3 Ceremony Styles -- Short & Sweet to Love Story!
Sharing Love Stories in Chicago & the Suburbs!
Service area
Rev. Phil Landers
OWNER
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER (16X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Rev. Phil Landers will craft a ceremony that is fun, memorable and no-stress!
Rev. Phil offers 3 packages. All ceremonies are 30 minutes or less. So, all are "short and sweet." He has ideas you've never thought of -- for he has married over 1400 couples.
He will do something no other officiant does. From a 5-star review, "And then—he did something no one expected. Phil included a one-of-a-kind element in the ceremony that none of our guests had ever seen before. It was creative, heartfelt, and incredibly moving. People are still talking about it, and honestly, so are we." Meet Rev. Phil via zoom and he will explain it.
He also offers a complete script in advance, a one hour rehearsal on a separate day, a 90 minute planning meeting, to share your love story at your wedding! That's the ultimate way to personalize a ceremony and to add laughter.
Like you, NETFLIX was searching for the best Chicago area officiant. They chose only one officiant to do multiple weddings on LOVE IS BLIND -- Rev. Phil Landers!
He is the FIRST Chicago wedding officiant inducted into The Knot Hall of Fame! He has 360+ reviews (try to find a bad one, really.)
RESEARCH Rev. Phil -- watch love story videos and read reviews. What he does is extra-ordinary.
NEXT STEP: meet on Zoom for an FREE one hour consultation.
With a team of 6, someone is available for your wedding!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rev. Phil works with couples who are NON-RELIGIOUS, single faith and interfaith. Although a real minister, he wants your ceremony to reflect you, not him. The complete script in advance (very rare) will prove it's just the way YOU want it.
Details
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Religious Affiliations
Christian
Catholic
Protestant
Interfaith
Jewish
Reform
Secular
Spiritual
Wedding Activities
Wedding
Ceremony
Awards and Affiliations
16-Time 'Best of Weddings'
2026.2025.2024.+13 more.
Best of Weddings
The Knot independently assesses vendors for this award—it’s never self-reported. We base it on firsthand experiences from real couples and guests, and they must have a 4.5-star average across 7+ reviews in the qualifying year.
Hall of Fame
Earned by winning 'Best of Weddings' four or more times.
Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding
Meet the team
Rev. Phil Landers
Owner
Rev. Phil is a real minister with a Master of Divinity degree. He's been a pastor but now only does weddings -- 75+ a year! He believes the CEREMONY should be the best part of the wedding day. Rev. Phil has been married to Pam for 40 years. He's amazed he's old enough to be married that long and grateful Pam has hung in that long. She is his best friend. He enjoys the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune (on his iPad), the Chicago Bears, movies (his goal is to see every movie nominated for an Oscar), summer concerts at the Chicago Botanic Garden, wine and, of course, Jesus.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0368 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help
you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Reviewers rave the officiant creates deeply personal, story-driven ceremonies mixing humor and emotion that captivate guests. They praise excellent communication, organization, rehearsal support, cultural sensitivity, unique touches (like surprise "secret loves"), and smooth vendor coordination. Many felt it was worth the cost and highly recommend booking.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
Pedro V
Highlighted review.
5.0
10/28/2025
When you read all the glowing reviews about Rev. Phil, you want to believe them — but if you’re anything like me, there’s a little doubt that they could all be true.
After having ...
Rev. Phil officiate our ceremony, I can say without a doubt that every word is accurate. Our ceremony wasn’t a typical, cookie-cutter event that guests politely sit through — it was personal, meaningful, and completely centered on us as a couple. Our guests smiled, laughed, and even teared up. Many told us it was one of the highlights of the entire day.
If you want to start your wedding day on the perfect note, you owe it to yourself to at least meet with Rev. Phil and hear what he has to offer. If your experience is anything like ours, having him be part of your special day will be one of the best decisions you make.
Dana S
5.0
7/07/2026
Rev Phil was incredible. The ceremony was a very important part of our wedding day and it would not have been as special as it was without him. He not only takes the time to really...
get to know his couples, but he brings such unique elements of storytelling to the ceremony. We had never seen this at a wedding before and our guests told us it was the best ceremony they had ever been to. The story of my husband and me being incorporated was such a fun layer. Thank you Rev Phil!!
Any questions?
Amber T
5.0
7/02/2026
Rev Phil officiated our ceremony with professionalism and was exactly what we were looking for. He is responsive and genuinely a good person - we appreciate his work to make our ce...
remony the most special day of our lives!
-Matt and Amber
Raymund S
5.0
5/09/2026
We had the pleasure of working with Rev. Phil. He was very friendly, funny, and accommodating of our different cultural backgrounds. He helped build a ceremony that was memorable a...
nd unique. He was very proactive with communication and gave us drafts of the script, allowing us to modify them, so that we knew exactly what would be said/done during the ceremony. Rev. Phil is a master of his craft; although the price point was slightly above our initial budget, it was definitely worth it. It was very reassuring to have a professional who knows the ins and outs of wedding ceremonies from a variety of cultures. We would highly recommend working with Rev. Phil!
