Easy-going, fun, career wedding officiant
$390 starting price
Asheville/Charlotte/Boone regions
Service area
Rev. Jay Bowman
OWNER
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER (7X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Rev. Jay Bowman knows that fun couples like you want an authentic, comfortable, personalized, and upbeat wedding rather than something boring, stiff, and cookie-cutter. Let's team up and create something you'll always treasure. You don't get that big day back, and I'm looking forward to helping you crush it.
Rev. Jay Bowman has always had a passion for theology. He completed his undergraduate studies at Asbury University in Kentucky and attended North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. With so many years of experience under his belt, you can be sure that you are in good hands.
Whether you are planning a wedding for two or 200 people, Rev. Jay Bowman is a perfect choice. He can offer a variety of packages for your big day, serving the Boone/Charlotte/Asheville region. He can also work with you to customize and personalize your vows to make the ceremony truly unique. Get in touch to learn more.
What You'll Love About Rev. Jay Bowman
Rev. Jay looks forward to meeting you and learning all about your love story. This meeting allows him to prepare the most heartfelt and engaging words to make the ceremony as unique as you are. Check out the reviews to learn how Rev. Jay has impressed other newlyweds with his responsiveness, organization, and personal touch.
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Details
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Religious Affiliations
Christian
Catholic
Orthodox
Protestant
Interfaith
Secular
Spiritual
Wedding Activities
Wedding
Ceremony
Awards and Affiliations
Any questions?
Meet the team
Rev. Jay Bowman
Owner
Rev. Jay Bowman is an easy going, genuine guy who really loves his job. He completed his undergraduate studies at Asbury University in Kentucky and then later did seminary work at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. Through a small but solid denomination with Swedish Lutheran roots, he got his ordination credentials. With decades of experience in the church, he now enjoys performing fun weddings full time.
Enjoying life with my track star wife, Becky, our two dogs, Cheyenne & Boone, and our cat, Maddie.
Availability
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0200 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.
Rev. Jay is highly praised by numerous reviewers for his exceptional work as an officiant. Clients highlighted his personalized and genuine approach, excellent communication, and ability to make ceremonies memorable and fun. His professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail were well-received by couples and guests alike, with many expressing great satisfaction and recommending him for wedding ceremonies.Review photos
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Larry M
5.0
4/23/2025
Rev Jay was so easy to work with and gave us every opportunity to make the event all about our story. We had a small wedding in the mountains of North Carolina, Rev Jay communicated well and coached us on marriage licenses and North Carolina laws. He showed up right on time, smiling and excited to meet our family. The ceremony was fun and personal, he included the family in the event which made everyone feel they too were a part of our story. Rev Jay you have a gift, please keep making couples happy! Valerie & Larry
response 04/24/2025
Thank you so much, Larry. I won't ever forget your wedding in that little cabin under the ...
'Moose of Love'. Too funny. You and Valerie were truly a joy to celebrate and I'm honored to have been the one who was standing with you. Take great care of each other; I know you will. Your friend, Jay
Christina N
5.0
4/06/2025
Jay was awesome! He did such a great job officiating our wedding and was so easy to talk to. He made the whole process very easy and we did not have to worry about a thing. He made our ring bearer feel so special by giving him a shout for doing such a big job during our wedding which made him feel so proud. Our guest enjoyed him as well and lots of laughs were had! We highly recommend Jay!
response 04/07/2025
Aww, thank you so much for the very kind review, Christina. You and Jesse were a real joy ...
to celebrate, and I loved the way your guests were so dialed into the moment as well. They love you a ton!!! Thank you again for trusting me with your Big Day. Such an honor. Big hugs, Jay
Any questions?
Amber R
5.0
11/15/2024
Rev. Jay was the absolute BEST officiant we could have ever asked for. He got to know us as people and customized the ceremony to be genuine to us. He is a fantastic speaker and came so prepared to the rehearsal and ceremony. We are so lucky to have had Jay! 🤙🏻
response 11/15/2024
....and I'm 'so lucky' to have had the honor of being there with you two on that awesome d...
ay. I really mean that. It was a special day for me on numerous levels. Your family and friends were so 'dialed into the moment' with you which made the day electric. So fun. Take great care of each other. Thanks again Amber. Your friend, Jay.
Tammy B
5.0
11/09/2024
Jay was fantastic! He is so personable and it was obvious to everyone that he had taken time to get to know the the bride and groom. He was perfect!
response 11/11/2024
Thank you so much, Tammy. Love hearing from a Happy Mother of the Bride. Ya'll were a plea...
sure to be with and enjoy the big day. All my best. Jay
Jason P
5.0
10/23/2024
BLUF: Rev. Jay is a fantastic human being that I highly recommend to plan and oversee your wedding ceremony. When we started planning our special day this past winter, we were looking for an officiant that would personalize our experience and connect with the two of us and our guests. Once we had our initial meeting a few months before the wedding, it was obvious that he was the man we wanted to marry us. He came to the table with an open-mind and a well-organized plan that we could easily build from. During the months leading up to the ceremony, Jay was available to answer our questions, provide very constructive planning advice, and kept us on track for the big day. When the day arrived, Rev. Jay was on-time and in control. He made everyone feel at ease, brought a very personalized and fun aspect to the ceremony, and left many of the guests walking up to me asking “where’d you find this guy?” Such an awesome job. Thanks Rev. Jay!!
