Tag: covid wedding

A castle, a micro wedding, and a T-Rex

A T-Rex at a Wedding?

As a wedding officiant in New York, I have performed more than 1,500 weddings and Vow Renewals and this was a first.  It turns out my couple met online and part of what brought them together was their mutual passion for Jurrasic Park.  After having to postpone their nuptials numerous times due to Covid-19, they finally planned their micro-wedding in Westchester at Whitby Castle.

Looking for a Venue for your Micro-Wedding in New York?

Wedding Venue in New York
Castle Wedding in New York

Only 30 minutes from NYC, Whitby Castle in Rye, NY is the perfect venue for your fairytale wedding.  These days when you are planning your wedding it is so important to consider the safety of your guests.  Many venues are adapting to these new safety standards and are now offering small, intimate weddings for you to celebrate your big day.

New York Venues Offering Small Weddings

Central Park is the perfect option year-round for your intimate wedding.  If you’re looking for a venue where your guests can attend your ceremony and have a socially-distanced reception, the following New York venues are offering packages for your big day:

  1. Water Club (Manhattan)
  2. 620 Loft & Garden (Manhattan)
  3. Wythe Hotel (Brooklyn)
  4. My Moon Restaurant (Brooklyn)
  5. Midtown Loft & Terrace (Manhattan)

For Officiant and Pre-Marital Counseling services, contact Rev. Dr. Samora Smith for a consultation to discuss your needs.  Dr. Samora is an award-winning wedding officiant in New York and offers ceremonies for multi-faith, non-denominational, LGBTQ weddings and Vow Renewals.  

Email:  rev.samora@gmail.com

Phone: (646) 736-2510

Book Your Virtual Wedding Today!

Love is NEVER canceled!!

As a longtime NY Wedding Officiant, I was honestly surprised that getting married online would be as romantic and fun as it has turned out to be. I have been overjoyed by all the wonderful ceremonies that I have performed over the last few months. Project Cupid in New York has been extended until August 7th, 2020, so there's still time to book your online nuptials.

Virtual Online Wedding
Online Wedding in New York

What is an Online Wedding?

Online weddings can be as simple as a legal signing over Zoom with a court-style ceremony or, an elaborate wedding ceremony where you can include your family and friends.  It's completely up to you.  Your Officiant will perform the ceremony and send you the necessary steps for legalizing the paperwork.

Virtual Wedding on Zoom

How do I book my Wedding and what are the costs?

The first step for booking your online wedding is to schedule your appointment with the clerk's office.  You will need to book with an office located in the State of New York and you are required (as well as your Officiant) to be located within the State at the time of your wedding.  The cost to book your license application is $35.  The basic ceremony fee is $150 if you book with Common Ground Ceremonies. For a more customized celebration, let us know when you contact us to discuss any additional fees.

How long does it take to receive the license?

Once you book your appointment through Project Cupid, you will receive a copy of your license.  Your Officiant will legalize your paperwork with you during the Zoom or online video call.  Then you will submit the signed license to the portal and your certificate will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks.  However, your marriage is legal once your Officiant signs your paperwork.

One thing's for sure, love is not canceled.  If your big wedding plans were changed due to Covid, you can still plan a wonderful get together with all your friends and family online.  Contact me at rev.samora@gmail today to book your Virtual Wedding.

 

Is it time for a Virtual Wedding?

In the time of social distancing and “Shelter In” orders, couples are still moving forward with their wedding plans.  2020 was a really important year for many couples because of the mark of a new decade and everyone loves to celebrate big events during double numbers.  

The latest trend has been to move bigger events and celebrations online and weddings are no exception.  Just because the venue celebration had to be postponed, couples still want to get married on their original wedding date.  Instead of putting off the marriage you can have a professional officiant perform your ceremony online.  Invite all of your loved ones to an online meeting room and get married with everyone present.

Another alternative is to hire a local officiant to meet you in a safe setting like a rooftop or open outdoor space and have your loved ones attend the streaming of the ceremony.

I recently performed a ceremony on a rooftop in Chelsea for a couple who couldn’t wait another minute and it turned out to be the most romantic wedding I have ever done.  We are all looking forward to celebrating life and these moments make us feel hopeful and excited about the future.  I am currently offering online Virtual services and outdoor elopements in New York City this spring.  Contact me at info@commongroundceremonies.com to learn more.