Ceremonies & Fees

Spirit of Love Custom Ceremony, $375

During my consultation with you, I will present a myriad of options for your wedding. Then, working with you and knowing your desires and wishes, I will design a ceremony that beautifully expresses the uniqueness of the partnership you are creating.

  • If you and your fiancé come from different religious backgrounds I will gracefully blend in rites and rituals from your faith traditions.
  • Do you consider yourselves to be spiritual but not religious? I will create a ceremony that captures your understanding of the Divine.
  • If you and your fiancé are of different cultures, I will weave your traditions in a way that honors your heritage and embraces unity within diversity.
  • Do you see your wedding as an endeavor of creativity? I enjoy working with couples who venture beyond the expected and will create a ceremony that celebrates not only your love but also your individuality.

Wedding Rehearsal, $100

A rehearsal will help ensure a stress-free wedding day. Everyone who has a part to play in your wedding will know exactly what to do. You and your fiancé will leave feeling confident and ready for your big day.

Impromptu Weddings and Elopements, $175

There are many reasons for an elopement or an "impromptu" wedding – the impossibility of getting your geographically scattered families together, the relief of not having to plan an elaborate wedding and, of course, the whirl of romance! You need not settle for a ceremony at the county clerk's office and you don’t have to sacrifice quality and beauty. I will perform a memorable ceremony for just the two of you (and up to 6 guests) at the site of your choice.

Vow Renewals, $175

Whether you are celebrating your 5-year anniversary or you 50th, vow renewals are an unforgettable way to share your love with friends and family. Of course, each ceremony is custom designed.

Baby Blessings, $175

Whether it is a baby blessing, a baby naming or adoption celebration, the joy we experience as we welcome a new child is beyond words. This wonderful ceremony celebrates new life, recognizes momentous responsibilities and encourages commitment among all.

All ceremonies include:
  • Complimentary personal consultation
  • Unlimited phone and email support
  • License completion and filing with the county clerk
  • Keepsake Certificate
  • My professional grounded presence to help you and your guests fully enjoy your celebration

I officiate only ONE Spirit of Love Custom Ceremony per day. This means that I will not be late for your ceremony on account of an earlier ceremony being delayed. Nor will I rush through your ceremony in order to head off to a later ceremony. I will arrive at your ceremony site at least one hour prior to the start time to handle any coordination needed for your ceremony with persons such as the musicians, photographer, videographer, DJ, florist, venue manager and your event planner. Of course I will also spend some time with you to assure you that your ceremony will be wonderful!

About

Are you looking for an officiant for your Chicagoland wedding or civil union?

I am Reverend Janet Volk, an ordained wedding and civil union officiant serving couples throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. I specialize in designing wedding and civil union ceremonies that reflect each couple's distinctive relationship and unique style. Whether spiritual, religious, interfaith, cross-cultural or civil, I will create the custom ceremony of your dreams.

In my coursework leading to a Master of Divinity degree, I studied at a variety of Chicago graduate schools of theology (Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Baptist, United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalist and Presbyterian). Between that experience and my own personal faith heritage (Episcopalian, Christian Science, Roman Catholic and Jewish ancestry), I respect and honor people of all faiths as well as those whose belief experience is more of a personal one.

Since 1999, I have enjoyed meeting couples, listening to their stories, presenting them with an array of possibilities and then crafting ceremonies of which no two are the same. I officiate only one ceremony per day--this allows me to completely focus on each ceremony and to give each couple the attention they deserve!

With over ten years of experience in planning, preparing and performing wedding ceremonies, my confident presence will help you feel relaxed and ready to fully experience and celebrate every moment of your wedding day!

Reverend Janet Volk

Thank you for taking such good care of us on our wedding day! The ceremony was beautiful. I can't tell you how many people remarked on how lovely they thought it was. Our wedding truly felt like a fairy tale, and we have you to thank for it!

Jenn & Duane

Thanks so much for all the effort put into our ceremony. It turned out superb!!! We will certainly recommend you to others.

Robert & Ron

Our utmost gratitude for officiating our special day. It was flawless from beginning to end. The guests cannot stop talking about it.

