South Padre Island Wedding Officiants FAQs

Questions and Answers

Rev. Dan Jenkins, M.Th.,
Rio Grande Valley / South Padre Island
Minister of Marriage

877-204-0769

What kind of Christian wedding ceremony do you do?: I only conduct wedding ceremonies not wedding services (liturgical). The Christian ceremonies I officiate are very acceptable to Protestants, Catholics and Nondenominational Christians. They are unique combinations of faith and romance. It is also my honor to officiate ceremonies for Jewish-Christian couples, with a very excellent blend of the two traditions. I do not do commitment ceremonies. All ceremonies must involve a man and a woman. The only ceremony officiated without a license is a renewal of vows ceremony.
Do you require church membership?: No. So long as you desire the biblical God to be included in your wedding ceremony, that is my only requirement, besides obtaining a license in the State where you will be married. (I do not do weddings in Massachusetts.)
Are you arrogant?: LOL .. I love poking fun at myself, and don't take myself too seriously except when I'm doing weddings. It isn't arrogant when you can actually do what you say you can do .. and I'm a very good wedding minister .. classy, professional, flexible .. yadda yadda yadda .. try it, you'll like it!
Do you require pre-marital counseling?: No. My only requirements are stated in the previous answer.
Do you do commitment ceremonies?: No. The only ceremonies that I do without a marriage license present are: Renewal of Vows, and public nuptials for a couple that has already been privately married. And, yes, I will accomodate the couple and keep their secret .. that they were already privately married!
Where can we have our wedding on South Padre Island?: If you are staying at a hotel or a cottage, you can ask the management if te wedding can be on their section of beach. Or, you can contact the City Hall at South Padre Island and ask where your wedding is permitted, and about getting a permit from them. However, we have had weddings with fewer than 5 guests at a section of beach near one of the access points and had no problems with the authorities.
How long are your ceremonies?: Without the Sand Ceremony, readings, a processional, etc., the ceremony is about 12 minutes long. The longest ceremony I've ever had was just under 30 minutes, but that was not on the beach.
How far do you travel?: I will travel wherever the couple will pay my travel fees and expenses.
Why are your fees so high?: Our fees are very reasonable. You want me to be available when you need me, and to have flexibility, and you want to find me when you need me. Advertising is extremely expensive. When my fees are higher than other wedding ministers, I can only say that you get what you pay for. My experience, flexibility, professionalism, patience and passion is very much above average. In fact, my present fees are much lower than what I received in Pittsburgh, and I am just as excellent and worthy today as then.
Are you ordained?: Yes, I was ordained as a pastor. Because I am no longer with the denomination I served as a pastor, my ordination is now recognized by Theophile International and United Christian Ministries International. Ministerial records kept by the Ohio Department of State show I have been "legal" to perform weddings since 1976.
Will you conduct civil ceremonies?: I'm sorry, but as an ordained minister it is not appropriate for me to officiate secular ceremonies, nor ceremonies based upon belief systems directly opposed to Christianity. This is not a judgemental position, it is simply being true to my faith, myself and God.