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Knoxville Officiants + Premarital Counseling

inowtheewed

Comfortable Traditional Life Events
5 out of 5 stars and 17 reviews
·
Knoxville, TN
East Tennessee from mountains to plateau
Service area
5.0
Verified reviews from real couples
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 was very professional, prompt replies, and put together a wonderful ceremony! I would definitely recommend him!
Amanda K.
5.0

About this vendor

Vendor
Doug Lubienski
PASTOR
Typically responds within 24h
Best of Weddings Award
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
Best of Weddings Award
2026 'Best of Weddings'
Why were they selected?
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.
Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding
Meet the team
Vendor
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.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0
17 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
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Review Summary

This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Pastor Doug is a professional, personable officiant who makes ceremonies deeply personal, heartfelt, and stress-free. Reviewers praised his clear communication, flexibility, premarital counseling, and vendor coordination, noting guests were moved and the day ran smoothly. He’s highly recommended for his warmth, wisdom, and reliable guidance.
Review photos
AvatarK
Highlighted review.
5/15/2026
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 on 05/15/2026
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.
AvatarK
8/13/2026
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 on 08/14/2026
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.
Circle Message
Any questions?
AvatarA
8/10/2026
Doug was very professional, prompt replies, and put together a wonderful ceremony! I would definitely recommend him!
Response from inowtheewed on 08/10/2026
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.
AvatarA
8/04/2026
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 on 08/04/2026
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.
AvatarT
7/07/2026
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 on 07/08/2026
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.
AvatarC
7/07/2026
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 on 07/08/2026
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.
AvatarJ
5/05/2026
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 on 05/05/2026
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.
AvatarM
5/04/2026
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 on 05/05/2026
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.
AvatarC
2/10/2026
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 on 02/11/2026
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.
AvatarE
1/05/2026
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 on 01/05/2026
Emily, you and Tobbie made the day memorable for me as well. Hang on to that envelope and ...
stay amazing.
AvatarA
12/23/2025
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 on 12/23/2025
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..
AvatarJ
11/16/2025
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 on 11/16/2025
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.
AvatarC
11/13/2025
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 on 11/13/2025
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.
AvatarE
11/12/2025
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 on 11/12/2025
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.
AvatarM
10/30/2025
Doug did an amazing job at our ceremony!! He got to know us before hand and was so friendly and made our day special 
AvatarM
10/28/2025
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!!! 
AvatarJ
8/13/2025
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 on 08/13/2025
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
Karns, TN, Knoxville, TN
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East Tennessee from mountains to plateau
Typically included in the starting cost
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inowtheewed
Doug Lubienski
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Typically responds within 24h
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