Easy-going, authentic, professional officiant
Asheville/Charlotte/Boone regions
Service area
Rev. Jay Bowman
OWNER
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER (8X)
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 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 2 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.
23+ years in business
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 & Tippy, and our cat, Maddie.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0223 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 Bowman garners glowing reviews for his role as an officiant for various weddings. Reviewers highlight his professionalism, warmth, personalized approach, and ability to make ceremonies special, engaging, and stress-free. From incorporating personal details, maintaining a good balance of humor and seriousness, to making guests feel included, Jay's thoughtful and heartfelt ceremonies receive high praise. Couples appreciate his attention to detail, easy communication, and memorable, tailored ceremonies, making him a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable wedding experience.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
Deanna W
Highlighted review.
5.0
9/09/2025
I do not have the words to express how utterly amazing Jay is at what he does! He did a fantastic job during our ceremony. He kept it lighthearted, entertaining, and added in all t...
he little details we wanted to include. I had several guests come up to me at our reception asking how I found him and telling me that he was the best officiant they’ve had the pleasure of listening to at a wedding. Everyone loved him. We can’t thank him enough for his work and for making our ceremony perfect. If you’re looking for an officiant, look no further!!! He is the best out there.
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 09/10/2025
Such a wonderful and kind review, Deanna. Thank you so much. It truly was an epic day at L...
ake Lure, and I loved how you and Mac fully leaned into it. So awesome. Can't wait to see your photo gallery. All my best to you both on the fun journey ahead. Big Mountain Hugs! Jay
Lorraine M
5.0
2/09/2026
From the moment I contacted Jay he was the ultimate professional and was on point with all his communications. He made sure everything was in order prior to our vow renewal and wa...
s such a joy to work with. When we finally met it was almost like meeting a good friend. He made us and all our guests so comfortable and took time to chat with all of them. During our service he was able to incorporate a little something about some of our guests which was fabulous and made the service very personal. Jay also travelled several hours each way to come to the cabin we had rented for the holidays and we are so very happy he did. For anyone wanting everything just right for their big day will not be sorry to have Jay as their Reverend. We cannot tell you how much everyone spoke about him and loved what he did for us. Thanks Jay for all you did to give us a day we will never forget. You were made for this job! Thank you from us both! Mike & Lorraine x
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 02/10/2026
I'm smiling just sitting here reading your sweet review and remembering your family surrou...
nding you in that little mountain cabin. That's the way it ought to be. You are truly blessed beyond words. So happy for you and Mike. It was truly a joy to be with you. Your friend, Jay
Any questions?
Tiffany B
5.0
1/04/2026
Reverend Bowman officiated our 10-year vow renewal, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From start to finish, he was extremely professional, easy to communicate wit...
h, and truly took the time to get to know us as a couple. The questionnaire process felt very personal, and it was clear he put real thought into our story and what mattered most to us.
On the day of the ceremony, he made us feel completely at ease and did a wonderful job keeping our family involved and comfortable throughout. We especially appreciated his flexibility — he was able to adjust the vows on the fly without missing a beat, which helped everything feel natural and stress-free.
Reverend Bowman honored our wishes for a non-religious ceremony beautifully, while still making it meaningful and heartfelt. He made the entire process, from our first conversation to standing at the altar, incredibly smooth and enjoyable.
We are so grateful he was a part of our special day and would highly recommend him to any couple looking for an officiant who is personable, thoughtful, and truly invested in making your ceremony feel like you.
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 01/05/2026
It all came together and I'm so happy that you are pleased with that special day. Everyone...
was so happy for you and it was fun to see how proud they are of you. Make the next 10 years even better! :)
Grayson E
5.0
12/18/2025
My fiancé and I scheduled a wedding ceremony with 8 guests and booked ~1 month in advance. Jay was extremely helpful throughout the process, and even had a ceremony template that m...
ade planning a breeze. We met Jay for the first time on the day of our wedding (although we had options to meet earlier), and it was like we had already been long-time friends. Jay is extremely personable and easy to talk to, so he instantly fit right in. The ceremony went perfectly, and I have absolutely zero complaints. I would recommend Jay to anyone. Thank you Jay!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 12/18/2025
Sure do appreciate the great review, Grayson. Wiseman's View is one of my favorite spots f...
or intimate weddings and you nailed it. Well done my friend. I meant every word I said that day. You two are special. Go get it!!! Jay
Michaela A
5.0
12/15/2025
Rev. Jay was absolutely incredible, and we could not have asked for a better officiant. From the start, he made us feel completely comfortable and truly listened to what we wanted ...
for our ceremony. He followed through on everything we asked for and was so intentional about making the ceremony feel personal and meaningful without ever pretending to know us better than he did—which we genuinely appreciated.
