Officiant - Dee Norton
- Business: Deelightful Weddings
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona AZ
- Experience: 3 Years
- Profile: Deelightful Weddings
- Website: deelightfulweddings.com
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hi, my name is Dee Norton and I'm the founder and lead officiant at Deelightful Weddings. I come from a diverse background and served in the U.S. Coast Guard for over 25 years. While in the Coast Guard, I officiated several weddings as a Commanding Officer and fell in love with officiating. I loved working with the couples and sharing in their joyous day. After I retired, I moved back to the Phoenix, Arizona area and started Deelightful Weddings. It started out slowly, but has picked up a lot of momentum and Deelightful Weddings has now hired additional Wedding Officiants to officiate the weddings in Arizona.
We strive to ensure that the wedding ceremony is one that the couple wants and also one that is memorable. We work with each couple and help them design the ceremony that is right for them. I continue to love what I am doing and I think this shows in the ceremonies that I officiate. My associate Officiants also feel the same way.
2. What's your experience as a wedding officiant? How many weddings have your officiated?
I have now officiated over 100 weddings and the last year, even with the COVID restrictions, was very busy. I believe that couples want their day to be memorable and special and my job is to help them make their dream ceremony.
3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?
The sooner the couple books, the better but I do understand that sometimes a couple doesn't have the option to book a year out. We work with the couple and if there is an officiant available on their date, we ensure that we get them connected and start planning their ceremony. I have already started booking weddings for 2022 but am still taking requests for services in 2021.
4. How would you describe your officiant style?
My officiant style is personal. I love to chat with the couples to find out what they want and then help them realize their wishes. I like to personalize the ceremony and this includes having the couple fill out a short Couple's Questionnaire so I can find out some key information like how they met, what they love about each other, and what they're looking forward to in the future. I put these things into the wedding ceremony and it makes it personal to the couple and also meaningful.
5. What are your fees for officiating a wedding?
This varies depending on factors such as distance, rehearsals involved and complexity. My Associate Officiants and I travel throughout the State of Arizona and weddings that are further away will cost a bit more. If someone wants to get married atop a mountain top, that too might be an additional cost. If someone wants to get married jumping out of a plane or scuba diving in a lake, we can do it, but it may cost extra. The normal price range for most weddings is from $275-$375.
6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?
I wear attire that matches the setting. If the couple is getting married in a nice resort or banquet hall, I will wear a nice dress that blends in with their wedding colors. If they are getting married in the desert, I will wear a dress that blends with the desert and maybe some boots. If the couple is getting married in a backyard wedding that is very casual, my dress attire might also not be as dressy.
7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?
There are no set number of requirements for a pre-wedding session. I do request that we have at least one phone call or meeting in person to discuss their wishes for their ceremony. With the COVID restrictions in 2020, we did a lot of ZOOM or FACETIME meetings. These were all followed up with a lot of emails and phone calls, especially as the wedding drew closer.
8. Will you be able to create a personalized ceremony?
Yes - I love creating personalized ceremonies for the couples. I have over 50 Unity Ceremonies that can be incorporated into the wedding ceremony. These Unity Rituals can also be modified to include family members. These have been very popular and memorable.
9. Are you available to travel if needed?
Yes I am available to travel and travel throughout the State of Arizona.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
My contract states that the couple can cancel up to 48 hours prior to their ceremony. I do not require a deposit so there are no monies exchanged before the ceremony.
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