Frequently asked questions.
how do I get my marriage license?
In Cook County all couples must appear together at one of the Clerk’s six locations for marriage licenses.
The couple may fill out the entire application at the Clerk’s office, or begin the process online and finish it at the Clerk’s office. Couples who begin the application online must still appear at one of the Clerk’s offices to finish filling out and sign the application.
Appear together at one of the Clerk’s six Vital Records locations.
Present valid identification with proof of age.
Fill out and sign the marriage license application.
Pay the marriage license fee of $60.
For Will County please find information HERE
For Kane County please find information HERE
For DuPage County please find information HERE
how much do you charge?
When we meet on the phone, GoogleMeet or in person, we will talk about your plans for your ceremony, you will them receive a proposal to accurately quote you a fee. The fee is based on the day of the week, time spent writing, customizing and editing your ceremony, length and additions to the ceremony, travel time to and from your venue, my participation at the rehearsal, involvement with event planners, filing of the marriage license and more. Generally, my fees range from $550 to $1850 depending on all of these factors. Find out more HERE
do i need to give you a deposit? when is the balance due?
Booking fee will lock in your day. Initial payments are 50% of the total fee. Balances are due 30 days before the ceremony if paying with credit card. This allows you to relax and enjoy your day without having to stop your celebration to find the envelope/check.
Last minute bookings made with less than 30 days before service, payment in full can be made via credit card upon booking.
Are YOU non- denominational, religious, or LBGTQIA+ friendly??
Yes! 100% yes! Love is love, is love, is love! I am proud to support all couples in marriage and happy to perform commitment, marriage, and vow renewal ceremonies for LGBTQIA+ couples. One thing I take great pride in is being inclusive, flexible and creative for each and every couple I write a custom ceremony for.
Learn more HERE
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your love story can make all the difference in the celebration of your love ahead.
how long has the officiant been performing marriage ceremonies?
Carla has been performing ceremonies for over twenty two years and has performed many different types of ceremonies for hundreds of couples over the years. Each ceremony is unique to the couple, so no two wedding ceremonies are the same.
With so many years in the wedding industry, I am here to guide you on your journey into marriage. To read all about the journey to becoming a professional wedding officiant make sure to read My Why.
Where Will you perform our wedding?
That is entirely up to you! For elopements, there are countless options throughout the city and suburbs. If you are planning a micro-wedding, traditional wedding or something with more than just a few guests it is often the venue you have picked for your after ceremony celebration. We live in a city with so many amazing possibilities! The short of it is, I come to you!
Do you require any pre-marital counseling or religious classes?
In short, no. As your Wedding Officiant, we are neither evaluating your marriage readiness nor telling you what your marriage should be about.
If counseling is requested, we can refer you to one of several qualified counselor who we have worked with in the past.
WE WANT A UNITY CEREMONY BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START, CAN YOU HELP US?
Absolutely! We have a long list of ideas that include just the couple, options that include children, and options that can include your guests.
Discover answers to common questions about wedding officiant services, ensuring your special day is extraordinary.
What is your Availability?
Forever Incredible Ceremonies takes great care in creating memorable wedding ceremonies, and as a result, we only accept a limited number of full-service weddings and elopements per month. Our availability tends to fill up quickly, with many couples booking our services as far in advance as 18 months before their wedding date. To ensure that we can dedicate the time and attention your special day deserves, we encourage couples not to wait and to reach out to us early in their planning process. Our detailed questionnaires are typically sent out approximately 4 months before the wedding day, and by contacting us well in advance, couples can allow ample time to work closely with us in customizing their ceremony. However, we do understand that sometimes plans come together quickly, and for last-minute bookings, we will accommodate couples whenever there is availability in Carla's schedule to make your day just as special. Inquire today to find out if your wedding date is available.
What is your ceremony style?
Carla, at Forever Incredible Ceremonies, specializes in crafting and officiating wedding ceremonies that are as unique as the couples themselves. Her ceremony style is all about personalization, ensuring that every aspect of the ceremony reflects the love story, beliefs, and values of the couple. Carla's approach is characterized by creativity and a commitment to making each ceremony extraordinary. Whether you're looking for a traditional, non-religious, or culturally diverse ceremony, Carla works closely with couples to bring their vision to life, creating a meaningful and unforgettable experience on their special day. With a reputation for professionalism and open-mindedness, Carla ensures that your wedding ceremony is a true reflection of your love and commitment.