He struck the perfect balance of being personable, heartfelt, and joyful. He made us and our guests laugh, kept the atmosphere warm and relaxed, and at the same time ensured our ceremony was filled with God and deep meaning. It felt incredibly special and perfectly tailored to my husband and me.
So many of our guests commented on how beautiful and engaging the ceremony was. Rev. Jay brought sincerity, professionalism, and so much heart to our wedding day. We are beyond grateful for the role he played and would highly recommend him to any couple looking for an officiant who truly honors your relationship and faith while making your ceremony unforgettable.
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 12/18/2025
Speechless! What an amazing review. Saying "thank you" for such kind words doesn't come cl...
ose. Sooooo honored to have been a part of your big day. It was epic. Take great care of each other. Everyone knows you will. Your friend, Jay
Destiny W
5.0
12/07/2025
Highly recommend! He is professional, warm, and he made our ceremony unforgettable. He personalized everything perfectly and made the moment meaningful. Truly grateful and couldn’t...
have asked for a better experience.
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 12/08/2025
That's exactly what I was hoping for you, Destiny. So glad it all came together and thank ...
you very much for kind review. Means a lot to me. Enjoy your Christmas season together. Jay
Jesse O
5.0
12/02/2025
Jay worked with us early on to collect all the details of our story and ensure it was worked into our ceremony in a way that made it personal and special. He spoke so confidently a...
nd sincerely, made excellent eye contact with the guests and crowd, was just phenomenal in his role. I loved his choice of passages and how special he made our union. He was also early and showed up looking sharp!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 12/02/2025
Thank you Big Dog. You and Chloe were a joy to celebrate and I knew right away we were goi...
ng to hit a home run together. The 'wedding chickens' were a big hit, too. Ha! I'm truly grateful for your trust on such an important day in your lives. I hope our paths cross again someday. Your friend, Jay.
Jessica W
5.0
11/27/2025
Jay was amazing! He took the time to learn our story and asked for both of us to write down a couple of sentences on how we felt about each other which he then included throughout ...
the ceremony. He was so personable and our guests are still raving about him! He made our ceremony so special and we are forever grateful!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 11/27/2025
So glad you are that happy with how everything went, Jessica. I'm truly honored that you a...
llowed me to be a part of your story. Enjoy the journey together. It's going to be a great one. Big hugs, Jay.
Angela O
5.0
11/16/2025
I highly recommend Jay Bowman can't express how stress-free and perfect he made our ceremony. His website helps so much and he really wants to make your day special. I texted him t...
o tell him it was snowing and we were on top of a mountain instead of cancelling he drove in a snow storm. You will not be disappointed!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 11/17/2025
LOVED your intimate mountain elopement, Angela. And thank you so much for the very sweet ...
review. I might take you and Mickey up on that bass fishing option someday. Take great care of each other! Jay
Alejandra P
5.0
11/16/2025
Rev. Jay was an absolute delight! He made our ceremony so special and a true reflection of the love we share. Our guests also loved him and talked very highly of him. We’re so glad...
we chose him to officiate our wedding.
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 11/17/2025
How fun was that in the Camelot Meadows bamboo forrest! Loved it. So glad you are happy wi...
th how everything unveiled. We were a great team. :) Thank you again for the big trust. Jay
Haleigh D
5.0
11/11/2025
We are so deeply grateful to Reverend Jay for making our wedding ceremony truly unforgettable. From the moment we booked, he took the time to get to know us, our story, and what ma...
ttered most to us as a couple. On our wedding day, his words were heartfelt, genuine, and perfectly captured the love and joy we felt in that moment as well as perfectly encompassing who we are as a couple. He takes the time to get to know you, and many of our guests were under the impression we had known him all our lives. His calm presence and thoughtful guidance brought such peace to our nerves and warmth to the entire ceremony. A large majority of our guests told us afterward that it was one of the most beautiful and meaningful ceremonies they had ever witnessed and we couldn’t agree more.
Thank you, Reverend Jay, for setting the tone for our marriage with such grace, sincerity, and love. We’ll cherish those words and memories for the rest of our lives.
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 11/11/2025
Every ceremony is important to me but every once in a while, when I'm driving away from a ...
wedding, I have the sense that all the stars had aligned in a way that no one could ever manufacture. I had that strong feeling coming home after your big day, Haleigh. Everything just fit. And I loved how you and Nick were totally 'in the moment'. You gave me your trust, and I gave you my best. It was a Win Win. :) Big love to you both. Your friend, Jay.