Kathleen F
5.0
4/30/2026
If you are looking for the perfect officiant for your wedding, look no further and BOOK "I DO" Weddings. We knew after our first meeting with Rev. Mike Klamecki, that he was our gu...
y for the wedding. Not only did he take the time to get to know both of us throughout the entire year of wedding planning, but the arrangement of our love story and ceremony script was beyond amazing. Rev. Mike Klamecki also took the time to get to know our bridal party during our rehearsal AND he worked with our other vendors to make sure the day ran smoothly. All of our guests (who have been to many wedding over the years) have all commented on how our wedding was the BEST they have ever been too. The ceremony brought not only tears but many laughs as well. We even added a special moment where my now husband says vows and gives matching wedding bands to my daughters. The guests all lost it at this point in the ceremony. Rev. Mike will continue to touch base with you to ensure you are relaxed and ensure that any questions or concerns you have are addressed asap. THANK YOU Rev. Mike for making this Type A, perfectionists bride's wedding day ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!!!!
Catie H
5.0
4/10/2026
We couldn’t have asked for a better officiant than Reverend Phil for our wedding. One of the most meaningful touches he added was his “secret loves” inclusion. It was such a unique...
and thoughtful element that made our non religious ceremony feel personal and authentic. Since we chose to keep our ceremony traditional and share private vows separately, this made the ceremony feel more special and meaningful.
It was clear throughout the entire process that he genuinely cared about us and our experience. He took the time to understand who we are and created a ceremony that felt sincere, intentional, and memorable. We are so grateful for the care and heart he put into making our day so special.
Bella H
5.0
2/18/2026
Phil is the best. He made a great experience for us and was professional.
Cathleen C
5.0
1/01/2026
We are so happy with our decision to go with I Do Weddings, and working with Reverend Mike was an absolute joy! From the very beginning, it was clear how passionate and dedicated h...
e is to his work. He was incredibly organized, thoughtful, and guided us through every step of the process with so much care and expertise.
Reverend Mike created a detailed and well-structured timeline and took the time to truly tailor our ceremony to us as a couple. We had several unique requests, and he integrated each one seamlessly into the ceremony. His professionalism, positivity, and kind nature made the entire planning process feel easy and reassuring!
Our wedding party also felt completely at ease thanks to his clear instructions and thorough rehearsal. From day one, we knew we were in excellent hands. Reverend Mike helped create a ceremony that was heartfelt, joyful, and deeply meaningful by beautifully emphasizing the love and bond between my husband and me. We are so grateful to Reverend Mike and I Do Weddings for helping us create the fairytale ceremony of our dreams!
Alexandra L
5.0
12/17/2025
We couldn’t have asked for a better reverend to lead our ceremony. Rev. Phil is different than any other. He guided us through each step, even planning from out of state. From our ...
first meeting, we had full confidence that the day would be seamless.
He had meaningful contributions to the script that highlighted things about us as a couple. He created a guide, and script that was shared with us incrementally before the big day. On top of his organization, he was lighthearted, friendly, and flexible. He remembered small things about us and created a warmth to our rehearsal and wedding day.
From the very beginning, communication was seamless. He was always quick to reply, thoughtful, and incredibly easy to work with. From our first zoom call with him, we had full confidence that our ceremony would be perfect.
Sarah H
5.0
11/19/2025
We would absolutely recommend Rev Phil to be an officiant at any wedding. From the very first email response to every correspondence along the way - Rev Phil was a rockstar. He to...
ok the time to get to know us, communicated with us every step of the process with timelines and reminders. He made our elopement so very personal. We could not believe how detailed and intimate he made the ceremony. We absolutely loved the "surprise" 5-7 things we had to list about our significant other that were revealed to us during the ceremony. Rev Phil had wonderful recommendations for us for our "super secret" day as well as was very accommodating to venue, time, and date. He was willing to travel, which took the stress off of us immensely. Definitely got our money's worth and would recommend him again in a heartbeat to anyone.
Ann E
5.0
11/05/2025
We cannot say enough wonderful things about Rev. Phill! From start to finish, he made our ceremony feel completely personal, meaningful, and truly about us. He took the time to get...
to know us and guided us through every step of the process — from the structure of the ceremony to the heartfelt details that made it uniquely ours. His care, thoughtfulness, and genuine spirit shone through in every moment.
My absolute favorite part of the entire day was when my husband and I shared our reasons for why we love each other — a beautiful idea that Rev. Phill incorporated perfectly. Hearing those words out loud, realizing how aligned our hearts and thoughts were, and seeing our guests’ reactions was unforgettable. It’s something we will cherish for the rest of our lives, and so many guests told us afterward how touching and personal it was.
Rev. Phill went above and beyond in every way. His warmth, sincerity, and professionalism made us feel completely at ease, and it truly felt like he had known us for years. We would not have wanted anyone else to officiate our wedding — he was absolutely perfect for us and worth every penny.
Rev. Phill made our day more meaningful than we ever could have imagined, and we will gladly recommend him to anyone and everyone looking for an officiant who will make your ceremony personal, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
Grant H
5.0
10/24/2025
When looking for an officiant, we wanted to find someone who could bring us a unique ceremony that felt like it was made just for us, and that’s exactly what Reverend Phil did. His...
wide variety of options allowed us to choose exactly what we wanted, without us having to figure out all of the logistics ourselves. We could pick and choose the pieces that felt right for us and he put it all together beautifully. Our ceremony was so special and meaningful, and we were able to put our trust in him to professionally and personally make it all happen. Reverend Phil was great to work with, and his services were well worth any cost. Our wedding day flew by in the blink of an eye but I vividly remember everything about our ceremony because of how well it was crafted just for us. We received so many compliments on the ceremony, specifically. Highly recommend!!!
Samantha P
5.0
10/20/2025
Rev. Phil delivered a ceremony that was deeply personal, emotionally resonant, and truly unforgettable. His warmth, charisma, and presence immediately put us at ease, and he brough...
t a sense of joy and reverence that elevated every moment. From our first conversation, he took the time to get to know us — not just as a couple, but as individuals — and crafted a ceremony that felt authentic, intentional, and full of heart.
He gave us space to tell our love story in our own words, while seamlessly weaving in his own reflections and guidance with professionalism and grace. Guests kept telling us it was the best wedding they’d ever attended — not just because of the setting or the details, but because the ceremony felt alive, meaningful, and deeply connected to who we are. We felt seen, celebrated, and completely supported in his presence. Rev. Phil is more than an officiant — he’s a storyteller, a calming force, and a true master of his craft.
Rebecca R
5.0
10/15/2025
Our guests still talk about our ceremony months after the wedding. Rev. Phil crafted the perfect ceremony with a mix of spirituality, romance, sentiments and humor. Our guest said ...
they have never cried so much during a ceremony. It felt personalized and allowed our guests to connect to us even more. The entire planning process was easy and relaxed, which is not common during wedding planning. Do yourself a favor and book him!
Erin B
5.0
10/12/2025
Reverend Phil Landers made our wedding ceremony absolutely unforgettable! He took the time to get to know us, our story, and what mattered most to us, and he turned it all into a c...
eremony that was so personal and meaningful. It was beautiful, emotional, and also so much fun — our guests couldn’t stop smiling and laughing! The ceremony truly became the most special part of our day. My husband and I couldn’t have picked a better person to marry us. We highly, highly, highly recommend Reverend Phil!
Sara W
4.0
9/17/2025
Reverend Phil was extremely personal, had great organizational skills, and is genuinely a GREAT person! I wish he would have pronounced our name right during the ceremony, but that...
was a small hiccup to an otherwise wonderful experience with him!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 09/19/2025
I'm so sorry for mispronouncing your name. While planning the wedding, I sent the PHONETIC...
S of your name to you -- to make sure I had it right. You emailed me, "The pronunciation of the bride and groom's names are CORRECT."
The ceremony was terrific. You painted wonderful pictures with your love about each other.
You actually danced -- not just shuffle like most of us, my wife and I included -- for your first dance. The cake was great -- Nothing Bundt Cake. Such a clever way to toast -- combining Tennessee and Texas whiskeys to honor each family. The toasts were rich in love.
Kara K
5.0
4/13/2025
We feel so lucky to have had Reverend Phil as our officiant—he truly made our outdoor ceremony not only beautiful and memorable, but deeply meaningful. He brought the perfect balan...
ce of a religious tone with warmth and sincerity, creating an atmosphere that felt so personal and reflective of us as a couple.
Every part of the ceremony was incredibly intentional. Reverend Phil involved us throughout the entire process, from approving the full script to holding a rehearsal on the grounds to ensure everything would go smoothly. He didn’t just officiate—he genuinely acted as a ceremony coordinator, stepping in when needed (including when the wind unexpectedly knocked over and broke our glass vases) and handling it all with calm and care.
Also, he's not an officiant that you have to ask to step out of the way for photos. He's already thought of that and will recommend dozens of other tips and tricks to make sure everything goes smoothly! We can't recommend Reverend Phil enough to any couple looking for a ceremony that’s heartfelt, thoughtful, and truly unforgettable.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 04/15/2025
The fans for guests worked well on a hot sunny day. The ceremony was as grand as the new G...
rand Garden at the Morton Arboretum.
Ceremonies should be "beautiful, memorable and deeply meaningful." Thank you for saying that yours was -- since that was my goal. After 1400 weddings, I've learned some things that I am happy to share to make the day go "smoothly" (to quote you).
Great photos!
Christina T
5.0
1/14/2025
Choosing Rev. Phil Landers as the officiant for our 25th Wedding Anniversary Renewal of Vows was indeed the right decision. His professionalism and personalized touch shone through...
from our very first inquiry, throughout our meetings, and right up to the day of the ceremony. He consistently arrived on time for every meeting and devoted his time to understanding our love story. He promised us a unique vow renewal ceremony, and he exceeded our expectations.
We are delighted with how our ceremony turned out. Our friends and family who witnessed this extraordinary event continue to talk about how our ceremony stood apart from traditional weddings. Rev. Phil shared our “Happy Days” love story in a way that captivated and touched everyone present.
As we relive this special day, we remain grateful for the unforgettable memories he helped create.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/14/2025
Every person in the processional was applauded. That was so nice, so affirming of them. Yo...
ur guests responded so enthusiastically to your love story. Since it was your 25th renewal of vows, people had not heard that story for a long time. (if ever).
Kind of you to say that I "exceeded your expectations." Even renewal of vows ceremonies should have guests "continue to talk about it" and be "unforgettable".
Chris C
5.0
1/09/2025
Rev. Phil was a light of the day. His words were so amazing and well said and when he spoke about us he was able to truly grasp the uniqueness. He put in the time to be sure to do ...
that, we had multiple meetings with him explaining our love story and the way he put it into a fun, concise, and meaningful ceremony was so great. He was so professional and on top of every detail to make sure we had the perfect day. He cared about absolutely every detail and worked with our venue, dj, photographer in advance of the day to make sure all were on the same page. He ensured the photographer knew important timings and he stepped out of the way before announcing us and the kiss. It was just so perfect, his public speaking was amazing and again the way he was able to tie a tapestry of stories and love, we will be so grateful forever.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/09/2025
Your 3 flower girls -- the youngest in a red wagon -- were adorable. Chris, you were blink...
ing hard when your bride came down the aisle -- in spite of doing hours of photos with her.