response 10/24/2024
BLUF: You nailed it, Jason. Probably the best 'groom review' I've ever received. Well thou...
ght out and from the heart. I bring my best to every wedding but sometimes I meet a couple that feels like family and someone I would trust my life with. You and Magen were exactly that. To stand with you two in the shadow of that lighthouse was a Huge Honor. #makeitcount. Appreciate you brother. Jay
Nam T
5.0
10/21/2024
The entire preparation process & the wedding ceremony were both excellent & flawless by reverend Jay! Me & my wife cannot feel more blessed & lucky to have someone like him to minister our elopement wedding. All of our guests & wedding party members also enjoyed him. We were all able to hear him clearly because our wedding was outdoors. Thank you SO MUCH reverend Jay!!!
response 10/22/2024
How fun was that, Nam? You and Thy were so amazing to celebrate on that huge rock with you...
r wedding party by your side. Truly one of the genuinely nice couples I've ever met. And the way you rolled with the ceremony site change speaks to your resolve that you were going to marry your best friend that day no matter what. Love it! Thank you for everything. Your friend, Jay.
Nacole T
5.0
10/20/2024
Jay was absolutely amazing! Very professional and easy to work with, with an awesome personality. So many of our family and friends approached us after our ceremony to say how great he was! Thanks Jay so much for being such a huge part of our day!
response 10/21/2024
Thank you Nacole!!! What a beautiful day it was with a big blue sky and the mountains in t...
he background. Means a lot to me that you invited me to be a part of your big day. And your kind review is awesome, too. Big hugs, Jay.
Dan C
5.0
10/19/2024
With little knowledge, Jay made us felt like we knew him out entire life. Jay was personable and really tied the wedding together. Couldn't ask for anything better from him.
response 10/21/2024
Appreciate ya, bro. So fun to experience that windy promise with you and Jen. Take great c...
are of each other. I know you will. Oh, and I gotta say, I've never seen a more handsome 'wooden bow tie'. :) Thanks again, Jay.
Abby S
5.0
10/19/2024
Jay is the BEST OF THE BEST! He made mine and my husband’s ceremony on our wedding day absolutely perfect! Jay has a natural talent of captivating everyone’s attention while speaking, and you can tell how passionate he is about being a minister and honoring people’s love! We felt so comfortable during our ceremony, and he personalized it so well that it felt like he’s known us forever. He is so incredibly helpful, kind, responsive, and people could not stop raving about how beautifully he led our ceremony!!! It was FUN, exactly how we wanted it! He exceeded our expectations and more! We could not have asked for better! I got married in Dare County but live in Pitt County where my license was filed. I was worried about ensuring my license was returned in a timely manner. Jay was on top of it, and responded to all of my texts after the wedding to ease my stress about making sure everything was in order! I would 100000% recommend Jay to facilitate your wedding ceremony!! It doesn’t get any better than him :) thank you Jay for being apart of our special day, and giving us the most PERFECT ceremony!
response 10/21/2024
Wow, what a killer review. In some ways it doesn't surprise me because you are so good at ...
making those around you feel happy, valued, and appreciated. I truly mean that. I'll never forget that first time we met at the coffee shop and you made me feel all those things. And then to be a part of your Big Day and see it unveil with the 'Abby touch' was truly amazing. Loved every moment of it. You and Mickey are a great team. The words 'thank you' doesn't even start to say how much I appreciate your trust. Keep being you! Your friend, Jay.
Chelsea E
5.0
9/17/2024
Jay was absolutely amazing! He brought so much personality to the ceremony. He interacted with our guests so well. We had so many guest ask about him after the ceremony. He was such a pleasure to work with! Thanks Jay!
response 09/17/2024
Married in a barn with your cowboy hat groom standing proudly there with you. Love it! Can...
't thank you enough for trusting me with that big day, and I really really appreciate you taking the time to write the nice review. All my best, Jay.
Miranda C
5.0
9/16/2024
I can’t say enough good things about Jay! The ceremony he created for us was heartfelt and flowed perfectly. He added touches of humor (which was exactly what we wanted) while also keeping the focus on us and our unique love story. Jay’s love for what he does is obvious. He exceeded our expectations and we couldn’t have asked for a better officiant to make our day extra special! Thank you so much Jay!!!
response 09/16/2024
...and "I can't say enough good things" about how fun and special your sunrise wedding was...
for me to be a part of. It truly was magical and I can't wait to see more of your photo gallery. #makeitcount Mountain Hugs to you both. Your friend, Jay
Jennifer B
5.0
9/15/2024
Highly recommend Rev Jay! He made the whole process a breeze and we had several compliments from guests on how funny he was. 😊
response 09/16/2024
Appreciate your review so much, Jennifer. I'm honored that you trusted me with your big da...
