Knoxville Officiants + Premarital Counseling

inowtheewed

Comfortable Traditional Life Events

Knoxville, TN

East Tennessee from mountains to plateau

Service area

5.0

Praised by couples for:

Great Planner

Seasoned Professional

Officiant

Doug did an excellent job. We had no complaints. He was prompt to every scheduled meeting and made our day very special!

Wayne H.

5.0

We are so thankful Pastor Doug was able to officiate our wedding ceremony. From the initial consultation to the end of the ceremony we felt genuinely cared for. Our guests also really enjoyed the words expressed and the passages used during the ceremony.

Kimberly R.

5.0

Doug Lubienski

PASTOR

Typically responds within 24h

AWARD WINNER

Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot

inowtheewed is a wedding officiant service based in Knoxville, TN. Pastor Doug Lubienski is passionate about creating deeply personal ceremonies, and his warm, inclusive approach ensures that every wedding is a unique expression of love and commitment. Pastor Doug's ceremonies are carefully tailored to reflect each couple's distinct vision and traditions. He offers a variety of rituals for couples to consider for their celebration, including hand-fasting and sand blending. These special traditions add a spiritual touch to the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the commitment that is being made on the big day. Pastor Doug takes the time to walk through every detail in advance, ensuring that the flow of the ceremony feels natural and engaging. He is dedicated to ensuring that every celebration is as unique as the couple themselves, pouring their distinct personalities into the ceremony. Reach out today to begin planning your bespoke ceremony and create a memory that you will cherish for the rest of your lives.

16+ years in business

Speaks English

Just me

Details

Ceremony Types

Civil Union

Commitment Ceremony

Elopement

Interfaith Ceremony

Non-Religious Ceremony

Religious Ceremony

Second Wedding

Vow Renewal Ceremony

Religious Affiliations

Buddhist

Christian

Hindu

Interfaith

Jewish

Muslim

Secular

Sikh

Spiritual

Wedding Activities

Premarital Counseling

Wedding

Ceremony

Awards and Affiliations

2026 'Best of Weddings'

Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding

Meet the team

Doug Lubienski

Pastor

My name is Doug Lubienski. I am an East Tennessee-based minister. I’ve been an ordained wedding officiant since 2010. I have been involved in ministry for over 30 years in Texas, Virginia and Tennessee. Why did I decide to become a wedding officiant? – The first wedding was for my daughter, who said, "Dad, I’m not getting married until you do it." So that’s how I started officiating weddings. Married to Justine, three adult children, six grandchildren. Have been in corporate life, consulting and sales. And am delighted to see couples get off to a great start.

5.0

out of 5.0

18 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 about the officiant as professional, personable, and flexible. He crafted deeply personal, meaningful ceremonies, coordinated with vendors, and offered valued premarital counseling. Communication was prompt, the day ran smoothly, and guests were moved—highly recommended.

Search reviews

Kaela R

Highlighted review.

There truly are not enough words to express how grateful we are for Pastor Doug. From the very beginning, he made us feel genuinely cared for, supported, and understood. We asked h...

im to provide premarital counseling, and those sessions became one of the most valuable parts of our wedding journey. His advice was wise, practical, heartfelt, and incredibly relevant to real life and marriage. Every conversation left us feeling more connected and more prepared for our future together. What makes Pastor Doug so special is how relatable, authentic, compassionate, and down to earth he is. He has a rare gift for making people feel comfortable while also offering guidance that truly stays with you. Our ceremony was everything we could have hoped for and more. It felt deeply personal, meaningful, and beautifully customized to us as a couple. Pastor Doug created a ceremony that perfectly reflected who we are and made one of the most important moments of our lives feel even more special. We feel incredibly lucky to have found him. He gave us so much more than a beautiful wedding ceremony. He gave us wisdom, encouragement, and memories we will carry with us forever. We cannot recommend Pastor Doug highly enough and truly hope to stay in touch with him for years to come.

