The Island Minister TM2109 Postoffice Street, #147, Galveston, Texas, 77550
Rev. John Bostock Ph.D
Your Galveston Island Wedding Ministers.
(409) 256-9511 or (409) 974-4658
info@IslandMinister.com
1.
We know the date of our wedding. What do we do next?
Just complete the Information Form on our website
http://www.IslandMinister.com/
or you can contact us by telephone at (409) 256-9511 or contact us via email info@IslandMinister.com We will
gather information about you and the type of ceremony that you want, and answer
any questions that you have about our services. If you like, we can set up a
consultation with you where we can talk in depth about your ceremony.
2.
What
allows you to perform the ceremony?
Our Ministers are properly ordained Ministers of the Gospel, not just licensed deacons. Rev. John
Bostock Was ordained in
1984 in the Anglican Church and is qualified to perform weddings in every State. He has officiated
hundreds of weddings since moving to the USA from England some 7 years ago. He is now the Senior Minister of the Christian Unitarian Free Church in Galveston, Texas. Rev. Todd MacKenzie is also qualified to perform weddings anywhere. He too is a minister in the Christian Unitarian Free Church. Indeed,
all of our Officiants are very experienced and have consistently proved
themselves to be the finest Officiants around.
3.
We want to get married in a Church but we don't belong to
one. What can we do?
Most traditional churches only rent their
churches to members. However, the Historical Foundation owns the historic and
beautiful St. Joseph’s Church in
For a listing of Quaker churches: www.quakerfinder.org
For a listing of Unitarian Universalist
churches: www.uua.org/CONG/index/php
If you wish to join a Church, the Christian Unitarian Free Church will always welcome you.
4.
What does the Minister normaly wear
during the ceremony?
We generally wear minister’s robes for most
ceremonies or a suit for the civil ceremony but we can change our attire to
suit your preferences. We have even performed ceremonies dressed (at the request of the couple) in a kilt or Island shirts and shorts. Regarding appearances and every aspect of your ceremony,
we strive to make the wedding a joyous occasion and not cause any offense to
any guest or to the bridal couple themselves. Just
tell us what is important to you and you will get exactly what you want.
5.
How long does the
ceremony last?
Most ceremonies are between 15-30 minutes,
depending on what the couple wants to include in the ceremony. The length of
the ceremony is totally up to you. The length depends on many variables
including; will someone read a poem or sing; how many people in the bridal
party processing in and out etc. You are not charged based on the length of
your ceremony or how many guests you have. It should be only as long as you want it to be.
6.
What is the fee?
There are many variables for every wedding such
as the location of the ceremony. If you email or call us with the particulars
of your wedding, we will be able to tell you the fee amount. Most wedding ceremonies will cost just $200.
But why does it cost more for Crystal Beach and Bolivar?
We have to make an extra charge due to the time it takes waiting for the ferry on the way out and in, this wait time can be as long as two hours each way adding up to more than four hours to our time.
7.
How do we get a marriage license?
The rules for getting a marriage license depend
upon the state you will be married in. View our Wedding
Details page for more information.
8.
What
ceremonies do you perform?
We have done almost every kind of ceremony that
you can think of:
Christian:
Anglican, traditional, alternative, non-denominational, interfaith,
religious, spiritual,
Non-religious:
Daoist, civil,
Also:
Masonic, Celtic, second
marriages, vow renewals, commitment and more.
We will customize your wedding to be exactly
what you want it to be. You will not be disappointed.
9. Where do you perform ceremonies?
We can perform
wedding ceremonies wherever you are getting married, including churches, reception halls, historic buildings, parks, beach, boats, on the sea, horse drawn carriages, outdoors, on horse back, or at your own home.
10. Do you do outdoor weddings?
Yes. Over the years we have performed many
ceremonies in parks, gardens, gazebos, boats, horse drawn carriages, the beach, the grounds of historic buildings, etc.
Since it is impossible to predict the weather, we recommend that an alternate
place be picked in case of inclement weather on the wedding day.
11. As a Minister, what other services do you provide?
All of us are properly Ordained Ministers of the Gospel, therefore we can offer a
full spectrum of ministerial services such as:
Counseling
Vow Renewals
Commitment Ceremonies
Baptism
Funeral/Cremation ceremonies performed at the funeral home and/or at the
gravesite.
Speaking Engagements.
Full Church services.
12. Do you require premarital counseling?
No, we do not require premarital counseling. You
and your partner are adults and your choices in such matters are strictly your
own. However, if you wish to have premarital counceling, our ministers are qualified and will help you any way we can.
13. Do we need a rehearsal?
A rehearsal with the Minister does incur an extra charge. Couples have different feelings on this issue.
Most couples find that a rehearsal is not necessary as long as the minister/officiant is experienced and knowledgeable. Other couples
choose to rehearse so the minister can advise them on the best proceedure to use. Some have a rehearsal but do it without the minister
since the minister knows their part and the
couple just wants to familiarize the wedding party with the wedding site and
their part in the ceremony. Another option that saves money for the couple if
they are intent on a rehearsal is to do a short rehearsal a half-hour before
the ceremony begins. To add to your comfort level, consider the following:
