Spirit Of Love Ceremonies

Whether your wedding will be an impromptu affair or has been months or even years in the making, I would love to create and officiate a ceremony that reflects your individuality and recognizes the profound commitment you are making.

Ceremonies & Fees

Spirit of Love Custom Ceremony, $395

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.
Many couples feel that a civil wedding ceremony without any religious references would be the most authentic choice. If you feel this way, I will design a beautiful and meaningful civil ceremony that you and your guests will long remember
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.

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.

Are You Considering Having a Friend Officiate Your Wedding?

I would be happy to help your friend become a great officiant! Check out Wed by a Friend for more info.

Vow Renewals, $150

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

Baby Blessings, $100

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?

Hello, I'm Janet Volk, a professionally trained and ordained wedding officiant. Over the past 15 years, I've officiated all types of weddings — large and small; formal and casual; at a variety of venues. I specialize in designing wedding ceremonies that reflect each couple's distinctive relationship and unique style. I can honestly say that no two weddings have been the same because no two couples are the same. Whether spiritual, religious, interfaith, cross-cultural or civil, it would be my privilege to create the custom ceremony of your dreams.

From the time of our first meeting to your wedding day kiss, I’ll be there to guide you and answer all your questions. My confident presence will help you feel relaxed and ready to fully experience and celebrate every moment of your wedding day!

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

Thank you so much for marrying us! You were wonderful to work with in the planning process and our ceremony was perfect. We wouldn’t have changed anything about our ceremony--it was exactly what we envisioned. Thanks for being a part of our special day.

Meredith and Nick

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

We want to thank you so much for performing a beautiful ceremony. It was a perfect expression of who we are and how we envisioned that moment being.

Kaloke and Shawn

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 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
Sunrise Beach
John Hancock Observatory
Indian Lakes Resort
Stonegate Banquet Center
Farnsworth House

Millenium Park
Peabody Mansion
Bloomingdale Golf Club
Pazzo’s Cucina
Odyssey Country Club
Kenilworth Club
Carnivale

Chicago Botanic Garden
Rialto Square Theatre
Volo Wine Bar
Cantigny
Oak Brook Bath and Tennis Club
Wilder Mansion
Morton Arboretum

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 travel charge for weddings taking place in Cook or DuPage counties. The travel charge to Kane and Lake counties is $30. The travel charge for Will and Kendall counties 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 15 years. I will use my knowledge and creativity to give you a wonderful ceremony of the highest quality.

Do you officiate same-sex weddings?

Yes! I am honored to offer my officiant services to ALL couples.

Contact

Feel free to call me at (630) 347-7488, email me directly at janet@SpiritofLoveCeremonies.com or over use the form below. I look forward to talking with you about your wedding!

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