Alycia & Lawrence

Thank you for being one of the most important parts of our special day. We really appreciate all you’ve done.

Ringo & Valeree

We are so appreciative of your services and thankful that we found you to officiate our wedding. Our wedding was perfect and we loved ever moment of it! We cherish the memory of that day and we thank you so much for helping to bless it!

Jason & Habeebah

Thank you so much for performing such a beautiful ceremony for us. Our friends were all impressed by how "on-target" your comments were, and we really appreciate how wonderful it all turned out.

Wanda & Theresa

Thank you for performing such a beautiful ceremony for Rick and I! It was truly a day to remember for us.

Lisa & Rick

Marriage License
Marriage License

Getting Your License

You need to get a marriage license from the county clerk of the county in which you will be married (which may or may not be the county in which you live). For example, if you live in Chicago and are getting married in Oak Brook, you need to get your marriage license from the DuPage County Clerk (not the Cook County Clerk). If you are not sure of the county of your wedding site, find out!

You can learn all the details of what's necessary to obtain a marriage or civil union license by visiting the website of the appropriate county clerk:

Be sure to bring your license to the rehearsal (or to the ceremony, if there will be no rehearsal). After the ceremony, I will complete the certificate and forward it to the county clerk.

Choosing a Venue

The selection of a site is a very personal one. What seems best for you? A chapel, hotel, loft, mansion or the great outdoors? Perhaps an intimate ceremony at your family home would be ideal. As with every other part of your special day, the site should feel just right for you. Whatever the location, I will make certain that your ceremony fits the setting.

Locations where I have officiated ceremonies include:

Arboretum Club
Art Institute of Chicago
Indian Lakes Country Club
Winnetka Community House
Sunrise Beach
John Hancock Observatory
Indian Lakes Resort
Farnsworth House
Millenium Park
Old Stone Church
Peabody Mansion
Maple Street Chapel
Pazzo’s Cucina
Odyssey Country Club
Kenilworth Club
Carnivale
Chicago Botanic Garden
Gallery 1028
Rialto Square Theatre
12th Street Beach
Volo Wine Bar

faq

Where do we start?

Just give me a call (630 347-7488) or use the contact form. I will be happy to answer your initial questions. If you wish, we can set a date for a complimentary introductory meeting where you can get to know me.

Is pre-marital counseling required?

No, it is not. However, if you are interested in this, I do offer pre-marital conversation sessions based on family systems theory. I'd be happy to give you more information if you are interested.

We have children from previous marriages. Can they be included in the ceremony?

Definitely. Acknowledging your children and their new family is so important. There are some lovely rituals that may be added to the wedding.

Do we need to make a deposit?

Yes, a $50 deposit is required to reserve your date. The balance is due one month prior to the ceremony date.

What about payment for an impromptu weddings and elopements?

The entire fee needs to be paid in cash on the day of the ceremony.

How long do your ceremonies usually last?

Usually 20-25 minutes. The ceremonies don't drag but they don't seem rushed either.

We want to write our own vows. Is this okay?

Absolutely! You are encouraged to participate in planning your ceremony.

How much contact will we have with you before our ceremony?

As much or as little as you want. Calls and emails are generally returned within 24 hours.

Do you charge for travel?

There is no charge for travel to wedding sites which are within 15 miles of Elmhurst. If your wedding site is 15-30 miles from Elmhurst there will be a travel fee of $30; if your wedding site is over 30 miles from Elmhurst the travel fee is $40.

Are there any extra charges for a big wedding with many guests?

No. The pricing is good for unlimited guests.

Why are your prices so reasonable in comparison to what other officiants charge?

I cannot in good conscience charge an excessive fee for officiating a wedding. You and your fiance have many other expenses tied to your wedding (not to mention your future together)--use what you save having me as your officiant on those other expenses.

Since your fees are less than other officiants, does it mean that your services are of a lesser quality?

Not at all! I have studied ceremony design and have performed weddings for over ten years. I will use my knowledge and creativity to give you a wonderful ceremony of the highest quality.

Contact

Feel free to call me at (630) 347 - 7488, or over use the form below. I will respond to you promptly!

Thanks! I'll be in contact soon!
  -Reverend Janet