What a compliment to be called "a light of the day"! You two are unique -- thanks for saying I captured that. Ceremonies should be "fun, concise and meaningful." That's what I strive for.
"A tapestry of stories and love" -- what a way to summarize it!
Mari S
5.0
1/09/2025
We cannot express enough how thankful we are for having Rev. Phil as part of our special day. From the moment we met him, it was clear that he was dedicated to making our ceremony ...
a true reflection of our relationship. He took the time to get to know us, and his ability to personalize the ceremony with our unique love story was truly special. Every word he spoke resonated deeply with us, and it felt as though he had known us for years.
The entire process of working with him was seamless and enjoyable. He guided us through every step, offering suggestions while also ensuring that our wishes were always honored. His patience and kindness put us at ease, especially during moments when we were feeling nervous or unsure.
When it came time for the ceremony, we were in awe of how beautifully it all came together. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how heartfelt and personalized the ceremony was. It was unlike any other wedding ceremony they had attended, and it made our day feel even more meaningful.
We are so thankful for the role Rev. Phil played in our wedding. He truly helped to create an experience that we will cherish forever. His warmth, attention to detail, and ability to craft such a personal and memorable ceremony made all the difference. We highly recommend him to any couple who wants a ceremony that is not only unique but also filled with love and authenticity.
- The Sparks 💖
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/09/2025
Your flower girl was a big hit -- go grandma! Guests so enjoyed your love story -- you let...
me keep it real.
Honored that if felt like I "had known you for years." I spend a lot of time getting to know you.
Thank you pointing out that I shared my expertise but in a way that honored your wishes. Getting you a complete script in advance confirmed that for you.
Ceremonies should be "personable and memorable." Thanks for saying that I made yours to be just that.
Traci L
5.0
1/08/2025
Rev. Phil was worth every penny! He orchestrated an unforgettable, heartfelt, and engaging ceremony that felt so meaningful and genuine and set the tone for the evening. We wanted ...
a light-hearted, semi-religious, not-so-traditional ceremony outside of the church that captured our unique bond and kept our guests engaged. Rev. Phil delivered our vision! He did all the heavy lifting in the planning process which made things so easy on us. Our script turned out perfect! The ceremony felt like it was truly ours. Rev. Phil knew the best way for us to honor our parents in a way they would love and appreciate, which they did! The "secret loves" part of the ceremony was fun and incredibly touching. Our guests were so impressed, many said it was the best ceremony they had ever been to. We laughed, we cried, and we felt so much love in the room. We are so grateful Rev. Phil officiated our ceremony. We will never forget it!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/09/2025
It was standing room only for your ceremony. Thanks for letting me turn off the gas firepl...
ace I was standing directly in front of.
Wedding ceremonies should be "unforgettable, heartfelt and engaging" -- not cookie cutter boring.
Thanks for saying I met your vision. That's my goal -- your wedding, your way.
Having guests say it was "the best wedding they have ever been to" is the highest of compliments.
Carolyn Y
5.0
1/08/2025
We are so pleased with choosing Reverend Phil for officiating our big day! We made the right decision! We had a beautiful, organized and very memorable ceremony. Our family and f...
riends kept saying how wonderful our wedding ceremony. We would definitely recommend him to anyone we know. Thank you Rev. Phil!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/09/2025
You honored your grandparents and sponsors by having them in the processional. You honored...
your mothers with flowers. You honored your heritage, Carolyn, with cord/veil and coins.
Ceremonies should be "beautiful, organized and very memorable." Thanks for saying so.
Fran D
5.0
1/04/2025
Rev. Phil was the perfect officiant for our special day.
When we started planning our wedding, my husband and I agreed that the ceremony was something we wanted to invest in.
We...
weren’t sure how to search for an officiant due to our different religious backgrounds but after our initial conversation we knew Rev. Phil was the one (fun fact: he was the first and only officiant we looked at)
Communication was what really sold us. Rev. Phil explained everything from beginning to end, took notes of traditions that were important to us, and even communicated between vendors which took a lot of stress from us.
Our ceremony was definitely tailored to us a perfect balance of tradition and modernization. Our guests told us several times how personal the ceremony was and that was exactly what we strived for.
We truly are blessed and thankful to have worked with Rev. Phil.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/04/2025
Candles honored the memory of your brother and friend. Flowers honored your mothers. The F...
ilipino traditions honored your heritage.
Yes, the ceremony is worth "investing" in to make it special. Thank you for saying it was "worth every penny."
Communication is so important. If's how you know the planning is moving along well and the ceremony is just what you want.
I was "blessed and thankful" to get to marry you.
Alessia B
5.0
12/18/2024
Rev. Phil was absolutely incredible! From the very beginning, he took the time to get to know us—not just as a couple, but as individuals—which made our ceremony deeply personal an...
d meaningful. His attention to detail and organization throughout the entire process was invaluable, and it was clear that he truly cares about making every moment special.
What sets Rev. Phil apart is his ability to craft a ceremony that feels completely unique. Our ceremony was heartfelt and resonated with everyone in the room. Thanks to him, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight!
If you're looking for an officiant who will personalize every aspect of your ceremony and make it unforgettable, Rev. Phil is the one you want. His warmth, professionalism, and genuine care made our day even more special than we could have imagined!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 12/30/2024
Your tears, Alessia, during your vows were so touching. As you pointed out, there was not ...
a dry eye in the house.
