Who You’re Hiring
Pastor first. Musician second.
Both at the same wedding.
Nineteen years of pastoral ministry — officiating weddings and funerals for families in my congregation, and leading worship week after week in Indiana and Alabama. That’s the part that matters most on a wedding day: someone who has stood in front of a room full of nervous people and kept it steady.
The music is real training too. Bass-baritone, four years of classical voice at Jacksonville State University, range E2–G4. Stage credits include the title role in Sweeney Todd, the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance, and Don Alhambra in The Gondoliers. I play acoustic guitar.
I also write a weekly faith column for the Anniston Star, and I officiate through The Aisle, northeast Alabama’s bridal show.
Officiating
Standing up front
Every ceremony gets written from scratch with you. I’m a Christian minister and the ceremonies I lead are Christian ones — how much scripture and prayer is in yours is entirely your call, and plenty of mine are gentle about it. If you’re looking for a fully secular ceremony, I’ll say so early and point you to someone good.
Ceremonies in Alabama and beyond — mountainside, beachfront, and backyard.
Simple
$200
Elopements, courthouse-style, backyard — about 25 guests or fewer.
- A warm, short ceremony, personalized to your names and your story
- One 30-minute planning call
- Help with the Alabama marriage certificate so it records cleanly
- Travel within 30 miles of Anniston
Custom
$350
A ceremony written from scratch with you.
- Your story, your words, your faith or none, your family's traditions
- Two planning meetings and unlimited edits
- Help writing or shaping your vows
- Rehearsal included — most officiants here bill $75–150 extra for it
- Travel within 30 miles of Anniston
Custom + Tend
$500
Everything in Custom, plus the part that outlasts the day.
- A copy of Tend: Before the Wedding for each of you
- Three pastoral conversations — money, family, faith, conflict, expectations
- A six-month check-in after the wedding, on the house
If the price is the only thing between you and a pastor at your wedding, tell me. We’ll land on a number that works for both of us. No forms, no explanations.
I’m a pastor, not a licensed counselor. The Tend conversations are pastoral, not therapy. If something comes up that needs a professional, I’ll say so and help you find one. Beyond 30 miles, mileage at the current IRS rate, quoted up front.
Vow renewal or symbolic ceremony
Already legally married, or marking ten years, twenty-five, fifty. No paperwork — just the part that matters.
Funerals and memorials
I meet with the family, write the service, and lead it — church, funeral home, or graveside. If I can sing a hymn or play, that's included. Funerals are by honorarium, whatever the family is able to give. If that's nothing, call me anyway. I have never said no to a family and I'm not going to start.
Music
Music that belongs in the room
Live voice and acoustic guitar. Not a packaged playlist, and not louder than the moment calls for.
Ceremony music
Prelude, processional, ceremony songs, and recessional. Live voice and acoustic guitar, or voice only with recorded accompaniment.
Reception set
30–60 minutes of background music during cocktail hour or dinner. Acoustic and understated — conversation stays in the room.
Worship direction
Music direction for a church service, revival, or ministry event. Nineteen years leading congregational worship.
Book officiating and music together
One person to coordinate with, one rehearsal, one arrival time. $75 off officiating plus ceremony music, $150 off when you add a reception set. That discount is real logistics, not a markdown.
Hear It First
“Garden” — live
Voice and acoustic guitar, recorded in the sanctuary at Anniston First United Methodist. This is what a ceremony sounds like.
Repertoire
What I sing
Comfortable in classical, sacred, and contemporary styles. If you have a song that matters to you, I’ll learn it.
Classical & sacred
- –Handel — Messiah arias
- –Schubert — art song
- –Traditional hymns
- –Spirituals
Contemporary worship
- –Hillsong
- –Chris Tomlin
- –Matt Maher
- –Bethel
Popular & folk
- –The Beatles
- –Coldplay
- –James Taylor
- –Johnny Cash
Wedding favorites
- –Canon in D (arranged for voice)
- –Ave Maria
- –How Long Will I Love You
- –Speechless
Book
Tell me your date
Send your date, where you’re leaning, and whether you want officiating, music, or both. I respond within 24 hours — with whether I’m the right fit, and who to call for the rest either way. I run the bridal show, so that part is free.
Prefer email? Write matt@theaisle.app. I recommend vendors I’ve seen do good work — including ones who aren’t at the show. Nobody pays to be recommended.
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