Jennifer D
5.0
9/30/2025
The professionalism and warmth that Rev. Jay brought to our wedding day were truly unforgettable. He is a professional through and through. He was the first vendor we contracted wi...
th for our wedding, and we could not imagine our day without him. He is thoughtful, kind, and an engaging person. I didn’t want our ceremony to end because he led it so well. We knew he was the choice for us after we both shed happy tears watching the videos on his website. We really appreciated his process of learning more about us. He provides helpful resources on his website to help you consider elements of your ceremony and choose the readings that best suit you. Having him take what he learned and hearing him put his thoughtful spin on it all was beautiful. Since I do not live locally to Rev. Jay, my first time meeting him was the morning of my wedding. He was as prepared as he said he would be, and he even provided ideas for us on the big day. We had a small wedding, and he included our parents in the blessing of the rings. They truly valued the chance to do that, and I am so happy he thought of it and ran it by me that morning. He kept us smiling, laughing, and crying throughout the ceremony. It was even more joyous than we could have dreamed of, and his uplifting words and sentiments will keep our hearts full forever when we look back on this day. He is the best and one of the most important choices you can make for your wedding. I am so honored that he worked with us. He really won us all over, and we will appreciate his part in our perfect day forever.
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 10/02/2025
Such and amazing review, Jennifer. Thank you so much for the incredibly nice words and tho...
ughts. It was all my pleasure to be with you two on that big day. Continue to be a blessing to the world 'as one'. Big hugs, Jay.
Laura A
5.0
9/17/2025
If we could give him more stars we would!!! We loved Jay & the ceremony was a highlight of our day thanks to him. He encompassed everything we wanted in an officiant: he was person...
able, funny, & serious & could tie our faith into the ceremony. All of his emails & questionaries leading up to the wedding helped a ton. If we could get married every year, we would choose Jay. He is fantastic!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 09/18/2025
My pleasure and honor, Laura. Loved Loved Loved being a part of your Big Day. Taking the t...
ime to write such a beautiful and heartfelt review means a lot to me. Thank you for that. Take great care of each other. I know you will. :) Jay
Paul H
5.0
7/14/2025
Jay was wonderful to work with. Our wedding ceremony went smoothly as Jay helped to orchestrate our big day! He asked us what was important to us and made some good recommendations...
. It was obvious that Jay has a great deal of experience as an Officiant. Paul and Jennifer
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 07/14/2025
Thank you, Paul. You and Jennifer were a total joy to celebrate in that intimate setting u...
nder the gazebo. Enjoy the great journey in front of you together. Jay
Christopher W
5.0
7/02/2025
As a bride, everything from the guest list, to color swatches is the forefront of your mindset right up until the big day.
When it came to finding an officiant, I had saved a few...
to ponder on before making a decision. However, after stumbling upon Mr. Bowman, I just KNEW immediately that I had found the right person for the job.
My husband and I were married on 06-06-2025 this year, and every time since, when I've spoken to one of my friends or family members, they ALWAYS mention how much they just loved Reverend Jay Bowman.
I have to highly agree. Mr. Bowman is a professional who shows great poise and precision, with so much soul and emotion in each of his words.
Im not alone in saying that he felt just like an old friend or part of the family. You can NOT go wrong with making him a part of your wedding day, so if you're contemplating... don't think, just do... best decision we made and had so much fun I wish we could do it all over again.
Jay, Mr. Bowman, Chris and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything. We haven't stopped glowing, and part of the magic was you and the energy that you bring. We consider you a good friend, always.
From the Moon to the Sun, and on every star, we wish you a wonderful journey and hope our paths cross again someday ✨️
Chris & Perrin ♡
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 07/04/2025
Wow, what a wonderful and kind review. Thank you so much, Perrin. You and Chris were a joy...
to celebrate and I'm beyond happy that you are so pleased with how everything turned out. Big hugs to you both! Your friend, Jay.