Wedding ceremonies should be unique -- you two are. Thanks for saying that yours was. I'm so glad the ceremony was "even more special than we could have imagined!"
Valerie P
5.0
11/24/2024
Reverend Phil Landers was absolutely phenomenal and made our wedding ceremony truly unforgettable. Our guests couldn't stop raving about how personal, heartfelt, and engaging the c...
eremony was—it felt like he had known us for years!
From the start, Reverend Phil guided us through every step of the planning process with such care and professionalism. He helped us create a ceremony that was completely customized to our story, values, and personalities. One of our favorite moments was how he seamlessly blended humor and sentiment, making the ceremony both joyful and deeply meaningful. If you’re looking for an officiant who will make your ceremony stand out and leave a lasting impression on everyone, Reverend Phil Landers is the one. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to work with him!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 12/30/2024
It is the greatest of compliments that "it felt like [Rev. Phil] had known us for years." ...
I take the time to make that happen. No cookie-cutter weddings with me.
So glad that "the guests couldn't stop raving." Ceremonies should be "personal, heartfelt and engaging."
It was such a pleasure to work with you two.
Aubrey S
5.0
11/15/2024
Rev. Phil delivered an unforgettably touching, humorous, and unique ceremony that our guests raved about. When we first found Rev. Phil, we didn't have any specific vision for our ...
ceremony - we assumed that since we were looking for a secular ceremony that it would naturally be bare-boned. But after speaking to Rev. Phil (who was glad to perform a secular ceremony!) and watching the love story videos on his website, we clicked immediately. We did go beyond our original budget, but it was so worth it.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 12/30/2024
Traffic was 'fun' being the morning of the Chicago Marathon. We all got through it.
Secu...
lar ceremonies need not be boring. (And, yes, I'm glad to do them. I want the ceremony to reflect the couple, not me.)
Sharing your love story was so much fun! The laughter from your guests proved it. So did your guests "raving" about the ceremony.
Sharing your love story takes a lot more time and expertise. Thanks for going beyond your original budget, saying that it "was so worth it."
Daniel W
5.0
11/12/2024
Rev. Phil is extraordinary! He is a fantastic officiant and an amazing person! His wide flexibility, diligent organization, and crystal-clear communication helped so much in reduci...
ng the stress in planning our ceremony and most certainly was worth the cost. His delivery of our 5 secret loves about each other were exactly what we imagined, and he did an excellent job officiating such an amazing wedding for us. The guests loved his personality, bringing up several of his quotes later on that night and the following days. It is clear that he is someone who does this profession because he truly enjoys it, as he takes the time to get to know each couple and their unique story and uses it to create a personalized script based on their specific qualities. One thing that especially demonstrated how caring he is was that even after the ceremony, he took the time to sit with some of our guests and learn more about us from them. Without a doubt, he was the best vendor at our wedding, and we would recommend him to anyone looking to start their special day with an excellent, memorable ceremony.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 12/30/2024
Daniel, you had the biggest grin the entire time your bride walked down the aisle. (Armour...
House in Lake Forest has the longest outdoor aisle in all of Chicagoland.)
Such a compliment that your guests at the reception brought up words I had said during the ceremony. Proves they were engaged.
I do enjoy what I do -- and getting to know couples. It's my pastor's heart.
To be called "the best vendor of your wedding" is a great compliment. Thank you.
Aleksandra J
5.0
11/06/2024
We are beyond grateful for the incredible support and guidance we received from Rev. Phil on our wedding day. From the very first moment we reached out to him, he was warm, welcomi...
ng, and eager to help us create the perfect ceremony. Not only did he help us with writing our vows, but he also took the time to really understand our vision and what was meaningful to us, making sure our ceremony felt personal, unique, and full of love.
On the day of the wedding, Rev. Phil was an absolute joy to have by our side. His upbeat and kind demeanor set the tone for the entire day and helped ease any nervousness we had. He made everything feel so effortless and smooth—truly a walk in the park. His ability to be understanding and flexible was a true blessing, as he helped us navigate last-minute changes with grace.
Most importantly, he made our ceremony unforgettable. His words were heartfelt and beautiful, creating a moment that we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. We couldn’t have asked for a better officiant. Thank you, Rev. Phil, for making our day so incredibly special! If you are looking for someone who is professional, thoughtful, and caring, look no further—he’s the one!
Anna G
5.0
11/04/2024
We ended up working with Rev. Paul Fasano, based on Rev. Phil's recommendation, since he was unavailable for our wedding date. Rev. Paul was fantastic in communication and helped u...
s plan a beautiful wedding ceremony. We had no idea where to start with our ceremony and Paul had great suggestions for us. We had a great time working with him, Rev. Paul made us feel at ease! He was great with communication and answered all of our questions along the way.
Ashley B
5.0
10/27/2024
Rev Phil was worth every penny. His attention to detail and passion for what he does made the entire process seamless start to finish. We thoroughly enjoyed working with him and gu...
ests loved the entire ceremony! Highly recommend Rev Phil for anyone needing an Officiant!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 12/30/2024
The groom blinked really hard when you came down the aisle -- sweet. You honored your fami...
lies with memorial candles, playing Ave Maria and the breaking of the glass.
Thank you for noticing that "the entire process was seamless, start to finish". That's my goal.
Guests should "love the entire ceremony!" They should not be bored, waiting for the party to start. The ceremony is the reason for the day. It should be the highlight of the day.
Michael T
5.0
10/15/2024
We had the pleasure of having Rev. Phil officiate our wedding, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From our first conversation to our wedding, Rev. Phil was warm, w...
elcoming, and you can tell he knew what he was doing.
