Frequently Asked Questions

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When you choose Simply Marry Us, you get more than a wedding officiant — you get a guide who walks you through every step:

•  Marriage License Help – Guidance on how to obtain your marriage license and support through the entire process.

• Ceremony Options – Choose from a quick legal signing, asimple, romantic pre‑written ceremony or a fully custom experience crafted around your love story.

• Location Guidance – Advice on the best and most affordable venues and parks, plus who to contact for rentals and reservations.

• Official Recording – Your license is hand‑delivered to Aiken County or mailed to other counties for official recording after your ceremony.
   
• Next Steps Made Simple – Help with ordering certified copies and changing your last name after you’re married.
   
• Photography Support – Access to our trusted photography partner — or we’ll happily work with the photographer of your choice.
   
• Stress‑Free Planning – From our first chat to the moment you say “I do,” we keep the process clear, personal, and effortless.

Yes, I would love to! My $195 Custom One-of-a-Kind Ceremony is perfect for couples who already have a venue and want a personalized, traditional-style wedding. I’ll work with you to create a heartfelt ceremony that reflects your love story and feels true to who you are — whether it’s in a church, your backyard garden, or your dream venue. My goal is to make your day feel effortless, joyful, and deeply personal, so you can focus on what matters most — celebrating your marriage with the people you love. 

Yes!  We’re so happy you asked!  In South Carolina, we offer ceremonies in Aiken, North Augusta, and all the surrounding areas.  In Georgia, we’re delighted to offer ceremonies in  Augusta and its nearby communities. We also love to travel — if you have a special venue in mind, including dreamy backyard ceremonies, just reach out and we’ll let you know if it’s within our service area. We’d be honored to celebrate your day wherever love takes you!

While Hopelands Gardens is our favorite for its beauty and charm, we also love the simplicity of a small park in downtown Aiken that doesn't require reservations and is free to use. We also know of several intimate venues that warmly welcomes micro-weddings — perfect if you’re looking to add a simple cake-cutting or a cozy brunch or dinner celebration after your ceremony.  Contact us for more details! 

Absolutely! You can write your own vows with both the $95 Simple Elopement and the $195 Custom Ceremony. I even have a free downloadable vow-writing guide under the "More" tab to help you put your heart into words. 

Yes! We happily perform elopements and weddings on holidays — and I especially love the magic of Christmas weddings, the excitement of New Year’s Eve elopements, and the festive spirit of 4th of July celebrations. Whatever the holiday, we’ll make it unforgettable. 

In addition to the romantic elopements we are known and loved, we also offer:

• Professional officiant services for weddings of all sizes
• Legal signings (the no-ceremony option) 
• Special ceremonies — from sand ceremonies for couples and blended families, to unity candle rituals, vow renewals, and commitment ceremonies
• A free, downloadable Guide for Writing Your Own Vows
• Guidance for applying for your South Carolina marriage license
• Guidance on finding the perfect location for your ceremony
• Guidance for changing your name after your marriage
• Guidance on ordering a certified copy of your marriage license
• Referrals for amazing photography through our trusted partner, Captured by Natalia

 An elopement is simple, intimate, and often just the two of you (and maybe a witness or two). It’s about slipping away from the stress of big wedding planning and focusing purely on your love.

A micro‑wedding is a step up in size — still small and personal, but with a handful of your closest friends and family (usually 10–30 guests). It keeps the magic and intimacy of an elopement, but adds a little more celebration and room for extra touches.

Both are less-stress, heartfelt, and deeply meaningful.  It's totally up to you to decide how many loved ones you want standing by your side.

Absolutely! I'd love to share a small sample from it:

Ceremony Opening: "Today is special.....you're ready to begin your journey as husband and wife." 

Sample wedding and ring vows:  "I choose you to be my husband/wife/partner......for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death to us part.  With this ring, I promise to be your faithful and loving husband/wife/partner......"

Blessing:  "May the happiness you share today, on your wedding day, be with you always"

Declaration: "By the powers vested in me by that State of SC (or GA), I now pronouce you husband and wife (or partners) for life!"

I have four beautifully written sample ceremonies that I use as a starting point.
Each one can be customized with optional pre-written ring vows, meaningful readings, and personal touches from your own love story. Whether you want something simple or something more unique, we’ll work together to create a ceremony that feels true to who you are as a couple. 

Absolutely.  You're welcome to bring your own photographer, have a family member capture the moment, or choose not to have photos at all.  We fully support whatever feels right to you.

Of course!  Your elopement should feel like you. If that means comfy clothes and keeping it just between the two of you — we love that!  Whether you're dressed to the nines or keeping it cozy, love is what makes it beautiful. 

Thank you so much — that means the world to me!
It brings me so much joy to know you want to share your experience. Your kind words truly help other couples find me and trust me with their special day. To leave a review, please click on the "More" tab and scroll down to the tab labeled “Leave A Review.”  You’ll find links to both my Google and WeddingWire profiles there.  I’m so grateful for your support — and so honored to have been part of your love story. 💕