Experienced, Professional Officiating Every Season (of life)
Winter @ Blossom Pointe in Sherwood, Michigan
Jordan (Groom)
Kristin was absolutely amazing to work with. She was very accommodating and helped make our ceremony perfect. Taking ideas from both my wife and myself, combining them into something that fit for the both of us and came out absolutely wonderful. I am absolutely pleased with with the outcome and I wouldn't recommend anyone else. It was a pleasure working with her.
Photo: Ruby Marissa Photography.
Spring @ Gathering Barn in Coldwater, Michigan
Kelly (Bride)
Kristin did absolutely amazing through the whole process. We wanted something simple yet meaningful. We shared very little details about ourselves and she was able to come up with the most beautiful ceremony! I highly recommend Kristin!
Summer @ Ancestral Acres in Bronson, Michigan > Blossom Pointe in Sherwood, Michigan
Mackenzie & Dillon -> Ashley & Daniel
It is one of the biggest compliments when guests at a previous ceremony select you to officiate their own wedding later on.
Fall @ Farrand Hall in Colon, Michigan
David (Groom)
We used Kristin "The Duchess of Ceremony" for our wedding (elopement) in October 2022 and she was wonderful. We were able to customize our ceremony to fit our style and comfort. We received so many compliments about Kristin and our guests were shocked when they found out there was no personal connection and she was just an officiant that was hired for the elopement day! We can't recommend her enough?
Customizations & Secular Rituals
Streaming & Translation
Streaming & Translation
Streaming & Translation
A necessary customization. No need for loved ones to feel left out if they cannot physically attend or if there is a language barrier.
A translator is always welcome but must be provided by the couple.
Lasso Ceremony
Streaming & Translation
Streaming & Translation
A secular ritual that symbolizes the joining of two lives as one by placing the decorative lasso over the couple's shoulders. This also leaves you a momento from your day.
Pets
Streaming & Translation
Drive Thru
A fun customization that brings a unique experience with each adorable addition. I encourage my couples to share their ceremonial wishes so we can make them come true because all forms of family are always welcome.
Drive Thru
Streaming & Translation
Drive Thru
This quick and novel customization when you and your witnesses are on the go. Legal marriages require a county issued license to be onsite at the time of the nuptials but non-legally binding commitment ceremonies do not.
Plant a Tree
Special Location
Plant a Tree
A secular ritual that gives to others as you start off your married life together. For this particular ceremony we also used water from natural hot springs for the planting.
Remembrance
Special Location
Plant a Tree
This heartfelt customization is for those who can only join in spirit; remembered and not forgotten.
Special Location
Special Location
Special Location
A highly customizable option to have your nuptials in a location that is special to you. Such as, on your boat!
Earthing
Special Location
Special Location
A secular ritual to be grounded, mindful, and health focused during one of the most sacred events of your life. The couple, officiant, and guests can all take part.
Favorites
Ring Warming
Ring Warming
This broad customization option has endless possibilities that create an atmosphere like nothing else. I have had fun officiating ceremonies that are celebrated on holidays, had movies quoted, or used theme songs for the recession. Props can even be pulled out. All of this reinforces my belief, that this is your day and we will go about it any way you want!
Ring Warming
Ring Warming
Ring Warming
A loving secular ritual where the rings can either be stationed before the service begins or circulated by the guests during the ceremony. The purpose of this is to give everyone, or selected individuals, an opportunity to 'warm' the rings with well wishes, positive thoughts, and good intentions.
Hand Fasting
Ring Warming
Hand Fasting
An age old secular ritual that unites two families as one. It has ethnic roots, just like the lasso ceremony, but can be incorporated by anyone. This popular ritual leaves you with a beautiful piece of to cherish and, just like the lasso ceremony, the couple have the freedom to include special loved ones to help, if they would like to.
Unity Candle
Ring Warming
Hand Fasting
This can be a long lasting secular ritual since the candle only burns after the couple is wed. One flame symbolizes their unity and can be relit annually on anniversaries. Once, a couple I officiated for, used the unity candle from the bride's parents' wedding day, a tradition passed on through the generations.
