MEET YOUR OFFICIANT

As a strong woman of faith, Rev. Karen chose to study the teachings of Metaphysics (the study of ultimate cause in the universe) for her own spiritual growth and at the end of the yearlong study, she became an Ordained Metaphysical Minister, and achieved her license in 2008! Though for the past 20 years, she had another “day job” managing a local chamber of commerce, the number of weddings she officiates has grown exponentially over the past several years and today she enjoys doing this as her full-time career.

Karen is a sucker for a true love story! Helping couples shape their unique relationship to be communicated through their ceremony is what she loves best about her calling. She enjoys working with couples who do not have a church home but would like to have a meaningful and personal ceremony. Throughout the process, she becomes more than just your officiant, she becomes your cheerleader and often remains in contact with the couples long after the wedding is over.

Woman stands at microphone beneath a decorated wooden archway, inside a room with large windows.

Woman speaking at a podium, smiling, with a balloon arch in the background.

I have been a Metaphysical Ordained Minister since 2008 and have done countless weddings in numerous counties in Ohio. Together we will create a customized beautiful ceremony based on your unique love story.

When I am not officiating, I am spending time with my children and grandchildren as well as teaching water aerobics at the YMCA.

You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams

Dr. Suess

Couple holding hands during outdoor wedding ceremony; officiant stands before them under an arbor.

Woman in a suit stands in a garden holding a white cloth; a potted sapling is in front.

THE Ceremony Creation

From the initial contact to the day of the wedding, Karen takes the time to actively engage with you. She will walk you through, step by step, the process it takes to create your unique love story that unfolds within your ceremony.

Together you’ll cover specifics on the type of ceremony you want, through your in person interview with her; most importantly sharing with her what you envisioned to be said (or not said) in your ceremony. She will also share with you, what she calls, the “Ceremony within the Ceremony”: The Unity Candle Ceremony, The Unity Sand Ceremony, The Handfasting Ceremony, and the Wine Box Ceremony. Some couples want to add one to their ceremony, some do not. The symbolism and metaphor are effective ways to dramatize the ceremony. Imagery helps to visualize you in two ways: as two individuals coming together and unity as one through marriage. Unity between a couple is the anchor that steadies a couple in the storms and the fuel that sustains them for the long haul. This also celebrates the wedding by starting a new tradition, creating a keepsake.

we offer three packages to meet every situation.

Sign and

Drive

This option fits couples who only want their marriage license signed.

You come to me
I sign your Marriage License
Filing of marriage license with issuing courthouse

$100

GET PACKAGE

elopement

ceremony

This option fits couples who want a simple "no frills" ceremony.

Unlimited Consultation
Beautiful standard ceremony with vows and ring exchange
Performance of Ceremony with you and a few guests (if desired)
Filing of marriage license with issuing courthouse

$250

GET PACKAGE

Full Service Ceremony

This option fits couples who want a full-service wedding complete with rehearsal.

Unlimited Consultation
90 minutes in person meeting
Custom, personalized ceremony
Attend and Coordinate Rehearsal
Performance of Ceremony
Assistance with welcoming guests
Coordinate with other vendors
Filing of marriage license with issuing courthouse

$450

GET PACKAGE

Travel

Rev. Karen will travel 30 to 60 minutes from Lyndhurst, Ohio (44124). For weddings located farther, there will be a flat $75.00 additional mileage charge. For out of town ceremonies, hotel charges may apply.

WHY A PROFESSIONAL

While it may sound fun to have a friend or family member officiate at your ceremony, this is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion where there shouldn’t be anything left to chance. There are many little details that come with the ceremony, that if left unchecked could have an impact on the ceremony. Karen’s many years of experience and her eye for detail allows her to see the whole picture and organize it meticulously.

Every thoughtful consideration Karen implements enhances the experience for you and your families. For instance, she has your parents sit on the opposite side of you, so they will be looking directly in to your face and see your every reaction.

When it comes to the “official” part about being an officiant, Karen says she often hears nightmare stories about couples who have asked a friend or family member to be their officiant only to discover the marriage license wasn’t filed with the courthouse (making their marrigage invalid) or getting cold fee and backing out less than a month before the wedding. For peace of mind, this is a day that’s best left to a professional.

Woman in white dress with two others pose by a window in a restaurant.

A bride, groom, and woman pose indoors. The bride wears a white dress and veil, the groom a black suit.

A bride and groom pose with another woman under a decorated gazebo at a wedding.

Woman in pink dress with floral embroidery poses with a man in gray suit and another woman indoors.

Woman in wedding dress with two people indoors.

Bride and groom exchange rings during wedding ceremony; officiant smiles.

Three people pose outdoors in front of trees. Man in suit, two women in dresses, smiling.

What Our Clients ARE SayING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How far will you go for a wedding?

Rev. Karen will travel 30 to 60 minutes from Lyndhurst, Ohio (44124). For weddings located farther, there will be a flat $75.00 additional mileage charge.
What are your credentials to officiate weddings?

Rev. Karen has her ministers license through the University of Sedona; International Metaphysical Ministry and renews her license yearly. She is also licensed in the State of Ohio to perform ceremonies.
https://recordssearch.ohiosos.gov/
(just search Karen Schaefer)
Do you officiate outdoor weddings?

Yes. From May through October, the majority of the ceremonies are outdoors with an indoor reception.

Do you officiate LGBTQ+ couples?

Yes.
How much is the ceremony?

There are two packages available, the Elopment Ceremony ($250) and Full Service Ceremony ($450).
Do I need a Rehersal?

A wedding rehearsal allows you to walk through the elements of your ceremony. The typical items covered during the rehearsal include: the processional (the walking in portion), where the wedding party will stand, the order of the ceremony, the "kiss" and the recessional (the walking out portion). For most couples the rehearsal is done so they can relax and have peace of mind going into the ceremony. Larger formal weddings and those with a large wedding party find a rehearsal very beneficial