The ceremony was beautifully personalized. Rev. Phil took the time to understand our love story and incorporated elements that truly reflected our relationship. The vows were meaningful and our guests loved his incorporation of our story.
Rev. Phil lead our rehearsal and did a great job in helping set us up for our big day! On the day of the wedding, Rev. Phil arrived early, calm and composed, which helped ease our nerves. The ceremony flowed seamlessly, and their ability to engage our guests created an intimate atmosphere that made everyone feel included.
We received countless compliments from our friends and family about how lovely the ceremony was, and we wholeheartedly agree. If you’re looking for an officiant who will bring creativity, engage with your guests and make it memorable.
We recommend Rev. Phil!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 12/30/2024
You cried, Michael, when you saw your bride come down the aisle. It took 3 tries to get th...
e unity candles lit :>)
Guests should be engaged, not bored. Twice you said they were. Thank you for that.
Ceremonies should be "memorable." I appreciate you saying yours was.
Anonymous
5.0
10/02/2024
Rev. Phil was worth every penny and then some! Throughout the entire process he was so warm and relaxed. He even made sure to get my more complicated first name correct, which mean...
t a lot to me. He was always easy to reach, communicate with, and organized. Our guests told us that they had never been to a wedding quite like ours, and Phil was the stand out of the day! Telling our love story was so perfect and so us and Phil delivered.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/03/2025
The harpist sounded so beautifully. Guest audibly "awww"'d at the sweet spot of your love ...
story.
Thank you for saying I was worth the cost. Calming your nerves, telling your love story so well is something that takes expertise and time.
The ceremony should be the highlight of the day (it IS the point of the day, after all.)
Xinyi F
5.0
9/30/2024
Rev. Phil was amazing! He made our big day absolutely perfect and special! Our guests said that was the longest and sweetest vow they had ever heard! The "love secrets" part made t...
he ceremony incredibly memorable, and it was really fun! We reached out to Rev. Phil only one week before our ideal wedding date, yet he responded swiftly, arranged everything beautifully, and gave us invaluable advice. Thanks to Rev. Phil’s support and professionalism, we now have unforgettable memories of our micro wedding!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/03/2025
You wore walking shoes out to Olive Park in Chicago. Then you switched to dress shoes for ...
the ceremony.
Even short notice (one week) small weddings (micro wedding) should be personalized and unique. Thanks for saying yours was so memorable.
rj m
5.0
9/30/2024
We were fortunate to have Rev. Phil Landers officiate our wedding, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the experience he created for us. From the moment we met him, his wa...
rm personality, thoughtful approach, and genuine care for our love story shined through. He took the time to get to know us as a couple, ensuring that our ceremony felt personal, heartfelt, and uniquely ours.
Rev. Phil's ability to blend humor, emotion, and deep meaning into his words was truly remarkable. Our guests were touched, and many commented on how beautiful and engaging the ceremony was. He made everyone feel included and brought an extra level of joy and love to the entire day.
If you are looking for an officiant who is not only professional and organized but also deeply compassionate and invested in making your ceremony unforgettable, Rev. Phil Landers is the one. He made our wedding day even more special than we could have imagined, and we highly recommend him to any couple
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/03/2025
Robert, you walked down the aisle 3 times -- with each mom, with your bride.
Guests shoul...
d feel included and touched -- not bored. Thanks for saying your guests were "touched" and "engaged."
So glad your ceremony was "personal, heartfelt and uniquely ours". That is what I strive for. After all, you two are unique. So, your ceremony should reflect that.
Always good to have a groom write a review.
Angela C
5.0
8/20/2024
There's a reason to all the 5 star rave reviews he's getting, and I'm fortunate to be able to experience it first hand myself. Rev Phil Landers played a huge part on how smooth our...
big day went and really personalized our ceremony experience!
With all the planning and things to keep track of for the wedding, we knew we were in good hands when working with him on meeting him. He was incredibly responsive, detail-oriented, and an incredible story teller. Also, don't forget to mention the fantastic sense of humor. Definitely worth allocating the extra budget into working with him to curate our love story to tell to our guests! I highly recommend Rev Phil for anyone who is looking a wonderful personalized and memorable touch to your wedding ceremony.
Lea K
5.0
7/08/2024
5 stars is not even enough!! Rev Phil truly did a remarkable job. He makes the ceremony so personal, we laughed we cried and I wouldn’t change a thing about it! He is worth ever...
y penny and more. So many people after our wedding are talking about it. He keeps people engaged the entire time. Booking with him is a must if you want to have a wedding for people to remember.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/03/2025
The crying started when you walked down the aisle, Lea. Your fiance was blinking hard.
T...
he groom's parents confirmed that they learned where your first kiss was as I told your love story (in his bedroom, next to theirs where they were sleeping!)
Thanks for saying the ceremony was "so personal", that you "laughed and cried." I strive for genuine emotion. Weddings should not be boring.
That all takes more time and expertise. Thanks for saying I am worth the cost.
Jeffrey D
5.0
5/28/2024
We wanted to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible ceremony Rev. Phil orchestrated on our wedding day. His eloquence, warmth, and attention to detail made the moment tr...
uly magical for us and our guests. His guidance and support throughout the process were invaluable, and we are forever thankful for the role Rev. Phil played in making our day unforgettable.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/03/2025
Guests so enjoyed your love story. Your vows -- in Mandarin -- cracked each other up.