y. Big love to you both. Jay
Christina Y
5.0
9/14/2024
Jay was absolutely amazing! We asked for a lightly religious ceremony that was about 30min, and he nailed it. He kept everyone laughing and engaged while still keeping our love as the focus. We heard so many complements after the ceremony - many saying it sounded like he’d known us for years. Would 1000% hire him again if we were starting all over.
response 09/14/2024
Love it, Christina! I would 1000% love to relive that moment with you and Glenn. So fun an...
d special. We were a great team and I appreciate you both so much. Take good care of each other! Jay
Danielle H
5.0
9/13/2024
A friend called me and recommended Rev. Jay. After talking to him, it was a no brainer. He was so fun, personable and professional. From the simple questionare to the great recommendations he made the ceremony so amazing and easy. Only talked on the phone once and you would think he knew us forever. The guests at our wedding loved him, I have never heard so many compliments on an officiant ever. He is that great and I truly recomend him. Ask me, or anyone at our wedding he was GREAT!!!
Rev. Jay, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING YOU AND MAKING OUR WEDDING AMAZING AND SO MUCH FUN! ❤️
response 09/14/2024
Dani, it's hard for me to find the right words to express how special your wedding day was...
. It's like all the stars aligned and you could see it on every face in the gathering of your family and friends. Wow, what a day! I was proud to be your officiant, but it means even more to me that you count me as your friend. Keep doing 'you', and embrace every moment ahead together. Big Grandfather Mountain hugs, Jay.
Andrea M
5.0
9/12/2024
Rev Jay started the day with the most heartfelt, beautiful and emotional ceremony❤️ our guests couldn’t stop talking about him.
response 09/14/2024
Thank you so much for the kind words, Andrea. It was a great honor. All my best, Jay.
Samantha S
5.0
9/02/2024
Rev. Jay truly made our special day unforgettable. We had an intimate ceremony at the Sky Retreat (We are from Indiana) and Jay went above and beyond to personalize every aspect of it to reflect our love story. His ability to turn unexpected moments—like a bee landing on me and a distant donkey braying—into light-hearted, memorable experiences was remarkable. We’ve attended many weddings, but Jay’s warmth, humor, and professionalism set him apart. Without a doubt, he was the best officiant we’ve ever encountered. Also to mention is he got out of the photo for the important moments (some officiants do not get that, haha) and we didn’t even have to plan or ask that. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to make their wedding day uniquely perfect.
response 09/03/2024
Such an excellent review and well written from the heart. Thank you so much, Samantha! You...
and Seth were so great to me and made me feel like a true part of your family and friends. You'll smile and laugh about the bee and donkey for the rest of your days. It's making me smile right now! Ha! Loved it all. Take great care of each other, I know you will. Your friend, Jay.
Julia C
5.0
8/30/2024
We are beyond grateful to have had Jay officiate our wedding ceremony. From our very first meeting, he made us feel at ease with his warmth and genuine enthusiasm for our love story.
On the day of our wedding, Jay created a beautiful atmosphere that perfectly reflected our personalities. His words were not only heartfelt but also beautifully crafted, weaving in personal touches that resonated deeply with our guests. The ceremony felt uniquely ours, and many attendees commented on how moving and sweet it was.
Jay was incredibly organized and attentive, ensuring that everything flowed smoothly. His calm demeanor helped set the tone for the day, allowing us to fully enjoy each moment without any stress.
We can't thank Jay enough for making our special day so memorable. If you’re looking for an officiant who is not only professional but also has a genuine passion for what they do, we wholeheartedly recommend Rev Jay. He truly made our wedding ceremony one we will cherish forever!
response 08/30/2024
Wow, what an amazing review. Means so much to me, Julia. Everyone there was overflowing wi...
th love and support for you two. You both made me feel like one of the family and it was such an honor to be there with you. Can't thank you enough for the huge trust. All my best for your journey ahead. Mountain hugs, Jay.
Nellie H
5.0
8/25/2024
Jay was amazing! He was very thorough and personable. We had numerous guests from our wedding say how wonderful he was!!
response 08/26/2024
Loved your wedding day, Nellie. Such a beautiful day and the setting with the mountains in...
the background was awesome. May your journey together be beyond amazing! Your friend, Jay.
Lindsay F
5.0
8/09/2024
Rev. Jay Bowman was the perfect officiant for our wedding in the mountains. He made the whole process so easy from start to finish. He crafted an amazing ceremony that captured our love story. He added personal touches and made the ceremony exactly what we wanted. Our guests raved about the ceremony after. We would highly recommend Rev. Jay as your wedding officiant!
response 08/09/2024
You were such a beautiful and happy bride, Lindsay, and I can't thank you enough for trust...
ing me with your wedding day. I knew we were going to be a great team, but it really was something special. I loved seeing you again after all those years when you were serving us coffee at the Southern Bean. May the journey ahead of you be everything and more that you and Michael are dreaming of. Big mountain hugs, Jay.
