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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!



NY’s one-day marriage officiant license awaits final approval from Governor

NY’s one-day marriage officiant license awaits final approval from Governor

New York is one step away from creating a new one-day marriage officiant designation for lay individuals who want to perform weddings there, after legislation passed both the NY assembly and senate this month. The bill now awaits final approval from Gov. Hochul.

Dry Wedding Drinks: Non-Alcoholic Wine, Beer, and Spirits for Your Ceremony and Reception

Dry Wedding Drinks: Non-Alcoholic Wine, Beer, and Spirits for Your Ceremony and Reception

Make your wedding unforgettable with these delicious non-alcoholic wine, beer, canned cocktail and mocktail offerings. Choose alcohol free drinks for a unique unity toast at the ceremony, a dry wedding celebration, or as an option for sober and non-drinker guests at your reception’s open bar.

Lucky to Love You: 10 Song Lyrics to Inspire Your Wedding Vows

Lucky to Love You: 10 Song Lyrics to Inspire Your Wedding Vows

Feeling lucky in love? About to say ‘I do’ to your soulmate and best friend? Add these song lyrics to your written wedding vows for a personalized ceremony that will have you and your guests humming along.

AMM Minister delivers message of love at Idaho Pride event, amidst threats from far-right groups and others

AMM Minister delivers message of love at Idaho Pride event, amidst threats from far-right groups and others

Minister Jan Shannon delivered an LGBTQ+ affirming prayer and message of love and unity at the Coeur d'Alene Pride in the Park event, while far-right protestors carried AR-15s and pistols through the crowd, anti-gay Catholics and others harassed members of the audience, and dozens of neo-Nazi Patriot Front members were arrested nearby for planning a riot.

Britney didn’t invite her mom to the wedding. Do you have to invite yours?

Britney didn’t invite her mom to the wedding. Do you have to invite yours?

Britney Spears married longtime boyfriend Sam Asghari in an intimate celebrity wedding. The pop icon did not invite her mother, father, or several other relatives to the ceremony, raising the question: Do you have to invite your parents or other family to your wedding? Here's how to keep your guest list small and just the way you want it.

A wedding officiant holds an index card with his wedding speech, and a glass of champagne during a toast following the wedding ceremony. Beside him, a bride and groom watch and smile, while friends and family members look happily at each other

Take this Quiz Before You Ask a Friend to Officiate Your Wedding

Have a friend or relative in mind to ask to officiate your wedding, but not sure if they’re the right choice for your ceremony? This quiz will help you choose the best person for the role! Plus links to AMM’s most popular articles on how to ask someone to marry you, choosing a wedding officiant, how much to pay them, and more.

Two women embrace on the wedding day, laughing and smiling. On the left is the bride, in a white wedding gown. On the right is her best friend, the wedding officiant asked to officiate, wearing a light pink dress.

5 Great Reasons to Ask a Friend to Officiate Your Wedding

5 reasons why asking a friend or relative to officiate your wedding is the best choice you can make! Friends and family members make excellent wedding officiants for ceremonies of any kind, especially when asked to perform intimate, personalized, offbeat, and alternative weddings.

Can you marry an inanimate object? How about an animal, color, AI, robot, or fictional character?

Can you marry an inanimate object? How about an animal, color, AI, robot, or fictional character?

We’ve seen the stories but… Is it legal to marry an inanimate object? What about an animal or pet, color, robot, AI, or fictional character? They say that love knows no bounds, but marriage law definitely does!

Bride and groom run down a sunny street in their wedding clothes looking happy and carefree

Can You Get Married on the Same Day You Get a Marriage License?

Wondering if a same day wedding is legal in your state, or if you can get married the same day you apply for a marriage license? We answer all your questions and more!

How to Get Married in Montana - Planning a Wedding in Big Sky Country

How to Get Married in Montana - Planning a Wedding in Big Sky Country

A step-by-step guide to getting married in Montana - from finding an officiant and choosing a wedding venue, to how to apply for, complete, and return your Montana marriage license.

Close up shows bride and groom embracing, she is wearing modern Muslin wedding outfit

What is a Nikah Ceremony? Intro to the Muslim Marriage Ceremony

Learn about the Muslim marriage ceremony tradition - the nikkah or nikah ceremony – and how this traditional religious Islamic wedding custom compares to the declaration of intent and marriage certificate in an American / U.S. wedding.

Wedding officiant performs outdoor wedding for bride and groom while friends watch

What to Say at the Start of an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony

How to announce an unplugged wedding, for officiants! 7 sample scripts to include during your officiant housekeeping announcements to tell guests "no phones!" during the ceremony. Choose wording that's direct, sweet, funny, or casual, or give a shoutout to the professional wedding photographer.

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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