Response from inowtheewed

Kaela, as a couple you and Chase left an impact on my life. The time spent together was a ...

privilege and a strong reminder of how we can decide to touch each other's lives. You humble me by that review and it gives me a "wow" moment. Thank you again for your trust and confidence. A continued blessing upon you both, especially with the new home going up. And find a good safe place for the envelope.

Wayne H

Doug did an excellent job. We had no complaints. He was prompt to every scheduled meeting and made our day very special!

Response from inowtheewed

Wayne, thank you for the review. With the way the wind and rain blew in and changed plans ...

for you and Lauren, it was a beautiful way of reminding all of us of how wind and rain can blow in life. And yet we get through it with grace and smiles. Thanks for letting me be a part of the day.

Any questions?

Kimberly R

We are so thankful Pastor Doug was able to officiate our wedding ceremony. From the initial consultation to the end of the ceremony we felt genuinely cared for. Our guests also rea...

lly enjoyed the words expressed and the passages used during the ceremony.

Response from inowtheewed

Kimberly, thanks for the very kind words. I trust you and Ben are doing well now that you ...

have crossed over a new step in life. Keep your envelope in a safe place and I am always available if you need me.

Amanda K

Doug was very professional, prompt replies, and put together a wonderful ceremony! I would definitely recommend him!

Response from inowtheewed

Amanda, it has been quite the journey from a glance in high school to this most life chang...

ing event. What amazing things are ahead of you and Brayden. I continue to trust all the best for you in the journey ahead. And keep that envelope in a safe place.

Amber M

Reverend Doug Lubienski was wonderfully professional and made our wedding day run effortlessly. He coordinated directly with our photographer to keep everything stress-free, and hi...

s local insights were invaluable in helping our day flow smoothly. We couldn't have asked for a better experience!

Response from inowtheewed

Amber, thanks to you and Greg for trekking from home to LeQuire and allowing me to be a pa...

rt of your day. Decisions made and promises to be kept are part of each day together now. Because you always want those good feelings, remember decisions are the glue. Keep the envelope in a safe place, and like I said, hopefully you never need to open it.

Taylor P

Doug was nothing but helpful every step of the way. He has kind words of wisdom for each couple, and made sure that our wedding ceremony ran smoothly on the day of. We also loved h...

ow Doug personalizes the ceremony to each couple. Would definitely recommend Doug for all of your officiating needs!!

Response from inowtheewed

Taylor, both you and Bryce made the day great for me. From the handfasting to the "envelop...

e" you have literally tied the knot. Always stand firm in your promises and decisions to love each other.

Christopher B

Doug was an absolute blessing/professional to have officiate our ceremony. His words were inspirational and heartfelt. The call prior to our meeting was a blessing as well. He talk...

ed us through our requests, plainly explained how to find the spot (I certainly would have not found without his directions) I personally appreciated the talk he had with us both before and after our special occasion. He made us feel important...not like just "another ceremony" he was performing. I would highly recommend him on both a personal and professional level. Because after the ceremony, he felt more like a friend! The photographer was as equally awesome. She took time to make sure each moment /pose was perfect!

Response from inowtheewed

Chris, thank you for the very kind words. Getting to the creek side was a reminder that su...

ccess in marriage takes effort and care. You and Michelle have a lifetime to keep your covenant promises. Always hang on to the envelope as a reminder. Blessings on you both.

Jemma S

When we first talked with Doug over the phone we knew right away he was our guy! He is very personable, honest of who he is and where he stands between couples who are taking their...

vows. He made our elopement the most special moment that we will cherish forever! We would recommend Doug 110%!!

Response from inowtheewed

Jemma, that is humbling and thank you for your thoughts. I will remember the view and the ...

wind. And, especially, the smiles on your and Paul's faces and the excitement in your voices. You are always welcome to call if you need me. Blessings on you both.