Adam K
5.0
8/08/2024
Jay was the best! Working with him during the planning stages of our wedding was a breeze. Jay was always quick to respond and he helped us put together the ceremony exactly how we envisioned it. After the ceremony itself we had many friends and family rave about how great he was. I would highly recommend Jay to any couple out there looking for a wedding officiant, you’ll be in good hands every step of the way!
response 08/09/2024
Great review, Adam. You da man. I loved standing there with you and Katie in a huge life m...
oment that I know the two of you will continue to smile about for the rest of your lives. Continue to make it count. I know you will. Appreciate you. Jay
Stacy M
5.0
8/03/2024
I cannot say enough great things about Rev Jay! He was amazing to work with from the first point of contact. After having our first conversation I knew he was the officiant for us. He was professional, yet very personable and passionate about what he does. Communication was great throughout the entire process and his client portal made everything so easy. He is so down to earth and made us feel comfortable leading up to and during the ceremony. He took the time to get to know a little bit about us and what we wanted and made our day truly magical. He exceeded our expectations and we would definitely recommend him as an officiant!!
response 08/04/2024
Wow, what a nice heartfelt review. Means a lot to me, Stacy. What an epic moment overlooki...
ng those mountains on a powerful summer evening. I love the spot you chose and you made me feel like a friend. You and Phil are going to make this world better together. Appreciate you both so much. Big Mountain Hugs, Jay.
Leah D
5.0
7/15/2024
Rev. Jay Bowman was the perfect choice for our small, intimidate wedding on the mountain tops! Not only was his communication throughout the whole process excellent but he went above and beyond to make sure every detail during the ceremony was perfect. Our family members who attended all reached out to us after our big day saying how great Rev. Jay did and how down to earth and funny he is. He even cracked some jokes to help us with our nervous jitters! This man really loves what he does and you can tell! There was nothing I wouldn't have changed about our wedding day. It was a dream!
response 07/16/2024
Awww, Leah, such a sweet and fun review. Thank you my friend. Sometimes dreams really do c...
ome true. I will never forget your wedding on the mountain. May your journey together be a dream come true as well. Big love, Jay.
Jillian B
5.0
7/06/2024
Rev. Jay was a fantastic officiant for our wedding. He really handles everything from start to finish and is famous in the Outer Banks. Even the lady at the courthouse had a smile on her face to learn that our officiant was Rev. Jay. I had a sense of ease and confidence the entire day leading up to the ceremony because I knew how excellent he would be. Speaking to him on the phone and over email, I was fully confident that he was going to deliver exactly what we wanted for our ceremony. The ceremony was structured but was NEVER stiff. It was personalized but NEVER cheesy. After the fact, we got LOADS of comments from our guests about how fantastic the ceremony was. The pace was perfect and there was never a dull moment.
Rev. Jay was perfect in every way. If you have the opportunity to have him, do it! He will make you at ease and make your wedding that much more stress free and memorable.
Thank you Rev. Jay!
response 07/08/2024
Wow, what a WONDERFUL review. Love how you thought it through and were able to clearly sha...
re your experience in a way I want every future bride to know. Such a great gift to me, Jillian. THANK YOU! We were a great team and I'm confident that you'll treasure that big day forever! So honored to have been a part of it with you. Take great care of each other! Your friend, Jay.
Christie Y
5.0
7/04/2024
Rev. Jay was awesome! We absolutely loved his personality. We had a small ceremony and he made it personal and amazing. I’m so glad we chose Rev. Jay for our wedding!
response 07/08/2024
Thank you so much, Christie. You and Joel were a joy to celebrate there on the Nags Head b...
each. Appreciate your kind words more than you know. Jay.
Todd D
5.0
7/02/2024
I cannot say enough good things about Reverend Jay Bowman and his attention to detail, willingness to go above and beyond what is requested and the true passion for orchestrating a lifelong memory for us. We traveled from Wyoming for our ceremony at the Outer Banks and to say our schedules are challenging is an understatement. Jay helped us throughout the process and was very attentive to our needs and communication was excellent throughout the process to schedule the perfect location. He kept our desires for the ceremony in mind the entire time. Thank you again for a perfect wedding!
response 07/02/2024
How cool for you as a pilot to marry your best friend in literal sight of where the Wright...
Brothers changed the world. And to be a part of The Day your world changed forever was a total honor. I really appreciate your kind words and so glad the two of you are thrilled with how it all played out. Thank you, Jay.
