Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Although Rev. Phil is a real minister, he wants the ceremony to be about you, not him. The complete script-in-advance (very rare; in most packages) will prove it to be true.
Yes! Pre-marital counseling is NOT required for Rev. Phil to marry you.
If you want to get the best set of books – Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts bundle – Rev. Phil will give it to you FREE if reimburse him for shipping. (He had a bunch left over from pre-covid, when he used to meet couples in person.) Offer applies until he runs out of books.
Yes! Rev. Phil will do nothing that will offend either of your faiths. He will highlight what unites you – your love. (Seen a video of him sharing a love story? You’ll laugh.)
Yes! Rev. Phil has ideas on how to include them in your wedding – in addition to them being a ring bearer or a flower girl.
No. Rev. Phil travels to you – your venue, a park, your home.
Here is a list of chapels open to everyone. There are photos and links. It’s the only list of its kind.
Yes! If Rev. Phil is not available, all but sure someone on his team is.
Rev. Phil knows their calendars. He will refer you to them.
Generally, within the greater Chicago area – including Rockford. From time to time, we will venture in southern Wisconsin or NW Indiana.
Feel free to fill out the form, at bottom, and inquire.
As soon as you book your venue. That’s the necessary first step.
The ceremony is the most important part of the day. It is the point of the day, after all. Each of us can only do one wedding at a time. So, get Rev. Phil and his team before they book up.
Short-notice small wedding? That’s OK – fill out the form, below. See if they are still available.
95% of couples choose to have Rev. Phil wear his clerical collar. 98% of couples he marries are not very religious. If they were, they would get married in a church or other house of worship. But it shows family, “See, we got a real minister.” It pleases parents and grandparents.
He also can wear a suit and tie. Your choice.
No, you are under no obligation to do so. Most couples don’t.
If invited and it’s not too busy of a weekend, Rev. Phil may go. He enjoys getting to know your family and friends.
IF you invite Rev. Phil to your reception, please do NOT seat him at the vendors’ table. They’re nice people – but still working. Rev. Phil is not. So, he spends most of the evening alone. Some vendor dinners are served in a different room – so he would not hear any toasts or see any first dances. Seat him with family (he loves to hear background stories) or friends.
No.
But if you are really happy with the service and if you are tipping the DJ, the photographer, etc. then it’s appropriate to tip the officiant.
Best to do it before the ceremony for they often have to leave soon after the ceremony.
Rev. Phil prefers Zelle (QuickPay) and checks – free to him and you. He accepts credit cards and PayPal. He pays the 3% fee.
Rev. Phil offers payment plans if your wedding is months away.
All payments must be made in advance – usually 30 days in advance.
Yes! In fact, you should insist on it before meeting any officiant.
Check out the many videos of Rev. Phil sharing love stories and on TV – including Netflix’s Love is Blind.
Most people call him “Reverend Phil”. You can also call him Phil. Just don’t call him late for dinner ☺
Yes. Rev. Phil has been married to Pam for 40 years.
Yes! Rev. Phil loves to do renewal of vows.
It can be a bunch of guests or none. Regardless, it will be personalized, romantic and fun.
For all people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26)
“Epic Wedding Ceremony!
It is no secret your guests are looking forward to the reception but it is so important to invest in the ceremony. I mean, this IS the Wedding! The reception is the after party. This is the moment you will remember for the rest of your lives.
I have never gotten so many compliments in my life and it was about the ceremony! There was not a dry eye in the crowd and everyone was laughing at one point of another.
Yes, Rev. Phil is more expensive but so worth it and he is willing to work out a payment plan with you which makes it very do-able even on a limited budget like mine. Believe me, this is definitely an investment you are going to want to make, and yes, it is more than the average, but it is so worth it!!!”
— Melissa & Mike, Orchard Ridge Farm, Rockton from a 5-star WeddingWire review
Rev. Phil Landers, M.Div:
1st Chicago Officiant
550+ Reviews
#1 in Chicago
So Your Ceremony Will Be Smooth
‘Meet’ Rev. Phil for a FREE unhurried consultation. He will take time to get to know you.
You will get an email with dates to Zoom.
If he is not available, he will refer you someone on his team who is.
If Style #3 might be for you, then he will get and share the beginning of your love story when you ‘meet’! No other officiant does that.
