Officiant Diane: Memories of Our Lives

Greetings! My name is Diane Schaff and I am a non-denominational officiant with American Marriage Ministries. A little bit about me: My experiences working within the community college system, housed with student support services, special events, career advising and additionally as a coordinator for public broadcasting, has provided me with a lifetime of knowledge working with students, families, foreign students, artists and musicians. Well, you know, there’s nothing like a great wedding to set “your world on fire”, creating a tempo for new beginnings, new successes and challenges, leading the way to a life well lived, surrounded by those who are most dear and loved by you. Becoming an officiant has been a learning and growing adventure. My first ceremony was performed years ago, for my eldest son’s babysitter. This was a intimate ceremony with a modest attendance, held on the upper floor of a Victorian house. The atmosphere was enchanting! The bride and groom were a wonderful couple who’s lives were on a great path. The second marriage ceremony, I performed was unique as well, an intimate ceremony, held in Big Sur, California, on Pfeiffer Beach. This couple had been together for over 20 years. I know them well, but I did not have all the details I needed to write a custom ceremony hence an interview. No photographer was available so I took photos and conducted the ceremony in the wind! You will see photos on my site. *The full ceremony can be viewed on American Marriage Ministries. After the ceremony, the bride, groom and guests arrived at our dinner destination. As we sipped wine awaiting our orders, the groom stood up and placed his hand on the table, which was not fully anchored, splashing wine over the front of brides dress! Unbelieveable, but with a great deal of soda water and a little gentle soap it was removed and saved the dress. All in all a bit of a challenge, resulting in a tremendously wonderful experience for all of us. Laughs, tears and exhilarating moments filled the two days I spent with them “at home” in cabins at a local lodge. *Pricing for ceremonies depend upon what you prefer and a possible travel cost consideration. The information on pricing is included on this site. An estimate with details can be provided after we discuss - this can save time. Basic pricing for a custom ceremony is $380 depending on details. Courthouse or simple weddings average $265 for basics. Testimonial “For those looking for an officiant who will bring an intimacy to their ceremony, we highly recommend Diane Schaff. Diane took the time to understand our higher beliefs and long history together and used our story to weave a beautifully touching ceremony. She is a joy to work with and will make your wedding one to remember for years to come. You will not be disappointed!" David Hiegel and Debra Copeman