Caitlynn D
5.0
6/28/2024
Rev. Jay Bowman was amazing to work with! He was quick to answer questions and provided extremely helpful information before the wedding. He did an amazing job during the ceremony, as he walked us through every step, kept us smiling throughout the ceremony, and helped ease any nerves. I am so glad to have had him officiate our wedding!
response 06/30/2024
Means so much to me that you are so happy with everything, Caitlynn. I love hearing that y...
ou were comfortable in the big moment so that you could be really 'present' and 'in it'. Take great care of each other. I know you will. Jay
Casey O
5.0
6/28/2024
We could not have picked a better officiant for our big day! Jay was so easygoing and made us feel so comfortable throughout the entire ceremony. He made it flow so perfectly! Afterwards, SO many of our friends and family commented on how great he was and said it was one of the best wedding ceremonies they’ve ever attended. Jay truly exceeded our expectations and I would absolutely recommend booking him if you’re looking for a compassionate, funny, friendly, relaxed officiant to take care of your big day!
response 06/30/2024
Sometimes it all just comes together in a wonderful way, and it certainly did for you Case...
y. So honored that you trusted me with that big life moment, and I can't thank you enough for the great review (well written and from the heart). Appreciate you both! Your friend, Jay.
Stephanie K
5.0
6/27/2024
Jay was excellent. Our service was the most beautiful part of our wedding and he facilitated that for us. It was wonderful!
Cassidy K
5.0
6/27/2024
Rev. Jay Bowman made us feel like he had known us before meeting up for our ceremony ! We were truly blessed
Kelly C
5.0
6/27/2024
Rev Jay was absolutely amazing every step of the way! Any questions I had he answered them, very quickly! Our ceremony was perfect, we wanted it comfortable and simple and that’s what he made happen!
Kelly V
5.0
6/27/2024
Jay was amazing! Professional, responsive, and made the process seamless. The ceremony was wonderful! We can’t recommend Jay enough. He made our wedding day perfect.
C M
5.0
5/15/2024
Jay was absolutely amazing!!! He went above and beyond to make our ten year vow renewal one for the books. The weather made plans tricky that day but he worked on the fly and quickly helped us change locations! His attention to detail and organization really made the planning process a breeze. Most importantly he brings so much heart, joy, and a very personal touch to his ceremonies! Jay makes you feel like you've known him forever and its truly a very special gift :) We are forever grateful for the beautiful ceremony he shared with us!
response 05/15/2024
In all my years of performing Vow Renewals, yours was one of the top three most heartfelt ...
moments I've seen. Beyond honored to have been there with the two of you and Tannah. Cheers to the next ten years!!! Your friend, Jay.
Deirdre H
5.0
5/14/2024
Rev. Jay was so awesome and we were blessed to have the opportunity to have him officiate our wedding. He made the day so much more special and comfortable. The guests couldn't stop talking about how great he was. Made us feel like we have known him our whole life when we just met him.
Thank you Rev. Jay for making our day memorable and one we'll never forget.
response 05/14/2024
Yay!!! So happy you are so happy!!! That's the way it ought to be. You and Bob were a joy ...
to be with on that big day on Hatteras Island. Thank you for inviting me to team with you to make it all happen. Enjoy the journey ahead of you. All my best, Jay.
Chelsey H
5.0
5/12/2024
Reverend Jay is AMAZING. He's an exceptional speaker, and so great at what he does, which is immediately invest himself in you and your event and get to know you like he's known you for years. One phone call and we knew he was going to care of us and our family for our wedding. He absolutely stole the show with his words and presence; many of our family and friends came up later to compliment and ask about him for their own events. We're not overly religious, which was totally fine with him! He worked with us and our intent and 100% went above and beyond our expectations. We loved having him officiate our ceremony and would 10/10 recommend him to anyone!
response 05/13/2024
Awww, thank you so much for those really kind words, Chelsey. Your wedding such a fun and ...
relaxed celebration and everyone there was totally dialed into with you. Means a lot to me that you took the time to write the review. Take care my friend, and "May the 4th always be with you". :) Jay
Teresa K
5.0
4/28/2024
Rev Jay was amazing!! He took the thoughts and feelings we shared with him to make our ceremony truly unique and personal to us!! He listened to what we wanted and delivered that—and more!!
response 04/29/2024
What a wonderful intimate moment the two of you shared. Just you and John and that big oce...
an playing its music for you. I loved how you were both so LOST IN THE MOMENT! That's how it should be. Treasure it forever. Big hugs, Jay.
Kayla P
5.0
4/28/2024
Reverend Jay was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! So many of our friends and family commented to us after the wedding about how personable and amazing the ceremony was with him officiating. Brought such an amazing energy to our day! We felt as if we have known Jay our whole life. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to start our marriage than Jay uniting us! Everything went so smooth because he was there. He truly goes above and beyond!!! Highly recommend!
response 07/16/2024
What a great review, Kayla. Thank you sooooo much! It truly was a day that was 'above and ...
beyond'! Really happy for you both and appreciate the wonderful words. Big hugs, Jay.
Samantha L
5.0
4/28/2024
Rev. Bowman was the best officiant we could ever have hoped for in our wedding! He was fun, light hearted, and made our day very special. Thanks for making us man and wife!
response 04/29/2024
It was amazing how it all came together. Loved the stone blessings you included for everyo...
ne to participate in the great day. All my best, Jay.