How Will I know if you are the right officiant for me?
Relatability is a fundamental element when it comes to choosing the right officiant, and at Forever Incredible Ceremonies, we understand its significance. We believe that the ability to connect with the couple on a personal level is not just important; it's crucial in creating a ceremony that truly reflects their unique love story. Couples often seek an officiant who can not only craft a beautiful ceremony but also one who understands their vision and can relate to their journey of love. Our commitment to relatability means that we take the time to get to know the couple, to understand their values, their beliefs, and their story, allowing us to create a ceremony that is not just meaningful but deeply personal. At Forever Incredible Ceremonies, we are dedicated to forging a connection with the couples we work with, ensuring that their ceremony is a genuine celebration of their love, a reflection of their journey, and a memory to treasure forever.
What happens if our chosen officiant can't be there on our wedding day due to unforeseen circumstances? How can we be sure our ceremony will proceed as planned?
At Forever Incredible Ceremonies, we understand the importance of having a solid backup plan. Life can be unpredictable, and we want to assure you that your special day will be a success no matter what. We have formed a supportive network of officiants in the Chicagoland area who stand by each other to ensure your ceremony is in capable hands. In the rare instance that unforeseen circumstances prevent me from officiating your wedding, our network has your back. What's more, my husband Mehul is also ordained, and he serves as a backup to the backup. We believe in leaving nothing to chance because your day should be perfect. So rest assured, with Forever Incredible Ceremonies, your ceremony will proceed smoothly, no matter what life throws our way. Your peace of mind is our priority.
Do you attend the wedding rehearsal, and is there an additional fee for this?
We understand the importance of a smooth and stress-free wedding rehearsal. While we typically attend rehearsals, our approach may vary depending on your specific needs and location. We recommend discussing this during the initial consultation to determine the best plan for your ceremony. For wedding parties with four or more per side we highly encourage you to book a rehearsal. Additional fee for rehearsal attendance will be clearly communicated during our discussions and are based on the day of the week and location you have scheduled rehearsal.
What is your preferred method of communication leading up to the wedding?
Effective communication is key to planning a perfect ceremony. We are flexible and open to various communication methods, including email, phone calls, and video calls, to accommodate your preferences and ensure that you have the information you need when you need it.
In the two weeks leading up to your wedding day, we appreciate a call or text if you need anything urgently. Reach out at 773.453.5381 or via email at info@foreverincredible.com
Our goal is to make the planning process as convenient and comfortable as possible for you.
How long is a typical ceremony you officiate? Can we request a specific length for our ceremony?
At Forever Incredible Ceremonies, we understand that the length of a wedding ceremony can vary based on your preferences. A typical ceremony we officiate usually ranges from 25 to 30 minutes, but we are flexible and will work with you to create a ceremony that fits your vision and desires. We often suggest not going over 35 minutes unless there are a lot of moving parts and cultural aspects you hope to include in your ceremony.
Absolutely! Your wedding ceremony should be a reflection of your unique love story and values. We are more than happy to accommodate your requests for a specific ceremony length. During our consultations, we'll discuss your preferences and ensure that your ceremony is tailored to your vision, making it as long or as brief as you desire. Your special day should be exactly as you envision it.
What will you wear when officiating our wedding?
At Forever Incredible Ceremonies, I have a passion for getting dressed up and making sure my attire complements the theme and decor of your wedding. My motto is "I want to be your best-dressed guest." I take pride in coordinating with the wedding party and special family members, but I make sure not to match them. With a versatile wardrobe, I'm prepared to adapt to any style of wedding, from casual pop-up elopements along the lakefront to black-tie events at some of the most elegant and luxurious venues throughout Chicago. My goal is to add a touch of elegance and professionalism to your special day while ensuring that your style takes center stage.
To see Carla’s personal style - follow us on Instagram
What ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Your dream wedding ceremony is just a click away! Contact Forever Incredible Ceremonies today and let's start crafting the perfect, personalized ceremony that reflects your love story and values. Don't delay – your extraordinary day is just around the corner!
