Nashville Wedding Officiant

Pricing

Prices start at $100

Packages

Prices start at $100

About Nashville Wedding Officiant

Nashville Wedding Officiant

Ralph Griggs

With 20+ years of experience and thousands of happy couples, I believe your ceremony should feel more like you and less like a formal script. Whether it’s an elopement or full celebration, I’ll help you create something heartfelt using my Ceremony Planner and interactive resources. I'm a non-denominational minister with a Master of Theology and a good sense of humor. I offer custom ceremonies, a vow-writing guide, and a marriage prep course that can even save you $60 on your TN license.

I don’t do boring. Your ceremony should feel like you — not a recycled script from 1998. With 20+ years of experience, I bring heart, humor, and a personal touch to every wedding. I’m a non-denominational minister with a Master of Theology and a decent sense of humor (which helps). I offer a Ceremony Planner, vow-writing guide, and a marriage prep course that can even save you $60 on your TN license. Let’s make your ceremony one of the best — and most meaningful — parts of your day.

In three words: Calm, Confident, Practical

Services

Ceremony types

Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Legal License Signing
Non-religious Ceremony
Religious
Vow Renewal Ceremony

Religious affiliations

Catholic
Christian
Interfaith
Jewish
Secular

Nashville Wedding Officiant packages

Standard Package

Description

The standard total fee for most weddings is $300, but the total may be a bit higher depending on the location, travel distance, or date (like holiday). Just send me the details, and I’ll give you a clear quote—no surprises! By the way, my At-Home Marriage Prep Course (optional) can save you $60 on the TN marriage license.

What’s included

Ceremony Planning tools for personalization
In-person or virtual planning session
At-Home Marriage Prep Course (optional)
Legal signature on your license
Mail your license if requested

Elopements

Description

Price range is $100 to $300. I know that's a big swing. So...If it's easy, well, you're in the low range. If I’m braving Nashville traffic on a Friday at 5, well… you get it. I try to keep things fair for everyone (including my sanity). Let me know what you have in mind.

What’s included

Ceremony Planner resources for personalizations
Phone/email consultation about your ceremony
At-Home Marriage Prep Course (optional)
Legal officiant signature on your license
Mail in your license if requested

Reviews

Write a review

5.0 out of 5

6 reviews

Write a review

Christy M.
•Verified review
•Christy M.•Jul 14
Ralph was incredible. He was extremely responsive and communicative. He had a wedding ceremony outline that we were able to edit as we like. He also offered a marriage counseling program. During the ceremony, he barely looked down at the ceremony script and spoke to our family and friends so confidently. He made everyone laugh by being himself and adding his personality during certain moments. He did a wonderful job and we would recommend him to anyone!
Ralph is the Greatest!!
•Verified review
•Madison C.•Jul 14
Ralph made everything so easy! He lays out the entire process in simple steps. He gives you a guideline to pick and choose your ceremony. You get access to his course and have the ability to spend some hours in there to get a discount off your marriage license. He is very responsive and kind; a seasoned vet! Very punctual, and just on it. Incredible speaker, incredible presences. I cannot recommend Ralph enough!!
Response from vendor•Jul 14, 2025
Thanks so much Madison! And of course, it was my honor and very glad you were pleased. Cheekwood Gardens was a beautiful setting for your wedding celebration. Best wishes!
We loved Ralph!
•Verified review
•Caroline•Jul 14
Ralph was wonderful to work with and made our wedding day go extremely smoothly. He is extremely responsive, was very helpful in tailoring the ceremony to our preferences, and ran our rehearsal and ceremony very efficiently. He also provided a pre marital counseling course and mailed our marriage license back to the county. We’ve been to several of Ralph’s weddings as well now, and every one has been beautiful! Highly recommend
Fairytale Wedding Ceremony
•Verified review
•Kat L.•Jul 14
Our wedding was in March of 2025 at the Gaylord Opryland. Ralph was recommended to us by all our friends and vendors in Nashville! From scheduling the first meeting, taking the online class to save on the marriage license, planning the ceremony, going over final details, and everything the day of; Ralph made everything personalized and was truly the best officiant. We can’t recommend him enough and are so grateful that he was a part of our special day!

Let’s just say I’ve been doing this since flip phones were a thing. Over 20 years and hundreds of 'I do’s' later, I’ve seen everything from cowboy boots to black tie ballroom events - and I enjoy them all.

Absolutely. I provide an 8-page Ceremony Planner that helps you design a ceremony that sounds like you. One request. I’ve been asked twice to begin weddings with a quote from the movie Princess Bride: “Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us togethah today…” Please don’t ask!

Sooner is always better—especially for weekends in the spring and fall. In those seasons, weddings cluster like middle Tennessee cicadas.

Yes—a nonrefundable deposit secures your date, wedding location and time. That way you know I’m committed to you. It’s like putting a ring on my calendar.

Definitely. We can meet at my home, via video call, or phone call. Whatever works for you.

