Questions couples ask

Yes. Dr. McFadden travels throughout the northwest suburbs and beyond for ceremonies and rehearsals: banquet halls, restaurants, hotels, country clubs, golf courses, parks, homes and backyards. He does not charge a travel fee for weddings or rehearsals.

“This is your wedding, not mine, and we will design a wedding ceremony that fits the two of you.” Your ceremony can be as religious (or not) and as traditional (or not) as you want it to be. It should fit your life, your values, your traditions and your dreams.

Dr. McFadden was ordained to the ministry in 1973 and was a full-time pastor in a non-denominational church for 25 years; his father and grandfather were full-time pastors too. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry from Lincoln Christian University, a Master’s degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Counseling from the California Graduate School of Theology, and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He meets the requirements to legally officiate a wedding ceremony.

Yes. Dr. McFadden worked for 20+ years as a full-time marriage and family therapist and developed a premarital program using the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis and the FOCCUS Pre-Marriage Inventory. Churches and other officiants refer couples to him for it, and parents or grandparents often give the sessions as a gift. About premarital counseling.

“It is your job to get your marriage license, and it is my job to complete it and mail it.” Get the license from the County Clerk of the county where you will be married; their website lists the requirements. Usually you can get it up to 60 days before the wedding and no later than one day before. Dr. McFadden prefers to collect it at the rehearsal, and he sends you a scanned copy before he mails it.

Yes. He wears a black suit for most weddings, but he can wear a clerical collar if you prefer, and he has an assortment of clerical robes if that fits your wedding better.

Yes, and a rehearsal is usually a good idea. Dr. McFadden leads the rehearsal himself over 98% of the time. Once it starts it takes 30–45 minutes, so everyone knows where to stand and when to arrive. It is usually at the venue, occasionally somewhere nearby when the venue is busy.

Yes. Dr. McFadden was a full-time pastor for 25+ years, and he still speaks at church services many times a year.

Yes. Most of the couples he marries are not active in a church, synagogue or house of worship. He has married people from many religious, cultural and national backgrounds, and works hard to bring in elements that fit where you come from.

“A wedding ceremony is serious, fun and a celebration, and all of those should be present.” He is always looking for new, creative and meaningful elements. In the part of the ceremony he calls “A Unique Relationship”, his serious and fun sides both show as he tells your story and challenges you to live up to the commitment you are making.

There is no obligation. He is glad to offer a blessing for the meal, but his schedule rarely allows it: he often has more than one wedding, or a wedding and a rehearsal, on the same day.

Dr. McFadden or David. You’ll find he is a pretty regular guy who relates well to people and has a great sense of humor.

Yes: a small portable PA system with one speaker and two wireless microphones, a microphone stand and a music stand for readers. Usually the DJ or venue handles sound, but now and then this saves the day.

A tip is always appreciated, but it is not required or expected.

By check, PayPal or credit card.

Check your date with the form or call 630-333-3202. Then meet him for 30 minutes or so, in person, by phone or by video, to decide whether he is the right fit. How the planning works.