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Marriage License & Certificate
Officiant
Great Planner

About

On WeddingWire since 2013

Gerald Fierst is in the Knot’s Wedding Hall of Fame, honored for his remarkable ceremonies, customized to the stories, traditions and needs of wedding couples throughout the NYC metro area. Celebrating the dreams, hopes, and love of the diversity of couples with whom he works – Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Persian, South Asian, Chinese, Gay or Straight – he creates a unique moment of magic when two become one. Review after review tells the same story- “Wow. We couldn’t ask for anything more.” He is one of America’s first Civil Celebrants, certified by both the International College of Celebrancy, Melbourne. Australia and the Celebrant Institute, Montclair, NJ. His book The Heart of the Wedding has been acclaimed as a “celebration of our families and ourselves with care, precision, and artistry.” As an actor and storyteller, he has won Parents Choice Awards for his recordings and been featured throughout the world at theaters, festivals, museums, and schools. Cherish the vision you have for your ceremony and let Gerald Fierst bring your stories and traditions to life in a moment that is reflective of the future you imagine together. This seasoned celebrant has the skill to make your “I do” a moment your guests will recall for years and you and your families will cherish for the rest of your lives.


Services Offered
The Heart of the Wedding presides over nuptials and civil services of all religions and traditions, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Chinese, and South Asian. He will work with you and your partner to craft an exchange of vows that reflects your backgrounds, values, and the future you’ve imagined together. He is a proud officiant for the LGBTQ community and has conducted same-sex ceremonies everywhere from Greenwich Village to Williamsburg art galleries. This minister is licensed to perform weddings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical price for your wedding services?

$752

Which of the following are included in the price?

Ceremony Rehearsal

What is the starting price for your wedding services?

$359

Does starting price include the ceremony rehearsal?

No

What is the starting price for ceremony rehearsals?

$151

What types of weddings and events do you provide services for?

Non-religious
Interfaith
Ceremony Rehearsal
Vow Renewal
Civil Union

What religious affiliations do you serve?

Agnostic
Buddhist
Hindu
Islam
Jewish
No Denomination
Taoist

On average, how long are wedding ceremonies you officiate?

Less than 30 mins.

In which states are you licensed?

CT
DC
MA
NJ
NY
PA
WA

What languages do you speak?

English
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Reviews of The Heart of the Wedding

5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
136 Reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Gerald is highly praised by multiple reviewers for being an exceptional wedding officiant. He is described as caring, patient, and accommodating, taking the time to understand the couples' stories and values to create personalized and meaningful ceremonies. His words are described as powerful and moving, leaving a lasting impact on guests. Gerald's attention to detail and organization are also highly appreciated, making the wedding planning process seamless and stress-free. Overall, reviewers highly recommend Gerald as an officiant for weddings.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Gerald is highly praised by multiple reviewers for being an exceptional wedding officiant. He is described as caring, patient, and accommodating, taking the time to understand the couples' stories and values to create personalized and meaningful ceremonies. His words are described as powerful and moving, leaving a lasting impact on guests. Gerald's attention to detail and organization are also highly appreciated, making the wedding planning process seamless and stress-free. Overall, reviewers highly recommend Gerald as an officiant for weddings.

S
Sarah S. Sent on 11/19/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Look No Further!!

Picking someone to officiate our wedding was one of our hardest decisions. All of the weddings we've attended have had close loved ones or the priest/pastor from their church - I was afraid we weren't going to have an experience that felt as personal. From the moment we spoke with Gerry, we knew we didn't have to look any further! He really took the time to listen to us and learn our story. Our ceremony couldn't have explained us any better. He was great to work with and a true joy to be around. Gerry - thank you so much for helping us make our day, the best day of our lives!!
Reagan
Reagan M. Sent on 05/08/2024
5 out of 5 rating

BEST officiant!!

To say Gerry was an incredible officiant is an understatement. Choosing him to officiate our wedding was one of the best decisions we made when planning our wedding. From our first conversation, Gerry made us feel comfortable and walked us through the ceremony planning process. He got to know us, listened to our wants and needs and prepared a beautiful ceremony that our friends and family and still raving about. Gerry is a true professional and is a great communicator. Highly recommend him!
L
Lauren M. Sent on 03/23/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely the best!

Gerry did an absolutely amazing job with our ceremony. I can't recommend him enough! His process is very personal and relaxing for any nervous soon to be weds! Gerry went above and beyond our expectations, he even came to our rehearsal and directed everything with our wedding planner. The day of Gerry arrived ready to go! He has a nice calm presence, and handled all the marriage details for us. We loved our ceremony, and thought Gerry did an amazing job. He captured our essence, and had us both laughing and tearing it. It was beautiful. Every guest told us that they thought it was beautiful too. He engaged our audience and created the perfect loving atmosphere. Thank you so much Gerry! You're the best.
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Awards

136
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Bridal Music Bridal Music Wedding Musicians

Dear Brides to Be, Our Flute and Violin Wedding Duo had the honor of working with Gerald of "The Heart of the Wedding" at a stunning Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, taking place at The Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank, NJ. Gerald's presentation is elegantly polished and outstandingly professional. He expertly, and magically, kept a very nervous Bride and Groom, calm and collected, throughout their Ceremony! Bravo, Gerald! Sincerely, Flutist/Artistic Director Michele, Bridal Music

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