Nancy P
5.0
4/24/2024
Their are not enough words to describe how Rev Jay made our day perfect!! He actually chose a beach for us and it couldn't have been better! We got married the end of March on an extremely windy, chilly day and he even offered to stop and move at any point which we didn't. He was happy, energetic, fun, and also extremely respectful of our day, and he made it OUR day. He was very good at asking just the right questions, later that evening our children asked if we knew him because he seemed to know us very well. So If you are considering talking to him DONT THINK TWICE!!!!! I promise you will be extremely happy! I will be happy to answer any questions if you have them!
pitzernj@gmail.com
response 04/24/2024
Woke up this morning to read your review and it made my heart smile. Thank you so much Nan...
cy. You and Shane were a blessing to be with on that breezy day next to the Atlantic. You're coming up on your One Month Anniversary this Friday! Big hugs to you both. Jay
Becky M
5.0
4/21/2024
I’m honestly struggling to find the right words to describe just how amazing and perfect Rev Jay was for our wedding. After we met at the coffee shop 2 days before the wedding, I stayed calm because I knew in my heart we were in good hands. After a few short conversations, it felt like we had known each other for years. I genuinely was excited to see him before the ceremony, like he felt like he was an old friend of ours. Dewie and I have said several times since our wedding day that we can’t imagine another officiant for us - it had to be Rev Jay! So many of our family members have made similar comments. He is so comfortable commanding a crowd and inserts funny and sentimental moments throughout the ceremony to personalize it. He is so passionate and was absolutely the perfect fit to kick off our marriage and this beautiful next chapter for us! We are truly grateful to have found Rev Jay and can’t recommend him enough!
response 04/22/2024
That's gotta be one of my all-time favorite reviews, Becky. For real, you nailed it. Means...
so much to me that you took the time to write and post it. It's everything I want future brides and grooms to know. You and Dewie are certainly in the Coquina Beach Wedding Hall of Fame. I've seen a lot of over-the-top-happy brides over the years, but you are among the happiest of all. I can't thank you both enough for trusting me with such a giant life moment. I sure hope our paths cross again someday. Keep being you: Amazing. Your friend, Jay.
Brooke R
5.0
4/18/2024
Jay is one of a kind. He took the time to personalize our ceremony and include details about us as a couple that made our ceremony so special. The compliments from our wedding guests have been flowing in, simply because of Jay. He was exactly what we were hoping for and then some!!
response 04/19/2024
Man, that was fun at Pirate's Cove with you and Jose!!! All the guests were so dialed into...
you and your promise; so awesome to witness. Brooke, it means a lot to me that you wrote what you did. I love the part..."exactly what we were hoping for and then some!" Yay! Take great care of each other. I know you will. Jay
Mackenzie S
5.0
4/18/2024
Rev. Jay helped us when our family officiant fell through. He was very responsive and kind. He wanted to make our day special and personable and that’s exactly what he did! My husband and I are beyond grateful for him and over the moon with how the ceremony turned out🤍
response 04/18/2024
"Over the Moon!" That's good, right?!!! Ha! I'm so thrilled you are happy with how everyth...
ing played out. You're an amazing young couple with a bright future ahead together. Go make the very most of it! I know you will. My best, Jay.
Sarah V
5.0
4/18/2024
He did such an amazing job! Everyone kept telling us how amazing he was! He made our wedding so much better! Thank you again!
response 04/18/2024
We were a good team, Sarah. So glad it all worked out so well up there on the pier with yo...
ur pups. Appreciate you taking the time to write the sweet review. All my best to you and Andre! Your friend, Jay
Amy W
5.0
2/24/2024
Rev Jay was absolutely amazing to work with. We were able to set up an introductory meeting before our big day and he helped us create a plan for our ceremony. He was very kind and answered all of our questions. He was able to give us advice and help incorporate our children into the ceremony. The words he spoke during the ceremony were personalized to how we met and helped make our big day that much greater. If you are looking for someone who will be patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging Jay is the man!
response 02/24/2024
Being a part of your intimate wedding on that brisk February day was truly an honor, Amy. ...
You and Richard treated me like family and I can't thank you enough for trusting me like that. Thank you soooo much for the very kind review. Love ya both, Jay.
Michelle G
5.0
1/23/2024
Jay was very professional and our ceremony was a dream. We felt as if Jay was a part of our family! The ceremony flowed very well. My husband and I felt comfortable throughout the entire process. Thank you Jay!
response 01/23/2024
I don't get to perform a lot of January weddings so I'm glad it was yours that started out...
the great year that 2024 will be. Truly my honor to take care of you, Eric, the kids, and your family there that Friday in Manteo. All my best, Jay.
ashley m
5.0
1/04/2024
Rev Jay Bowman was absolutely fantastic! He was warm and welcoming and made us feel super comfortable. He drove 6 hours for our small elopement ceremony! He made our day super special, and it is a day I will never forget! I am so glad we chose him to marry us.
response 01/04/2024
Those kind words mean a whole lot to me, Ashley. Thank you for taking the time to write su...
ch a sweet review. It was truly an honor to be with you on that very special day. Take great care of each other (I know you will!). Big hugs, Jay.