Before & After The Ceremonies
Descriptons & Pricing
I believe in creating meaningful experiences that inspire, connect, and create your vision's life. No matter what size your ceremony is, I bring my experience, skill, and passion to every one I officiate. This makes your service stand out and I don't believe you have to break the bank to get that.
I offer three tiers of fairly priced service. There is no need for a courthouse wedding when you can elope with style in tier one and my tier two custom ceremonies will leave you and your guests remembering what the story of love is all about.
It seems like "The Duchess" should cost a fortune, but I don't. Here, you can check out my prices and then we can discuss what is best for you.
~ Tier 1: Say-n-Sign / Say-n-Sign+ ~
This package has 2 legalities-only options. Both include everything legally necessary to become married.
A very basic, quick elopement that satisfies legal requirements to become married. Afterward, I file the Marriage License with the court.
This minimal price point elopement is brief and only addresses what is needed by the state and the no frills pricing reflects that.
$125 and you meet me in Union City
~ +Option ~
~ Tier 1+ ~
The same as above but with the opportunity to have a little more, such as a ring exchange and/or a secular ritual, during the above elopement.
$145 for the +Option
~ Tier 2: Full & Custom Ceremony ~
A uniquely crafted, full ceremony created just for you after your free consultation. This is the package to select if you would also like to have unlimited, full-service 'add ons' such as secular rituals, customizations, readings, etc. With this package it is my mission to deliver your bespoke wishes by creating your vision. The actual Tier 2, full ceremony can be any length of time that you choose.
This price point takes care of everything (except a possible travel fee) from start to finish, which also includes filing your signed Marriage License after the ceremony.
$325* at any location you choose
* Additional travel fee may apply
~ Tier 3: Renewals / Unlicensed ~
Same guidelines as both Tier 1, Tier 1+, and Tier 2 options previously mentioned but without the need for a Marriage License to be filed and that is reflected in the price.
~ Tier 1, Level 3 Say-n-Sign ~
$115
~ Tier 1+, Level 3 Say-n-Sign+ ~
$135
~ Tier 2, Level 3 Full & Custom ~
$315*
* Additional travel fee may apply
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* Travel fee (when applicable) *
* $60 per hour for travel beyond the standard 30 minutes of included travel from 49094 with the any Tier 2, Eulogy, or Blessing‘s pricing. Travel is broken into 15 minute increments.
This is normally not an option for Tier 1, exceptions may be arranged on a case by case bases. Inquire within.
Other Services
Blessings & Renewals
Blessings & Renewals
Blessings & Renewals
Rejoice in your commitments with a blessing or renewal service led by "The Duchess Of Ceremony". Whether you are welcoming a new baby, professing a promise, or celebrating an anniversary, I invite your love, future aspirations, and all of the memories that you have made together with the same level of service my newlyweds receive. Secular, nonsecular, and nondenominational.
Blessing/Renewal prices vary, see Description & Pricing page
Eulogies
Blessings & Renewals
Blessings & Renewals
I am dedicated to making all Celebration of Life services unforgettable as I merge my officiating and Death Doula expertise with personalized attention toward memorials. My priority, no matter if you are looking for a traditional or non-traditional service, will be to create and deliver a heartfelt and meaningful legacy. Secular, nonsecular, and nondenominational. Various pre-death and End Of Life Doula services are available as well. Inquiries welcome. Prices vary
Past & Upcoming Events
Join us for upcoming events, community gatherings to classes . I can't wait to see you there.
Kellogg Community College, Lifelong Learning Department
September & October 2026
Death Cafes @ Battle Creek Horrocks
First Monday evenings monthly, 6-8:00
Death Cafes @ Union Township Library
First Thursday evenings monthly, 5:30-7:30
Site Content
Additional Information
I hope you enjoyed my website, all of it has been formatted and created by me, just like my other social media, and all of my ceremonies. The photos are mostly my own taken by me or my family. As a bonus, I send them to my couples, this is a small perk I like to spoil them with.
I welcome your questions and provide free consultations. No wedding date is too soon or too far in advance. Please reach out to schedule so we can secure yours with me, "The Duchess of Ceremony", Kristin Steckbauer.
Photo courtesy of Lens Valme Photography in Coldwater, Michigan