Patrick J. Shields

I originally became an ordained minister to officiate the wedding of two of my oldest friends, who needed someone who was registered in and who could perform a ceremony in New York City.

Shortly after, and before the first wedding, a young couple who work with my wife indicated they wanted to be married in New York City, where they met, before they moved to the Midwest for a job. These indicated to me the need for people to have someone available for highly specific and meaningful reasons.

I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and have lived the entirety of my adult life in New York City, since 1986.

To be light enough on my feet to handle any interruption or distractions from outside noise, or other unexpected sources, this insuring a meaningful and thoughtful, warm ceremony. Thunderstorm? Check Water main break? Check Things happen.

I am not religious, but in no way opposed to utilizing and offering religious sentiment and passages, as per the ideals of the couple.

Time permitting, I try to do two things: 1.) Get to know the couples and their families and friends, well enough to make informed and thoughtful comments about their love and their meaning to each other, and to those witnessing. 2.) Prepare passages, whether they be religious or secular, poetic or inspirational, that are relevant to and meaningful to, the couple. If possible, arrange for music which matters to them and their bond.

If covered in cost and per diem, I will travel anywhere in the world (subject to State Department warnings and restrictions), by special arrangement, and through negotiation, if money is not an object, and/if an overseas traveler, resident or other, requires or wishes for an American officiant. Seasoned traveler with current passport.

I equally wish to offer officiant services to all, though I do have one special type of couple I wish most to officiate for: those who have suffered loss and will now remarry. Widows and widowers (like myself) who have opened their hearts again after loss.