Doug Strong

Doug Strong

Primary Contact

Experience: 32 Year(s)

WRITES OF PASSAGE
3221 Tam O Shanter Lane
Richardson, TX 75080

WRITES OF PASSAGE

3221 Tam O Shanter Lane
Richardson, TX 75080

972-889-2828

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Questions & Answers
  • How far are you willing to travel? Is there a travel fee? I am happy to travel and only ask that we arrive at a fair reimbursement for travel expenses..

  • What is your event cancellation policy? My policy is simple: if you cancel your wedding within 21 days of the scheduled date you are responsible for the entire fee since I have saved the date. .

  • What are your standard payment terms? I have found it is generally easier to settle the payment during our last meeting prior to the wedding. .

  • What is your customer satisfication cancellation policy? During our first meeting we get to know one another. At the conclusion of that meeting if you wish me to officiate and if I wish to participate we go forward together and sign a simple contract that outlines the details. If you would like to check out other options I encourage you to do so. I don't charge for this first meeting because I ask that we meet close to my home (often at a nearby Starbucks). After the first meeting I am happy to pencil in a date and hold it for a week or so while you make a decision..

  • What makes you different from other local wedding officiants? Why should someone hire you? Several reasons: Most importantly, I create - with you - a uniquely crafted ceremony, rather than lifting one out of the Book of Common Prayer. I also enjoy working with all faith traditions and feel that a wedding is never the time to preach one particular theology (people can go to their own church or temple for that). I firmly believe that we do not all have to think alike in order to love alike. I do not demand, or restrict, or prohibit what may take place at your wedding. It is your day and I believe it deserves to be exactly what you wish it to be. Also, I stand to protect you - the bride and groom - from whatever conflicts, or disagreements, or demands relatives may make upon you. You can always blame me (i.e. "We'd love to do that, but the minister won't let us") I'm flexible and easy going and with 30+ years of experience working with couples across the country I can honestly say I've never officiated at a wedding that was a disappointment..

  • How many wedding do you officiate a year? I like to limit my weddings to no more than 15-20 a year..

  • Will you marry couples of different faiths or previous divorce? I marry people who are in loving relationships and wish to do so. If you are at ease with one another's religious beliefs, or if one or both of you have been previously married I am happy and proud to officiate at your wedding..

  • What documents do I need to bring to our first meeting? None specifically. .

  • How long after the ceremony do you file for the official marriage license? I make three copies of your marriage license (two for your files, one for my files) and mail the original within 24 hours. You will receive your original copy back from the County Clerk's office (it can take up to several weeks). .

  • What kind of pre-wedding counseling is required, if any? I am available if you wish for pre-wedding counseling. I do not require it. .

  • How long does the ceremony usually last? The ceremony can be as brief or as long as you wish. If we exclude the processional and recessional, an average wedding ceremony is between 10 and 20 minutes. It can be longer if you choose to have a musical interlude, a toast, special readings, or if you invite your guests to offer good wishes to you during the ceremony..

  • Can we read or hear your ceremony before our wedding day? Absolutely! In fact my goal is to help you create a ceremony that reflects both of your own religious or spiritual paths (or lack thereof if you don't embrace any particular faith tradition). You receive from me a printed copy of the ceremony we create as a keepsake..

  • Will you allow us to write our own vows? If you wish. I can assist each of you if you get stuck on how to word something. I only ask that I see the vows in advance, not to edit them, but to offer feedback and counsel..

  • Do you have a back up officiant on call, in case of an emergency? Yes, I do..

  • Do you normally attend the reception? I am always honored to be invited to the reception, but honestly the only people I usually know are the two of you, and your reception is you time to be with your families and friends. So, I generally may stay around briefly, and then quietly head home..

  • In which states and communities are you licensed to officiate ceremonies? I am licensed in Texas, Arizona, California, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia, New York I am willing to travel throughout the Metroplex..