About Vows to Cherish

Welcome to Vows to Cherish, where love takes center stage, and your special moments are crafted with care. Founded in 2023 by Mary Barneby, a seasoned professional with a heart dedicated to celebrating love, her mission is to be your premier choice for wedding officiant services in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Mary’s Journey

In 2023, after a successful career as a corporate and non-profit leader, Mary Barneby embarked on a new and heartfelt adventure. Inspired by the profound joy she experienced witnessing a friend’s daughter's wedding ceremony, Mary made a personal vow to become an ordained officiant. This pivotal moment laid the foundation for Vows to Cherish.

Mary's vision was clear: to create a space where couples could embark on their marital journey with a ceremony that truly reflects their unique love story. Her wealth of experience in leadership, coupled with a passion for love and celebration, sets the tone for the personalized and inclusive services that define Vows to Cherish.

Mary’s Commitment

At Vows to Cherish, Mary believes in the power of inclusivity. Founded on the principles of embracing diversity, she extends a warm welcome to couples of all backgrounds, races, and orientations. Your love is unique, and she is dedicated to ensuring that your ceremony is a true reflection of your individuality.

The Vows to Cherish Experience

Mary’s commitment to providing top-notch wedding officiant services goes beyond legalities and logistics. She specializes in crafting ceremonies that are as unique as the love you share. Whether you are exchanging vows for the first time or renewing them after years of commitment, her personalized approach ensures that your ceremony is a perfect fit for your vision.

Why Choose Vows to Cherish

Experienced Guidance

Mary Barneby, your officiant, brings a wealth of experience to guide you through every step of the process.

Inclusivity

Mary celebrates love in all its forms, making her services open to couples of every background, race, and orientation.

Personalized Touch

Your love story is one-of-a-kind, and your ceremony should be too. Mary takes the time to understand your vision and craft a ceremony that resonates with your unique story.

Founded on Love

Vows to Cherish was born out of a commitment to love and celebration, making Mary a trusted name in wedding officiant services since 2023.

Let's Create Unforgettable Moments

Thank you for considering Vows to Cherish for your wedding ceremony or vow renewal. I am excited to be part of your journey and look forward to working with you to create moments you will cherish forever. Contact me today to start planning your personalized celebration of love.

Meet Mary!

Mary Barneby founded Vows to Cherish in 2023, She brings extensive experience in marketing, public speaking and has appeared frequently in local and national media.

Wedding Officiant

TESTIMONIALS

What my clients say

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you provide officiant services?

I generally work in Maryland and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.  However, I may be willing to travel farther if travel and lodging reimbursement can be factored into our agreement.

I am open to being your officiant whether your ceremony is on the beach, in your backyard, on a boat or in a grand wedding venue.

What types of ceremonies do you perform?

Once I understand a couple’s vision, I will tailor the vows and ceremony to meet their goals.  I can provide traditional, modern, short or longer programs and I can include additional parts to the program, if requested by the couple, such as readings by friends or family, candle lightings, hand fasting, etc.  Ceremonies can refer to God or a religious deity, or be secular, with no religious reference.

I offer my services joyfully to all regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs, their sexual orientation, their race or ethnicity and am happy to work with interfaith couples. 

What are the specific areas for which you provide officiant services?

My work with each couple is customized and unique to their wishes and goals.  Here are the general areas I cover:

*Introductory conversation with the couple to understand their goals and details for the event.

*Helping them navigate the process for obtaining their license and filing their marriage certificate in the jurisdiction of the wedding.

*Preparing and receiving their feedback and input on the vows and the agenda for the ceremony. (The means including any specific ceremony additions such as readings, candle lightings, hand fasting, etc.)

*Being present at the rehearsal, if requested.

*Conducting the ceremony and filing the signed marriage license with the appropriate jurisdiction.

How involved is the couple in this process?

The couple can be as involved as they choose.  Some couples prefer to write their own vows, while others prefer sharing their vision and having me draft vows that reflect their wishes.  I do ask that each couple spend some “upfront” time with me via telephone, virtually or in person (if possible) to work together so I can gather the information necessary to create a customized plan.

How much does this service cost?

The actual cost is based on the specific plan created for the couple.  For example, a thirty minute ceremony within driving distance of my home generally costs about $250.  Once I have  a good sense of what a couple requires, I will provide a written proposal which will detail my services under an inclusive price.