Living Ceremonies is a wedding officiant and ceremony design practice led by Rev.
Rev. Dr. Benita LivingstonFounder, wedding officiant and ordained ministerLiving Ceremonies is the wedding officiant and ceremony design practice of Rev. Dr. Benita Livingston, an ordained minister and chaplain based in Nashville, Tennessee. She has officiated weddings since 2004 and is also a Certified Mindfulness Trainer, which shapes how she prepares couples: short mindfulness sessions before the day help them stay calm and present at the altar.
Each ceremony is written from scratch rather than from a template. Benita gathers each partner's version of how they met, often adds words from family and friends, and builds the story into a script that mixes personal rituals, readings and vows. She works with spiritual, religious, non-religious and interfaith couples, and with first, second and renewal ceremonies.
“Your wedding doesn't have to be elaborate to be meaningful.”
Rev. Dr. Benita Livingston, Living Ceremonies
The practice serves Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood and Middle Tennessee, and travels for destination weddings worldwide. For couples marrying outside Tennessee she confirms the legal requirements of the place in advance, and she coordinates with planners, photographers and venues so the ceremony fits the rest of the day.
Many couples add premarital sessions, four to six conversations covering communication, connection and shared vision, before the wedding. Benita also helps with vow writing, attends the rehearsal on request, and files the marriage license with the county clerk after the ceremony. A network of trusted officiants stands behind her if an emergency ever keeps her away.
An issue built from this record, to read page by page.
Read the issue →Couples book a consultation to talk through their date, venue, guest numbers and the kind of ceremony they imagine.
A contract and a retainer secure the date, with the balance due two weeks before the wedding. A welcome email follows with a love story questionnaire and details for scheduling sessions and video calls.
Each partner shares how the relationship began and what matters to them. Couples who choose the Complete Marriage Experience also complete four to six premarital sessions.
Benita writes the script, chooses rituals and readings with the couple, and offers vow-writing coaching. Unlimited contact means every line can be edited until it feels right.
She coordinates with the planner, photographer and venue, attends the rehearsal on request, and guides the couple through the county marriage license, which must be obtained within 30 days of the wedding.
On the day she officiates, usually for 20 to 30 minutes, then signs and files the marriage license with the clerk's office.
Our wedding was amazing! Rev. Benita's captivating words are still, to this day, a highlight of our ceremony. Inspiring and encouraging words we will never forget, we are so appreciative of her professionalism and care. Rev. Benita gave us a gift that was priceless!
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
The Complete Marriage Experience is $900, the Signature Experience is $600 and the Nashville Elopement Ceremony for up to 10 guests is $450. Destination weddings are priced for each couple, with travel expenses quoted separately and approved in advance.
A fully customised ceremony, premarital sessions and a mindfulness session where the package includes them, officiating on the wedding day, vow-writing assistance and filing of the marriage license.
Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood and Middle Tennessee, plus destination weddings worldwide. Travel fees apply to destination ceremonies.
Most couples book 6 to 12 months ahead so there is time for premarital sessions. Limited last-minute availability may exist, so it is worth asking.
A retainer secures the wedding date and the balance is due two weeks before the ceremony. Major credit cards are accepted, with an additional fee on card payments.
Yes. Personal vows are encouraged, and vow-writing coaching is offered. Traditional or repeat-after-me vows are also possible.
Most ceremonies last 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the rituals and readings chosen.
Couples obtain the license from the county clerk within 30 days before the wedding. After the ceremony Benita signs it and makes sure it is filed. For weddings outside Tennessee she ensures the local legal requirements are met.
Your message goes straight to Rev., with your date, guests and the kind of wedding you have in mind.
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Ask for a place, a name, a trade or the whole wedding. Every answer comes from checked records.
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