Photo by Chelsea Sliwa

Photo by Sarah Roshan

Photo by Michele DeVries

Photo by Shea McGrath

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I love to laugh, I love connecting with people of all ages and I have a unique outlook on life. I have worn many "hats" over the years. I have been a shoe salesman, a DJ, an emcee, a public speaker, a Spiritual Formation Director, a photographer's assistant, and a professional drummer. Currently, I am a husband to my college sweetheart, father to three sons, an executive director of a non-profit, and also a Life Clarity Coach. At my core, I am both a helper and a storyteller.I assist others in the process of uncovering the depth and meaning of life’s most sacred and ordinary moments. Then I help them to fully embrace the next chapter of their story. Which is why I absolutely LOVE working with couples during such a significant time. Whether it’s premarital coaching, script writing, officiant coaching or performing a wedding, the heart and personality of my couples always shine through. 

My wife, Anne, and I met and fell in love in college and got married at the young ages of 21 & 22!  We moved to Breckenridge in 2001 to direct a youth organization that creatively communicated God's love to students and families who have minimal church experience.  In addition, I helped cultivate the vision and programs of an intentional faith community here in the mountains.  Music, technology, culture, theology, creative innovation and movies are some of my passions.

My wife, Anne, and me

Anne & our three sons

Some of the Questions I Hear the Most

How many Weddings do you perform?  I perform over 100 weddings every year... and I LOVE IT!!!
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What is your favorite type of ceremony? All of them... for different reasons. Elopements are so special. Just the other day I stood with a couple and their kiddo, and it was such a remarkable moment for all of us. I enjoy Intimate Ceremonies because they are... well... intimate. : ) The smaller size allows interaction that creates a familiar and stress-free atmosphere! And Classic Weddings have a more dynamic energy that I truly appreciate. I love tapping into that energy and using that bigger setting to create a truly amazing experience for everyone present. And let's not forget Officiant Coaching... I love coaching couples and their chosen Officiant leading up to their wedding. It's so much fun, and the story afterwards is always the best!!! 

Should we hire a Planner/Coordinator? YES! There are SO many little and big details that can surface. For example, I am the first to walk up front, and I feel much better knowing that someone is responsible for arranging, cueing, opening doors, and so much else for the parents, bridal party, ring bearer, flower girl and many times pets left behind. : ) I highly recommend you talk to a few planners/coordinators to discover their value and worth. 
 
Will you come to our Wedding Rehearsal? I do not attend Rehearsals. Instead, I arrange a time to talk through things with the two of you and fully trust your Planner/Coordinator to run the Rehearsal. : )

Can we personalize our Wedding Ceremony?  Of course! I believe that incorporating your unique personalities, beliefs and one-of-a-kind love is the best way to make your wedding feel more intimate and engaging. Many of my packages include this Script Creation service. I truly welcome your edits & tweaks along the way to help make it specifically tailored to the two of you. I want your ceremony to be exactly what you want, and I'm happy to work at it until it’s exactly right. In addition, you will have final approval of your wedding script so there are no unwanted surprises.

What is the payment structure for your packages?  A booking fee is due upon signing the contract to kick-off the process and secure your date depending on the package you choose. The remaining balance will either be collected throughout the process or the entire balance will be due two weeks before the Wedding day. 

Do you charge travel fees?  I only charge a travel fee if your venue is located outside of Summit County.

How do you sign the Marriage License? And do you file it or do we? Many of the Clerk/Recorder's offices ask you about this when you apply. I sign the license as "Minister." Yes, I am legally ordained to perform Wedding ceremonies, and I'll be sure to sign correctly... you just be sure to get AND bring the Marriage License with you.  : )  

When it comes to "filing" the Marriage License... You are responsible for obtaining the License from a Clerk/Recorder's office and then bring it with you to the Wedding. Following the ceremony, we sign, and possibly some witnesses sign too. At that point, I can return the License to the same Clerk/Recorder's office from which it was obtained... OR you can return it to them. Most offices prefer the couple bring it back in person avoiding any possible delays or mishaps through the mail. PLEASE check their websites for hours of operation and holiday closures. If you're not around when they are open, I’ll gladly handle returning it for you. Remember: It has to be returned and filed for you to be legally married!!!

Do you stay for the Wedding Reception?  While I am honored to be invited, I tend to slip away before the Reception officially begins. I might stay for a drink and small-talk, but please know up front that there is no need to pay for another dinner plate, although I do appreciate the sentiment. 
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What if our start time or Wedding date changes?  If you need to change your Wedding date or time, please let me know ASAP, so we can hopefully work out a solution together. I promise I will do my absolute best to accommodate changes, but I cannot guarantee my availability for a date or time change. Should everything work out, I have a $75 Rescheduling Fee.

Are you insured? Yes. If you need more details, just ask.

Do we need to tip you?  It's never expected… but certainly appreciated.

What about sound for the Wedding Ceremony? I let the professionals handle it! Can you imagine me trying to run sound from the front of the ceremony... hahaha! Most often, the DJ or Band is hired for this purpose. Sometimes the venue even provides this service. So talk to those vendors, and I will be sure to coordinate with them on the day of.

Let's talk more.

Photo by Anne Gallagher

"Phil is amazing at what he does. Do not overlook him. You will not find better." 
​- Brooke & Jake Nelson

"We needed perfection and we found it in Phil! Look no further, officiant Phil is your guy!!" 
​-Jacquelyn  & Tim Ritchie

"By the time our wedding day arrived, we felt that our officiant was not only an awesome person, but also a friend. Phil is one of a kind, he is genuine, passionate and truly cares!" 
- Blaine & Jordan Esbin

"We hired Phil to coach our friend officiant and it was 100% worth it. It took a lot of stress off of us (& our friend) and the “speech” he gave was perfect. Phil gave us multiple scripts / a sheet of quotes to potentially use. We made it our own from there! We honestly don’t know if we would have asked a friend to officiate if Phil hadn’t been there to help & we’re SO GLAD it a was an option. Phil is kind, easy to talk to and clearly very experienced at what he does. You should hire him!"
- Nicole