Of course! Most couples don’t but when done well it’s very nice. Inside jokes that only a few get are ok. And yes, the brides just about always write more.

Yes—that’s a big part of what I offer. I’ll walk you through the structure and give you tools to make it personal, polished, and “you.”

Usually between 10–20 minutes, depending on what you include. Long enough to be memorable but short enough that your guests don’t start checking their watches – or blood sugar. Just don’t cut off too much – it moves fast.

Not often, but yes, if requested (and for an added fee). Most couples feel confident without my rehearsal attendance once we’ve talked through everything.

Yes. I’m a legally recognized officiant (minister of the gospel) under TN law and have officiated thousands of weddings across the state.

I offer a DIY, At-Home Marriage Prep Course that you can complete on your own schedule (and often in your pajamas). Hey, even the guys love it!

Always the classic black suit, white shirt, , black pants, and black shoes. Unless your doing a honky-tonk twist and then I’ll have to get some boots and cowboy hat.

Yes, it’s your wedding. And yes, I’ll put the dog biscuits in my pocket (already done it once) if needed to settle your furbaby .

“Ralph” please. But if it makes your grandma happy, I’ll respond to Reverend Griggs. I’ve been called just about everything and nothing offends me – except what my wife called me one time and we aren’t going there.

You wouldn’t think you’d need to ask that. But, oh I’ve heard the stories. Whatever we decide on for your ceremony is pretty what we do. Only slight variations possible if something happens in the moment. If a squirrel falls out of a tree on somebody’s head, we gotta say something.

You’re sweeter than a pecan pie for asking (see I am Southern) but it’s rare. Like Batman, once my mission is complete, I vanish. Plus, you don’t want to see me do the electric slide.

Sure do. We are your team and need to play well together to make your ceremony sparkle instead of sputter. Who wants Beyoncé playing during their vows!

Yep, always! I’ve mastered the art of the wedding-day sidestep so I don’t become a photobombing nerd in your photos.

No problem! I offer simple elopements, courthouse alternatives, and small backyard weddings. All the meaning, none of the madness.

Yes in some cases if especially far and for a rehearsal if absolutely needed. I’ll spell everything out up front—no surprises.

No, but I’ll coordinate with your DJ or venue staff to make sure I’m heard clearly. I could yell but I might spit on you if I do. The best sound comes from in-house systems or one set up by a pro.

I usually shoot for an hour prior to ceremony time. I search out the director, get the license, double-check details and do a sound check for the mic if needed. Takes only a few minutes but everybody knows I’m there and ready to make the magic happen.

I’ve only missed one wedding in over 20 years—and that was due to the historic 2010 Nashville flood (and the couple couldn’t make it either). In the unlikely event I’m abducted by an alien, I’ll do my best to help you find a backup.

Yes. You’ll need a valid Tennessee marriage license in hand before I can legally marry you. Don’t worry – though I think they should twist your arm behind your back and ask “Are you sure?” – it’s really easy to get a license.

At any County Clerk’s office in Tennessee. No blood test. No waiting period. See easy!

I can mail it in for you, or you can hand-deliver it yourself to get the certified copy on the spot. Either way, it must be returned within 3 business days.

Nope. Tennessee law requires the officiant and couple to be physically present for the ceremony to be legal. That’s my understanding. Love may be eternal – but your WiFi isn’t.

Religious, non-religious, traditional, contemporary, and fully personalized ceremonies based on your preferences. If you’ve dreamed it, I’ve probably done it—or would love to . . . unless you are doing a Star War theme.

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Nashville Wedding Officiant

Pricing

Packages

About Nashville Wedding Officiant

Nashville Wedding Officiant

Services

Ceremony types

Religious affiliations

Nashville Wedding Officiant packages

Standard Package

Elopements

Reviews

Christy M.

Ralph is the Greatest!!

We loved Ralph!

Fairytale Wedding Ceremony

Frequently asked questions

How long have you officiated wedding?

Can we customize our ceremony?

How far in advance should we book you?

Do you require a deposit?

Can we meet with you before the wedding?

Can we write our own vows?

Do you help us plan the ceremony wording and flow?

How long is the typical ceremony?

Do you attend the rehearsal?

Can you legally marry us in Tennessee?

Do you offer marriage preparation or counseling?

What do you wear to the ceremony?

Can we include children or pets in our ceremony?

What should we call you—Pastor, Reverend, Minister?

Are there any surprises in the ceremony?

Do you stay for the reception?

Do you coordinate with photographers, videographers, DJ’s, etc.?

Do you move out of the way for the kiss at the end of the ceremony?

What should we do if we don’t want a big ceremony?

Are there extra fees for travel or rehearsals?

Do you provide a microphone or sound system?

How soon do you arrive for weddings?

What happens if you have an emergency and can’t attend?

Do we need a marriage license before the ceremony?

Where do we get a marriage license in Tennessee?

Do you file the marriage license after the wedding?

Can you officiate a wedding over Zoom or virtually?

What types of wedding ceremonies do you perform?

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