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Attributes highlighted by couples

Marriage License & Certificate
Officiant
Great Planner

About

On WeddingWire since 2013

Gerald Fierst is in the Knot’s Wedding Hall of Fame, honored for his remarkable ceremonies, customized to the stories, traditions and needs of wedding couples throughout the NYC metro area. Celebrating the dreams, hopes, and love of the diversity of couples with whom he works – Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Persian, South Asian, Chinese, Gay or Straight – he creates a unique moment of magic when two become one. Review after review tells the same story- “Wow. We couldn’t ask for anything more.” He is one of America’s first Civil Celebrants, certified by both the International College of Celebrancy, Melbourne. Australia and the Celebrant Institute, Montclair, NJ. His book The Heart of the Wedding has been acclaimed as a “celebration of our families and ourselves with care, precision, and artistry.” As an actor and storyteller, he has won Parents Choice Awards for his recordings and been featured throughout the world at theaters, festivals, museums, and schools. Cherish the vision you have for your ceremony and let Gerald Fierst bring your stories and traditions to life in a moment that is reflective of the future you imagine together. This seasoned celebrant has the skill to make your “I do” a moment your guests will recall for years and you and your families will cherish for the rest of your lives.


Services Offered
The Heart of the Wedding presides over nuptials and civil services of all religions and traditions, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Chinese, and South Asian. He will work with you and your partner to craft an exchange of vows that reflects your backgrounds, values, and the future you’ve imagined together. He is a proud officiant for the LGBTQ community and has conducted same-sex ceremonies everywhere from Greenwich Village to Williamsburg art galleries. This minister is licensed to perform weddings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical price for your wedding services?

$752

Which of the following are included in the price?

Ceremony Rehearsal

What is the starting price for your wedding services?

$359

Does starting price include the ceremony rehearsal?

No

What is the starting price for ceremony rehearsals?

$151

What types of weddings and events do you provide services for?

Non-religious
Interfaith
Ceremony Rehearsal
Vow Renewal
Civil Union

What religious affiliations do you serve?

Agnostic
Buddhist
Hindu
Islam
Jewish
No Denomination
Taoist

On average, how long are wedding ceremonies you officiate?

Less than 30 mins.

In which states are you licensed?

CT
DC
MA
NJ
NY
PA
WA

What languages do you speak?

English
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Reviews of The Heart of the Wedding

5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
138 Reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Multiple reviewers highly recommend Gerald as an officiant for weddings, citing his professionalism, personalized and heartfelt ceremonies, and excellent storytelling abilities. He is praised for crafting unique ceremonies that captivate guests, making the experience memorable and special. Gerald\'s attention to detail, flexibility, and ability to engage the audience are highlighted as key factors that contribute to the success of wedding ceremonies he officiates. Overall, couples express immense satisfaction with his services, emphasizing his role in making their special day unforgettable.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Multiple reviewers highly recommend Gerald as an officiant for weddings, citing his professionalism, personalized and heartfelt ceremonies, and excellent storytelling abilities. He is praised for crafting unique ceremonies that captivate guests, making the experience memorable and special. Gerald\'s attention to detail, flexibility, and ability to engage the audience are highlighted as key factors that contribute to the success of wedding ceremonies he officiates. Overall, couples express immense satisfaction with his services, emphasizing his role in making their special day unforgettable.

Reagan
Reagan M. Sent on 05/08/2024
5 out of 5 rating

BEST officiant!!

To say Gerry was an incredible officiant is an understatement. Choosing him to officiate our wedding was one of the best decisions we made when planning our wedding. From our first conversation, Gerry made us feel comfortable and walked us through the ceremony planning process. He got to know us, listened to our wants and needs and prepared a beautiful ceremony that our friends and family and still raving about. Gerry is a true professional and is a great communicator. Highly recommend him!
Samantha
Samantha S. Sent on 07/01/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Thank you, Gerald!!!

Gerald officiating our marriage made the ceremony so special. We loved working with him from first meeting over zoom to the big day. Gerald is so knowledgeable in customs and traditions and was so creative in crafting our ceremony. Hes an excellent story teller, made the process a breeze, and gave us a professional, heartfelt, and unique ceremony that we’ll always cherish. Our guests were raving about it and we couldn’t have been happier. Highly recommend!
L
Lauren G. Sent on 06/04/2024
5 out of 5 rating

5/17/24 - Wouldn't have been the same without Gerald!

Gerald was worth every penny. Better than advertised. The simple fact is that he told us he wanted people to say after the ceremony, "How does he know them?" And multiple people asked us that.

He's a pleasure to speak to and to work with. Would recommend him to anyone looking for a celebrant who is the perfect balance of flexible and knowledgable to provide opinions and suggestions. We love Gerald!
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Awards

138
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Bridal Music Bridal Music Wedding Musicians

Dear Brides to Be, Our Flute and Violin Wedding Duo had the honor of working with Gerald of "The Heart of the Wedding" at a stunning Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, taking place at The Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank, NJ. Gerald's presentation is elegantly polished and outstandingly professional. He expertly, and magically, kept a very nervous Bride and Groom, calm and collected, throughout their Ceremony! Bravo, Gerald! Sincerely, Flutist/Artistic Director Michele, Bridal Music

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