Megan G

Doug is amazing person and helped us with any and all questions we had. He recommended things to us and explained things well. He had people crying during our ceremony because he w...

as so great and personable and had everyone feel our love for each other through his words. He is amazing !

Response from inowtheewed

Megan, it was my honor to work with you and Joshua. The setting and weather were terrific....

Take care of the wedding knot and the envelope as great reminders of the importance of the day. Both of you made me welcome in many ways. Thanks.

Cooper J

Doug was a delight and certainly blessed to have him as a part of our wedding. He was very friendly, extremely flexible with our crazy wedding schedule moving around, prompt with a...

ny questions we had and truly felt he cared about our wishes, our story and life together. Not to mention, Doug has a great sense of humor and made the whole process enjoyable. Forever thankful for you Doug!

Response from inowtheewed

Thank you so much for the kind words. I walked away from the ceremony really touched by th...

e sweet, gentle promises you made to each other. And the weather adjustments worked out. Keep those agape promises and all will be well. Blessings on you, Number Fourteen.

Emily P

This was the most stress free wedding I could have asked for. Everyone’s communication was wonderful. We had a wonderful day and everything went smoothly.

Response from inowtheewed

Emily, you and Tobbie made the day memorable for me as well. Hang on to that envelope and ...

stay amazing.

Audrey T

Doug went above and beyond! Alec and I eloped before moving and buying a house and Doug was so flexible and clear with everything that would proceed. Thank you Doug!

Response from inowtheewed

Audrey, say hi to Alec for me. Did you make it out to Wyoming and get settled in yet? Trus...

t it went smoothly. Your ceremony with your folks was just as comfortable as can be. And I really do hope, especially with Christmas just a couple days away, that you are covered in blessings. And you always have my number..

Jacob W

Doug was an incredible officiant. Very kind, funny, and concise. His words for us were absolutely heartwarming and elevated our wedding so much. He even gave us a written copy of t...

he ceremony for posterity so we can look back at our special day. We cannot recommend this man enough!

Response from inowtheewed

Jacob, your and Tamsin's day was delightful. With all the recent changes in your lives, it...

is important to know you have the strength to make the journey. Blessings on you both.

Chris B

Doug did a fantastic job with the wedding, it couldn't have gone any better! Even our guests commented on what a great job he did and how much fun he was. We definitely recommend h...

iring Doug for your wedding, you'll love him!

Response from inowtheewed

Wow, now I have to live up to that. Thanks. You and Jenny made the day memorable for me an...

d it was my pleasure to serve you. Always around for the two of you.

Erika R

Doug was incredibly professional and truly made our moment so special and profound. We will always remember the words he left us with that day! Doug is a remarkable officiant with ...

a lovely Christ-like aura. If I were to get married again, (which I won’t ;), I would hire him!

Response from inowtheewed

Erika, first it was my honor to serve you and Austin. Second, wow hard to live up to that....

Third, we agree on the "not again" for you. Blessings on you both.

Mary B

Doug did an amazing job at our ceremony!! He got to know us before hand and was so friendly and made our day special

Mikayla V

Doug was absolutely amazing! He made sure to do an interview with us both prior to the wedding to get to know us and make the ceremony personal to us. He gave great advice and gave...

us tools to use in the future should we ever need them. I highly recommend him!!!

juan r

very professional, while we were short in time, Doug Lubienski make time for us and help us get everything coordinated and simple! thank you

Response from inowtheewed

Juan, thank you. It is always a pleasure to work with a couple like you and Irma. And we d...

id not melt in the heat that afternoon.

Service area & Contact info

Karns, TN, Knoxville, TN

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East Tennessee from mountains to plateau
Typically included in the starting cost

(186) 580-60366

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inowtheewed

Doug Lubienski

Pastor

Typically responds within 24h

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inowtheewed

About this vendor

Review Summary

Service area & Contact info

Wedding vendors in Knoxville

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