Tha...
nk you for saying your ceremony was "magical". That's the opposite of boring.
The view of the Chicago River and a bridge across it from the new Bridgeview Room of Trump Tower was impressive.
Yongxuan J
5.0
5/22/2024
Rev Phil is very personal with his process. At first we were surprised by the price, but after our first meeting we knew that there wouldn’t be an officiant better than him. The ce...
remony really was the part that our guests talked the most about. We highly recommend going through the first meeting then decide, it will definitely change you view on what an officiant really does in a wedding. We truly thank Rev Phil for making our ceremony phenomenal.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 05/23/2024
You laughed, you cried during the ceremony. It truly was "phenomenal." Can't wait to see t...
he photos. Your photographer said the ceremony shots were great. A delight that your guests kept talking about the ceremony all evening -- it is the point of the day, should be the highlight of the day. Thanks for saying it was more than worth the price.
Melissa B
5.0
5/02/2024
Reverend Phil is so wonderful, where do I begin? Without a doubt, he was the best investment we made for our wedding! He truly made the wedding so special and so unique to us that ...
I don't think anyone else could ever do! He blew us and the guests away with his phenomenal ceremony. His storytelling, organization skills and professionalism are some of the qualities I loved about him so much. His attention to detail and light personality made the planning process so easy and smooth. Even the rehearsal was so well directed, I knew I could trust him on the big day. The ceremony is by far the most important part of the day and we knew we needed someone who understood what we wanted. Revered Phil goes above and beyond for his couples and from the moment we met with him, I knew we made the right decision. You will not be disappointed by having Reverend Phil at your wedding. We cannot thank him enough for his absolutely flawless work during the entire ceremony. The first words my husband and I mentioned, was how absolutely PERFECT the ceremony had gone. It could not have gone any better and truly was better than what I had imagined. Thank you Reverend Phil for making our big day a dream come true! Please choose to work with him and you will be overjoyed!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/03/2025
Your guests so enjoyed your love story. So did my wife when I told her at home -- it's tha...
t memorable and fun.
Your ceremony was, indeed, "perfect" Glad you said it to each other right after the ceremony -- and in your review.
"A dream come true" is what I am striving for. Thanks for saying that's what you got from me -- a "phenomenal ceremony".
Shibai T
5.0
3/13/2024
Extremely professional and considerate, Rev. Phil Landers tended to all our needs. It was an incredible experience and he was incredibly responsive and engaged to every step. It wa...
s great to have him.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 03/13/2024
It was an intimate wedding with friends, a professor and people on Zoom. Your love about e...
ach other were so sweet -- as were your many kisses after I pronounced you husband and wife. Thanks for your kind words -- it's important to have an officiant who is "professional and responsive." Blessings.
Kelly D
5.0
1/30/2024
Choosing Rev. Phil to do our wedding ceremony was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. His ability to blend humor, sentiment, and profound insights into the ceremony ...
made for an unforgettable experience. He was incredibly flexible in time frames and made the ceremony feel truly ours. Phil’s professionalism and attention to detail were evident throughout, from the planning stages to the execution on the day. Our guests were thoroughly impressed and touched by the ceremony. If you want an officiant who can create a deeply personal and engaging ceremony, Reverend Phil is your person.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 02/06/2024
The flower girls did their job well (and looked so cute doing it with flower garlands in t...
heir hair.) So dramatic, Jacob, for you to see your bride for the first time walking down the aisle. I strive to create an "unforgettable experience." Thanks for saying that it was. Details matter in a wedding ceremony -- which is why it's important to me. Thank you for saying that your ceremeony was "deeply personal and engaging."
Miranda G
5.0
11/17/2023
Reverend Phil did a wonderful job officiating our wedding and included parts that were unique and special to us. He was very thorough and reliable in his preparation and presentati...
on for the ceremony, which is what every bride needs on her big day!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 11/17/2023
We rehearsed in the garden on Thursday. But the temperatures dropped so much that the Frid...
ay wedding had to be inside. Your daughter looked so cute in her bonnet coming down the aisle. You were blinking back tears when your bride came down the aisle. You have way less stress by my being "through and reliable." Weddings should be "unique and special". Thanks for saying that it was.
Kara G
5.0
11/15/2023
Reverend Phil officiated our wedding last month and did a phenomenal job! We were looking for officiants on The Knot and came across Rev. Phil with a ton of 5-star reviews. When we...
met with him over Zoom the first time, he was engaging, attentive and professional. He spent a ton of time with us, even before we decided to go with him. We chose him as our officiant because he was exactly what we were looking for - someone who would officiate a semi-religious, traditional ceremony outside of a church, but also tailor it to our personalities and love story. He did exactly that for our ceremony! When we got engaged, we had so many ideas for our reception, but not our ceremony. We previously felt like the wedding ceremony was just a requirement, a box we had to check. Rev. Phil made our ceremony so special and memorable. He exceeded our expectations and we received so many compliments after the ceremony. We highly recommend Rev. Phil and we are so happy we chose him for our wedding!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 01/10/2024
That was a whole lot of train, Kara. You honored your parents and grandparents during the ...
ceremony. I have to spend "a ton of time" before you book me to help you realize that the ceremony is not just "a box to be checked." Thanks for saying so. A memorable ceremony is what I strive for -- glad to hear I succeeded. A great love story. Blessings!
