I also officiated a very poignant vow renewal on Debbie and Tim’s 50th wedding anniversary. Their entire family flew in from up north. We had their ceremony on the beach, and everyone agreed we would all meet back at the same spot in 50 years for their next vow renewal! I always find something special and memorable in every wedding celebration, from small intimate elopements to grand, large-scale affairs, and everything in between.

What is your contact information for those wanting to get in touch with you?

dawn@vowsbydawn.com

631-559-4889

website: https://vowsbydawn.com/