FAQ

Hi, I’m Dorothy “Dorrie” Arthur, and I absolutely love being a wedding officiant! I write and perform ceremonies in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas of North Carolina, crafting unique, personalized experiences for each couple. My ceremonies are thoughtfully designed to last no more than 20 minutes, filled with moments that share your story, make your guests laugh, bring a few happy tears, and maybe even spark some reflection. Let’s create a celebration as special as your love story—I’d love to hear more about your upcoming wedding!

As an ordained non-denominational minister, I work with couples of all backgrounds—religious, spiritual, or non-religious. Most of the couples I work with identify as non-religious and want a heartfelt, meaningful ceremony filled with love. I hold a Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Universal Brotherhood, which grants me the legal authority to officiate weddings in North Carolina and 48 other states.

I officiate a variety of ceremonies, from simple legal signings and intimate elopements to romantic micro-weddings and grand celebrations. Custom weddings are a special highlight, as they allow me to work closely with couples months in advance to create a ceremony that truly reflects their unique story and love. One of the best parts of my job is witnessing the love in a couple's eyes and the joy on their faces. It’s magical to see their nerves melt away as the ceremony unfolds, replaced by relief, happiness, and connection. Watching guests laugh, cheer, and shower them with love is the icing on the cake. I’m so grateful to do this work—it really is the best job!

Yes, I specialize in creating personalized ceremonies—that’s what sets me apart from many other officiants. My goal is to craft a ceremony that your guests will rave about, one they’ll remember as unique and truly special. Let’s face it: many ceremonies can feel boring, heavy, and repetitive, like every other wedding they’ve attended. Not mine. When you work with me, you’re collaborating with a creative writer dedicated to designing a ceremony that’s all about you and your love story. It will reflect what matters most to you, bringing joy, laughter, and heartfelt moments that your guests will carry with them through cocktail hour, the reception, and beyond.

My fees depend on several factors, such as the location, date, type of venue, whether it’s an elopement or a larger wedding, and the time of day. But trust me, this is money well spent. Think about it: flowers are beautiful, yes—but the wedding ceremony is the heart of your day, the one and only ceremony you’ll ever have. It deserves to be crafted and delivered by someone who truly knows what they’re doing. It’s an art—and much harder than we make it look!

The sooner a couple reaches out to me about their wedding, the more relaxed and enjoyable the process of preparing the ceremony can be. On average, most couples contact me 3 to 9 months in advance, giving us plenty of time to create something truly special. That said, I’m no stranger to last-minute planning—I’ve crafted ceremonies with as little as 7 days' notice! While it’s not ideal, I understand that life can be unpredictable. Exception: If you’re booking me for an elopement, legal signing, or micro-wedding, shorter notice is absolutely fine. I’m happy to accommodate your timeline!

For a Custom Ceremony, I strongly recommend (and gently insist!) having a rehearsal, which is why it’s included in my fee. If your venue isn’t available, don’t worry—we just need a space where we can create a “front area,” practice walking down a pretend aisle, and arrange everyone in their spots. I’ve held rehearsals in city parks, living rooms, condo party rooms, and even restaurants. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure everyone feels relaxed and confident on your wedding day, and a rehearsal—no matter the location—makes all the difference.

As a general rule, I limit my travel to within 40 miles of my home in Holly Springs.

While it’s never happened before, I’m prepared just in case. I have a network of ordained and experienced colleagues who are more than capable of delivering your ceremony with the same care and excellence. Since your ceremony will already be fully written, one of my trusted colleagues would step in seamlessly to present and perform the script we’ve created together.

Once you decide to hire me, I’ll prepare a contract and invoice and send them to you via email, along with a link to an online payment portal. You can pay using a credit card, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle. Your date will be officially reserved once you’ve signed the contract and completed the payment.