JENNIFER M
5.0
12/30/2023
Reverend Jay followed the couple's direction to a tee. He was professional and personal. He offered guidance to us for the ceremony, where to look and when to smile for the photographer, and soft hearted laughs. He blended a modern ceremony with the couple's dedication to their faith in God. The only thing we would have liked is for him to stay for dinner to continue his warmth. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
response 12/30/2023
Thank you so much for the very kind review, Jennifer. I love it when a parent writes their...
thoughts like you did. Brooke and Johann were a total joy to celebrate and you were right there by their side supporting them the whole way. Happy New Year, Jay.
Rob K
5.0
12/20/2023
Absolutely thrilled to share our heartfelt gratitude for Jay's exceptional work at our wedding. A month after exchanging our vows, the impact of Jay's officiating is still being talked about with our friends and family. His ability to make us feel uniquely special, coupled with a ceremony that was profoundly personalized, is a testament to his skill.
Jay is the Nick Saban of wedding ceremonies - the best. He is the epitome of professionalism, an incredibly talented speaker, and a maestro in infusing both fun and profound meaning into the celebration. His guidance through every step, adeptly addressing our questions, showcased his mastery and assured us that we were in capable hands. We couldn't have asked for a more remarkable officiant to mark the beginning of our journey together. Jay, you truly made our day unforgettable, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
response 12/21/2023
It's rare that I would laugh out loud while reading a new review, but your Nick Saban anal...
ogy was a classic. My wife even stopped what she was doing and asked me what I was chuckling about. Please know this, it was an 'honored and appreciative' laugh. You and Ashley were truly a joy to be with, and you made me authentically feel part of the Kuhl team. Thank you for that. And thank you for one of the very Best 'groom reviews' I've ever gotten. Give Ashley a hug for me. Your friend, Jay.
Pauline H
5.0
12/20/2023
Rev. Jay married us at Nags Head at the pier on the beach. I sent him a message towards the end of November. I asked if he had availability on 12/2/23. His response was yes he was available. He guided yes through everything we needed. From getting our marriage license an him sending us his a few ideas of vowels which we did choose one he had. He also read a American Indian prayer during our ceremony. That meant the world to us being my husband is full blooded American Indian. His voice was strong that you could hear him clear over the beautiful oceans music. Rev.Jay was absolutely phenomenal!! It was sunshine on a cloudy day! He even made a video clip of the magical moments. Our day was magical because of Rev. Jay. Thank you so much for marrying us & I highly recommend Rev. Jay to anyone who is looking to tie the knot. Sincerely James & Pauline Harris.
response 12/20/2023
Pauline, it makes me so happy to know that you and James are thrilled with how everything ...
unveiled. Such an honor for you to trust me with your big day on the beach. I smile every time I watch the bouquet toss video. Big hugs! Jay
Alisa P
5.0
12/12/2023
Rev. Jay Bowman was amazing he had us all laughing throughout the service he was helpful and felt like family before the wedding began when meeting for the first time. He tired our personal stories into the service and really gave it that personal feeling. Thank you
response 12/13/2023
A true honor to be there with you, Alisa. It was so fun for me to see how everyone was so ...
happy for you and Cameron in that upper room of the Sanderling Resort. A lot of happy tears and smiles from ear to ear. Thank you for the very kind review. All my best as you do this journey together as 'one' now. Your friend, Jay.
Brad & Cindy P
5.0
12/08/2023
To begin with I already knew Rev Jay on a personal level, so once I told Brad about him, he was all in, so we met with Jay. He talked about "us" and how we happened, so we told our story and he integrated that into our service, which was so special. He guided us through what to expect and gave us excellent advice, that we heeded. His services was intimate yet fun and personal to us! His shining personality showed he truly loves what he does. He made our wedding all that we expected and we're so very grateful that we chose him to officiate. He's truly the best! Thank you Jay!
response 12/08/2023
Awww....thank you, Cindy. It was truly a great honor to stand with you and Brad in that mo...
ment of promise. Long time coming, huh!!! I appreciate you both very much and wish you all the happiness that's been waiting for you all these years. Big hugs, Jay.
Robert M
5.0
11/28/2023
Rev Jay was was absolutely awesome! He made the whole process as easy and as stress free as possible for my wife Jess and myself, and did a wonderful job all around. Would highly recommend! Thanks again, Jay!
response 11/29/2023
Appreciate you, Rob. I'll never forget that neighbor bringing back Jess's windblown veil. ...
You two are so great and made me feel like family. You've got something really wonderful in each other. #makeitcount . Give Jess a hug for me. Your friend, Jay
Christopher R
5.0
11/23/2023
Reverend Jay was awesome! Our wedding was to be outdoors and of course, the forecast changed and a tropical storm headed our way. At 2pm on Thursday I called Jay last minute and we moved EVERYTHING! He had roughly a 90 minute window available a day earlier so we went for it! We rescheduled him, the photographer, the cake, chairs, built the altar, and about 1\3 of the guests were able to make it. It turned out amazing! Mid-70s, sunny, perfect sunset, and Jay was the calm in the middle of the storm! He was hilarious, made everyone feel comfortable and laugh. In the midst of it all his reverence for the ceremony and marriage union still took the forefront.