Kalie L
5.0
6/24/2025
Rev. Jay helped make our special day amazing! He brought the humor, and eased our nerves, all while keeping the ceremony romantic and intimate. All of our guests raved about him as...
well. I highly recommend having him for your special day! You will be so happy you did!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 06/25/2025
We crushed it together! So honored to have your trust to help you make that day something ...
you'll treasure. Loved your laid back and comfortable style. Keep doing you! Your friend, Jay
Dayna E
5.0
6/24/2025
Jay was amazing! He made our ceremony fun and slightly religious just like we asked. We were all laughing and crying (happy tears) all guided by Jay. He is sincerely great his j...
ob! I highly recommend him!! I cannot thank you enough Jay, for my our day so special and dodging the weather with us!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 06/25/2025
Loved being a part of the big moment with you, Dayna. You and Justin were so happy you cou...
ld hardly stand still. So awesome! Thank you for the kind words. Wishing you all the very very best in life together. Jay
Iain R
5.0
6/24/2025
We are so happy to chose Jay as our officiant for our elopement. He was the perfect mix of serious yet lighthearted, funny, and kind. He worked with us prior to the ceremony to cre...
ate a custom timeline that worked best for us. When we met him for the first time on our special day, if felt like we already knew each other which was comforting. We'd highly recommend him to anyone looking for an officiant!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 06/24/2025
Thank you so much, Iain. You and Cara were so fun to celebrate in those mountains that day...
. And how cool that the clouds parted and you had that moment of running down the hilly path. Loved it. Thank you! Jay
Todd D
5.0
6/17/2025
I had the distinct pleasure of working a wedding with the good Rev. Jay. His ceremony was truly like none other that I have ever witnessed. I have performed nearly 500 weddings a...
s a DJ proving music and microphones for ceremonies and being in the presence of Rev. Jay and witnessing him in his element was truly enjoyable. Most wedding ceremonies are relatively bland by comparison. It was very clear and transparent that Rev. Jay took his time to study and to learn the couple as he Incorporated many aspects of their lives into the ceremony. You would be very pleased, if not lucky to have Reverend Jay for your wedding day. So yourself a solid and give Rev. Jay a solid look and book him before your cannot.
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 06/17/2025
Killer review, Todd, especially from someone who has seen it all over the years. The feeli...
ng is mutual as I totally enjoyed teaming with you there at the Brown Mountain Beach Resort. One of the very best reviews I've ever received from a wedding professional. Thank you so very much. Keep doing you. Jay
Taylor R
5.0
6/17/2025
Rev. Jay was absolutely wonderful for our big day! He was so friendly throughout the process and really understood and cared how we wanted our ceremony to be. It felt intimate, and...
special to us. Thank you for being awesome! We won’t forget it!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 06/17/2025
Your kind words mean so much to me, Taylor, and I'm glad the two of you are so pleased wit...
h how everything unveiled. What an awesome day! Loved it. Thank you again for allowing me to be a part of your story. All my best, Jay.
Kelsey A
5.0
5/14/2025
Rev. Jay was and ABSOLUTE dream to work with! He was so down to earth and easy to talk with. He exceeded all of our expectations and did a wonderful job during our ceremony.
Re...
v. Jay has many helpful resources on his website. From a variety of readings/vows to NC marriage license information. Would 1000% recommend him!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 05/15/2025
Super nice review, Kelsey! I would 1000% recommend you to a bright future together with St...
even! :)
Loved being a part of your Big Day. Thank you for putting your faith in me to make it something you'll treasure. Truly my honor. Your friend, Jay
Madison B
5.0
5/13/2025
It has been a joy to work with Reverend Jay Bowman on a couple of weddings now! As a wedding planner and coordinator I always look for vendors I would feel confident enough to choo...
se for my own wedding to recommend to my clients. Rev Jay is amazing at what he does; he does a fantastic job engaging the audience and always shows up on time and prepared. I would absolutely recommend him to any couple getting married and look forward to working with him in the future!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 05/14/2025
Appreciate the really nice review, Madison. We've been a great team there at the Summit on...
Cross Mountain venue. It's always a pleasure to team with a Planner who comfortably keeps everyone and everything on track. Looking forward to next time. Thank you again, Jay.
Robert
5.0
4/25/2025
Rev Jay was amazing! He was very helpful with guiding our rehearsal since we did not have a coordinator and he put together a great ceremony.
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 04/26/2025
Appreciate your kind words, Jillian. Like everyone expressed, you were beautiful and the m...
oment was awesome. All my best to you both. Jay
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 communicate...
d 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 mad...
e 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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
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 ca...
me so prepared to the rehearsal and ceremony. We are so lucky to have had Jay! 🤙🏻
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 lo...
oking 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 mini...
ster 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 grea...
t he was! Thanks Jay so much for being such a huge part of our day!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 speaki...
ng, 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 suc...
h a pleasure to work with! Thanks Jay!
Response from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 recomme...
ndations 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 stor...
y.
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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 ou...
r 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 abo...
ve 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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! Afte...
rwards, 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 from Rev. Jay Bowman on 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.
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