Kelly S
5.0
11/15/2023
Rev Phil made our ceremony so special. He helped us every step of the way. Our ceremony was so special to us, and had such unique elements! Our guest said such wonderful things abo...
ut the ceremony. Wouldn’t have changed a thing! So grateful we had Rev Phil to officiate our ceremony.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 11/15/2023
It was so windy you had to take your veil off at one point, Kelly. The flowers for moms wa...
s special. Glad you feel that way about the whole ceremony. Helping you plan is an important part of officiating. Kind of your guests to say such nice things. They laughed often at your love story. It's a really good one!
Ebony D
5.0
11/04/2023
Reverend Phil made our wedding day even more memorable and special. My husband and I planned our wedding in just under 4 months, so we had so much to do with not much time to work...
with. Not only did the Reverend make our ceremony more interesting and more memorable by sharing secret things that we love about each other, he also made sure that everyone was on the same page throughout the ceremony, so that everything would fall perfectly into place, which definitely took some stress off of us!
We're so glad that he was our wedding officiant! We highly recommend!!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 11/04/2023
You had tears, Jason, as your bride came down the aisle. (Why I love it when couples don't...
do a first look. I did at my wedding, too.) I contacted the DJ, photographer and videographer the week of the wedding. Yes, it makes the ceremony go smoother. It was a delightful ceremony.
Lauren P
5.0
11/01/2023
One of the biggest compliments we are still receiving (we were married in July) is regarding our ceremony and how Rev Phil put it all together! Rev. Phil guides you through the ent...
ire process. He is like a wedding planner for the perfect and most personalized ceremony. I highly recommend him to anyone in doubt about who they may choose to officiate!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 11/01/2023
That you are getting comments about your ceremony THREE months later is most gratifying. T...
hank you for saying that I am "like a ceremony planner." After 1300 weddings, I've learned what couples (and wedding party and parents) need to know. Lauren, you literally jumped for joy when I pronounced you husband and wife! That was amazing and delightful -- like you two.
Rosy L
5.0
10/06/2023
There's a reason he was on Netflix. His voice was made for ceremonies, and his experience and preparedness are second to none. Even after meeting with a few other people, it became...
pretty clear to us that all of the aspects that we liked from different people came back to Rev Phil and/or others he had trained.
Rev. Phil is also incredibly responsive and organized. It may seem like a lot, but there is definitely a method to the madness. After having been in several other weddings as a groomsman, I have only grown to appreciate Rev Phil more and more.
The price is incredibly reasonable in comparison to others, especially given the quality of the deliverables.
I would not hesitate to recommend Rev. Phil to anyone.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 10/30/2023
I've been told I have a voice for radio. I think I have the face for it, too :>) Everyon...
e was looking at you, Rosy, You cried, Santiago, when your bride came down the aisle. What a compliment that you have been IN other weddings since and appreciate my work "more and more". Blessings to you.
Jessica J
5.0
9/03/2023
Working with Reverend Paul as our wedding officiant was one of the best decisions we made throughout the wedding process. My husband and I really debated hiring an officiant versus...
asking someone in our family to marry us. We could not be happier that we made the decision we did. Our ceremony was truly memorable. Rev. Paul had all of our guests engaged throughout, with moments of laughter and happy tears, as he shared our love story. After the ceremony, we had SEVERAL guests come up to us to tell us that that was the most special wedding ceremony they had ever attended. A month later, people are still talking about it. Rev. Paul was organized and responsive throughout the process. He made sure our rehearsal day ran smoothly in order for us to have the most perfect wedding day. My husband and I also decided to do premarital counseling with Rev. Paul. I could not recommend this enough!! Through the several counseling sessions, Rev. Paul ensured we felt comfortable and really helped us to continue to grow our strong relationship. We truly started our marriage off on the right foot due to all we learned throughout these sessions. Thank you Rev. Paul and I Do Weddings for making our wedding so incredibly special!! We can't thank you enough!
Lorraine M
5.0
8/17/2023
Rev. Phil was nothing short of amazing! He was so detail-oriented with our love story and ceremony. He really captured the best moments to share with our guests. He also always gav...
e us the option to add or remove parts of the ceremony to fit our style which was very important for us. He communicated so well throughout the entire process and we couldn’t have asked for anything else! Our guests LOVED him.
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 10/30/2023
You two were amazing to work with. The unity wine went well. Details matter -- in love sto...
ries and in the ceremony. Kind of you to notice. Your guests were wonderful to me. Blessings.
Debbie d
5.0
7/05/2023
Rev Phil was fantastic. We connected with him so easily from the get-go, and he cared about the details as much as we did. Over the course of our wedding planning journey, we’ve ha...
d regular and ad-hoc meetings with him. He assigned us “homework” for us to think about together and return to him on set dates, which wasn’t too much nor overwhelming and kept us organized on the ceremony outline. He’s very responsive; I could easily get a hold of him via email/text. He’s also very flexible; we’ve changed our mind on certain unity symbols at the last minute and, after discussing with us, he pivoted. We truly appreciate him for his high quality service, professionalism, and understanding of the “crowd/audience”. Our ceremony was very engaging as a result, and we loved that we were able to show respect to our families’ religious/cultural backgrounds while at the same time ensuring that it’s not boring and that our guests learn about us and our love story. Thank you, Rev. Phil!
Response from "I Do" Weddings, Ltd. with Rev. Phil Landers on 10/30/2023
I do care about the details -- they make all the difference in the love story and the cere...
mony. Thank you for recognizing how quickly I responded (should be after you pay someone, not just before) and pivoted with you. Your dog, Butters, got such a great reaction when he came in. You honored your family in multiple ways. You wedding was in no way boring. (They never should be.) Blesssings.
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