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Articles by Jessica Levey

Content Manager; Lead Staff Writer & Illustrator
Jessica Levey

Jessica Levey is a writer, illustrator, and content manager at American Marriage Ministries, where she writes about marriage law and wedding industry trends. She holds a degree in Strategic Communications and has a background in trade journalism, with experience in data-informed, people-first reporting, SEO / AEO. She was ordained with AMM in 2020 and is an advocate for marriage equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and individuality. In her personal time, Jessica writes, illustrates, and makes comics and zines independently at hellojesslevey.com.

1337 Articles by Jessica Levey

Check out these 1337 articles written by Jessica Levey, Content Manager; Lead Staff Writer & Illustrator at American Marriage Ministries. The AMM Blog Covers wedding trends for officiants, and more!



El paquete de ordenación del ministro de American Marriage Ministries (AMM), una caja blanca con el logotipo y el nombre de AMM sobre un fondo azul.

¿Vale la pena el precio del paquete de Ordenación de Ministro (Minister Ordination Package) de American Marriage Ministries?

¿Qué viene en el paquete de Ordenación de Ministro (Minister Ordination Package) de AMM? Un repaso de todo lo incluido en su paquete de ordenación ministerial, incluyendo su Carta de Buena Reputación (Letter of Good Standing) y Certificado de Ordenación (Ordination Certificate), para ayudarle a decidir qué paquete ordenar, y por qué querría hacerlo.

An outdoor wedding, two brides exchange rings with the help of their officiant

How to Officiate a Same-Sex Wedding Ceremony

Asked to officiate a same-sex wedding ceremony for the first time? Looking for a same-sex wedding ceremony script, or for what to say during the pronouncement? These 4 tips for officiating same-sex, same-gender, and other LGBTQ+ weddings are a great start. Let couples know you’re an inclusive officiant and plan the perfect marriage ceremony!

Close up photo of two grooms holding red paper cut out hearts during their Valentine's Day wedding ceremony.

The Sweetest Valentine’s Day Wedding Ceremony Scripts & Vows

Five incredibly romantic wedding ceremony scripts that are perfect for a Valentine's Day wedding or elopement, or a meant-to-be ceremony any time of year. These sample officiant scripts include wedding vow examples to suit any couple or ceremony style, love poems and special wedding readings in English and Spanish, a cute unity ceremony with time capsule and wine toast, and more!

How to Get Married in Connecticut - Planning a Wedding in the Constitution State

How to Get Married in Connecticut - Planning a Wedding in the Constitution State

A step-by-step guide to help you plan a wedding and get married in Connecticut - including how to find a wedding officiant, choose the best wedding venue, plan your ceremony, and how to apply for and return your Connecticut marriage license.

CLose up photo of bride groom and wedding guests holding glasses of champagne for a toast after the wedding ceremony

Would you officiate a Valentine’s Day group wedding with hundreds of couples?

Attn wedding officiants: Group weddings are an exciting part of Valentine's Day celebrations all around the country, as hundreds of couples gather to say 'We do!' to love and marriage on February 14th. Learn about mass wedding ceremonies happening near you for inspiration, and read our tips on how to officiate your own large ceremony.

Close up photo shows a judge's gavel and two gold wedding bands to symbolize changes to marriage law

Proposed Changes to Marriage Laws in Your State: January 2023 Legislation Roundup

Learn about proposed marriage legislation around the country, including important amendments to same-sex marriage bans, interracial marriage laws, the minimum age to marry, who can legally solemnize marriage and officiate weddings, covenant marriage licenses, common law marriage, remote / virtual marriage services, penalties for refusing marriage services to LGBTQ+ couples, remarriage, marriage waiting periods, and more.

No, Kanye West and Bianca Censori aren't really married

No, Kanye West and Bianca Censori aren't really married

Rumors are flying that Kanye West and Bianca Censori were married in a secret surprise wedding, but the celebrity couple haven't applied for or filed a marriage certificate or marriage license. Learn what this means for Ye and Bianca's supposed marriage, what's required for a legally binding ceremony, what a commitment ceremony is, and how to avoid the same paperwork mistake while planning your own wedding.

Salt & Sage Love Smudge for a Lowkey Pagan Wedding Blessing

Salt & Sage Love Smudge for a Lowkey Pagan Wedding Blessing

This original salt and sage ‘love smudge’ is the perfect ritual blessing for a lowkey Pagan wedding! Including directions on how to prepare the blend and cast a circle around the wedding ceremony space, with examples for the officiant on what to say and do during the smudging ceremony. This smudge recipe includes pink salt and sea salt, sage, rosemary, thyme, lavender, cinnamon, soil, and more, for powerful magick on the wedding day, and was created by AMM minister Reverend Scarlett Mullikin.

Close up of bride and groom signing the marriage license after the wedding ceremony

A Short History of the Marriage License & Common Law Marriages

Learn about the history of the marriage license and common law marriage in the U.S., from ancient rituals like handfasting, through the Middle Ages, to modern marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples.

It’s Time to Eliminate the Marriage Penalty for Disabled Adults

It’s Time to Eliminate the Marriage Penalty for Disabled Adults

It’s time to eliminate the ‘marriage penalty’ for disabled adults and ensure marriage equality for all Americans. Millions of Americans can lose their disability benefits and eligibility through Social Security SSDI, Medicare, and Medicaid by choosing to get married. These penalties affect DAC recipients, SSI recipients, and others who receive SSA supplemental income. Learn about recent legislation, including the 2022 Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act and California's SRJ-8, and what's next in the fight for equal marriage rights.

What to Include in a Wedding Officiant Contract, According to the Pros

What to Include in a Wedding Officiant Contract, According to the Pros

Learn how to write a wedding officiant contract & terms of service document for your business, with this advice from professional officiants. We cover the basic details every contract should include, such as your fees / rates, payment schedule and deposit, who the agreement is between, who obtains and returns the marriage license, a summary of your services, cancellation and change policy, and more.

Dallas County will offer online marriage license applications and appointments beginning February 2023

Dallas County will offer online marriage license applications and appointments beginning February 2023

Learn about the new online marriage license application process in Dallas County, Texas, including the option to schedule a virtual appointment with the County Clerk Office. Online marriage services are expected to become available beginning February 2023, under the supervision of County Clerk John Warren. Find out how to apply and what the requirements are for a Dallas County marriage license.

Professional Wedding Officiant Certification Course

Learn from the Pros to Officiate with Confidence!

Will You Marry Us? Gift Package

Who Will Officiate Your Wedding?

Choose Your Officiant with our "Will You Marry Us?" Gift Package.

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Our premiere package contains everyting you need to officiate like a pro.

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

Timeless scripts and heartfelt vow inspiration to bring life to your ceremony.

Wedding Officiant Training

Wedding Officiant Training

Everything you need to know to officiate.

Read our sample wedding ceremony scripts online

Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts

Need inspiration? Check out our free ceremony scripts!

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