Jay was amazing, the ceremony went off without a hitch, and we could not have been happier!
Thank you so much for being a part of our special day!!! Rev. Bowman is the absolute BEST!
response 11/23/2023
Man, Chris, what a killer review. Means a lot me, a whole lot. And I couldn't be happier f...
or you and Billie Jo. They should really make a movie about your story. It was truly an honor to be there with you in that epic moment. Hope our paths cross again someday. Just keep being you. #receiptlove . Jay
Vera D
5.0
11/21/2023
Jay made our wedding day THAT much better! His delivery of the ceremony was sincere and true to who my husband and I are as a couple. If you're on the fence about hiring him for the rehearsal, DO IT! He helped my husband and I visualize everything for the big day and helped put us at ease knowing we'd be taken care of. Jay made everything about our ceremony special and fun. You won't find a better officiant in the Outer Banks!
response 11/22/2023
Well, Vera, you just made my 'review list' THAT much better! :) Thank you so much for tak...
ing the time to post, and I hope you and Elijah have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow. I'm so glad our paths crossed. Big love to you both. Jay
Mabel H
5.0
11/08/2023
Jay was absolutely AMAZING!!! I couldn’t have asked for a better officiant. He did great!
response 11/13/2023
Thank you so much, Mabel. You and Cameron are truly Rock Stars down there in Hatteras Vill...
age, and for good reason. It was so cool to see that kind of genuine support from so many. Thank you for being you. All my best, Jay.
Caryn H
5.0
11/08/2023
This is the second ceremony Jay has performed for our family and both were over five star rating. I told my husband we should get married again just to have Jay speak! We love Jay Bowman!
response 11/13/2023
Caryn, it's hard to put into words the great honor I felt that you trusted me with another...
huge family moment. Seeing you and Jeff so happy after Mabel's ceremony was like Christmas morning to me. Please keep being 'you'. #loveyaback . Your friend always, Jay.
Cole S
5.0
11/04/2023
The best!! Jay was so great at our wedding. He made our ceremony very personalized to us.
response 11/13/2023
So happy you are happy, Cole! You and Seth were a true joy to celebrate there at the Sande...
rling Resort. Be the amazing couple that you are and make this world better. I know you will. Thank you again for the review. Jay
JOANI W
5.0
11/01/2023
What to say??? I am at a loss to put into the perfect words to describe our experience on our magical day with Rev. Jay and I am never at a loss for words. I'll do my best. Jay brought an authentic care from the get go. Through all the emails, the phone calls, the ceremony, Jay was attentive and guided us into the perfect evening with just the right elements that were personable mixed with a little humor to bring us the most unforgettable, perfect wedding I never knew I wanted. You, sir, are hands down an incredible officiant/person that we'll never forget. It was an honor and privilege to have you create an unforgettable experience, especially with that gorgeous sunset, full moon, and dolphins. We are grateful!
response 11/01/2023
Every review I receive is special to me, but Joani, you took it to a whole other level. Wh...
en couples like you can sense that this is far more than just a job to me...well...it makes my heart full. You and Brian were so welcoming to me as I entered that intimate family moment next to the ocean. Thank you. I hope our paths cross again someday. In the meantime, take great care of each other (I know you will!!!). Your friend, Jay.
Lindsey D
5.0
11/01/2023
Jay did an amazing job marrying us. We also got several comments from our guest of how great he was. He made us both feel very comfortable standing infront of a crowd and like he had known us longer than just meeting him the day of. We loved having him apart of our special day and would definitely recommend him again!!
response 11/01/2023
Yay!!! You did it, Lindsey...and what a perfect beautiful fall day. Thank you so much for ...
the great review and so glad you are really happy with how it all played out. Coquina Beach will forever be a special place for you and Brandyn. All my best, Jay
kim c
5.0
10/18/2023
Excellent! Couldn't have been better. Would highly recommend!
response 10/19/2023
Thank you, Kim!!! I think you were 'Excellent', too! All my best, Jay.
Colby L
5.0
10/18/2023
Have you ever met someone who seems destined to do something in life because that they are so naturally gifted at it? That is the experience we had having Jay as our wedding officiant. There were some challenges, including mobility issues with a very special guest and an eight weeks old puppy, but everything couldn’t have been more calm due to Jay’s thoughtful approach and warm demeanor. We were able to make choices of what to include in the ceremony and it was delivered with such heart, it was like having a celebrant who had known the family for years, that’s a real gift! Thank you again Jay for making our day so special!
response 10/19/2023
What a great and well thought out review, Colby. I don't usually read reviews more than on...
ce, but I went through yours 3 times and it brought up the memories of that August morning at your parent's house. So special for you and Shannon to have made arrangements like that. Wow. I couldn't feel more honored to have been a part of your story. You and Shannon please give that beautiful daughter and puppy of yours a big hug for me. Your friend, Jay.
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Rev. Jay Bowman
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