Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Marsh.
Hi Paul, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The inspiration for a go-anywhere officiant service was born when a former student asked me to “marry them.” At the time I had just retired from Humboldt State University, now Cal-Poly Humboldt, as a Recreation and Tourism Management professor, and the Outdoor Adventure Leadership specialist. The wedding photographer, also a former student of mine, told me that what I did was a really unique, meaningful and beautiful ceremony. That I “had” to be an officiant. So, Weddings In The Wild began in 2015 to provide the service of a professional go-anywhere wedding officiant. The universe gave me nuggies until I saw the light and said yes to using my gift of creating and performing ceremonies that capture the intent and emotion of the moment.
I wish I could take credit for this amazing service, one that I am so honored to perform. Actually, everything is crowd-sourced from former students and potential brides and grooms. For example, the name Weddings In The Wild came from a neighbor. Today it is my honor to serve between 70 and 100 couples years. The pandemic was a boon for outdoor elopements, weddings and commitment. The beauty of nature provides the awe-fitting of the moment when couples commit themselves for life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
At first, I thought I was in the wedding industry as an officiant, and then came to learn that in fact, this is a niché service that doesn’t fit the industry. It seems more like I am offering a service as a performance artist and concierge, I offer a custom ceremony with a personalized performance for that moment where individuals are making one of the biggest commitments of their life. I also offer Concierge Service for help with planning when Boho or DIY couples plan their destination elopements and weddings
When you offer a service based on, what you come to learn is your calling, the road is definitely interesting and fun. I met some great local business people in the early years because I had to hire myself out on odd jobs in order to pay the bills. These connections work well for my clients, as I am able to connect them with the amazing array of offerings here in our in the redwoods. Because we are in remote northern California, the local community is much like n island economy with incredible local offerings. Fun fact: digging post holes in the redwoods requires a reciprocating saw in order to cut through the roots. At 60, I’m glad that this service has grown enough to eliminate those jobs.
Because I am a sole proprietor and manage all aspects of the service by myself, it can be a challenge. In addition to the ceremonies and performance, there is the website, accounting, marketing, etc…. All provide a fun and interesting challenge as I strive to keep costs low and love high on the priority list. But hey, challenges help us grow, learn and feel fulfilled. The challenge of marriage is a perfect example: a lifetime of learning and nurturing one another.
As you know, we’re big fans of you. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Weddingsinthewild.com is my marketing name and the business exists as a sole proprietorship. You should know that the redwood coast of northern California is one of the most gorgeous places in the world. You can have your wedding ceremony in amazing places. Locally, I am known for my boho style and immense kindness. I am super proud to make a living offering a one-of-a-kind, performance art piece that is your wedding or commitment ceremony. In addition to a beautiful ceremony in a gorgeous location, I can also help you plan your destination visit.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am an adventurer, so risk is in my DNA. One other person and I paddled 900 miles down the sea of Cortez in 1989-90, in 19-foot wooden sea kayaks made from kits. We were unsupported as far as having a land crew or a “remote” crew. We just had wat was with us. And back in those days, no GPS, only pay phones every 2 weeks. I have been a backcountry powder guide, professional ski patroller, Outward Bound School Director, and summer camp program director and outdoor adventure leadership professor. Risk is the backbone of life. Risk is also the inspiration for beauty and the risk evokes the poetic prose that are the foundation of the custom ceremonies I offer.
As an officiant, that adventure helps me understand the risks of missing a ceremony. Most ceremonies in this part of the world take place at least an hour from my home. Often I arrive hours early if there is any chance of delay or road closure.
Pricing:
- Vow renewal $479
- Elopement $517
- Wedding $588
- Concierge Service add $100
Contact Info:
- Website: weddingsinthewild.com
- Instagram: @weddingsinthewild
- Facebook: @weddingsinthewild
Image Credits
The one photo with the officiant (3 people) is taken by Kathleen Amelia
All other photo by Paul Marsh
