Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Gordon.
Hi Anita, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I married my best friend at Snowbird Resort in Northern Utah on May 5th, 2001. Unfortunately, my minister was unavailable, so I had to find an alternative. At that time, there was only one wedding officiant available on the internet for Utah, and it was specifically for cowboy weddings. I worked at a company that had 200 young people as employees, so I asked at least 100 people who had married them. However, the results were not satisfactory.
So, I asked my brother, who is a minister, if he could preside over our ceremony. Although I always wanted him to be a guest and enjoy the moment, he gave us the most loving and laughter-filled ceremony that I could have ever imagined. Halfway through the ceremony, I realized that becoming a professional wedding officiant was my calling in life, and I’ve been going strong for the past twenty-two years with thousands of ceremonies under my belt.
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?
The hardest part of my job is writing ceremonies that please everyone, including parents, grandparents, and, most importantly, the couple. To solve this problem, I developed a mix-and-match system, which allows couples to pick out every word of their ceremony. My bride and groom can choose to have a religious, non-religious, or a combination of both, and couples greatly appreciate the many options I provide.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Even after thousands of ceremonies, I still get excited about each one. I love hearing each couple’s unique “love” story and incorporating it into their ceremony. And the fact that every ceremony takes place in a beautiful setting makes it even more special.
My favorite locations are those in nature, and Southern Utah tops the list. Locations include Arches National Park, Deadhorse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park, Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, and Capitol Reef National Park are perfect for wedding ceremonies and provide incredible photo opportunities. The magnificent setting adds a unique spiritual vibe to the ceremony. But northern Utah is equally beautiful.
Having a wedding on top of a mountain in summer (or winter), reachable only by a chairlift, gondola, or tram, is always a wow factor for guests. And the Bonneville Salt Flats is a unique location in a world of its own. Utah is the perfect place to get married if you’re looking for a natural setting.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I feel blessed and lucky that my brother united my husband and me in marriage. His wonderful sense of humor throughout the ceremony made me realize that becoming an officiant was my destiny. It’s always game on for me, as I try to make each ceremony exciting rather than long-winded, dull, or boring.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.utahweddingminister.com
- Instagram: @revanitagordon
- Facebook: @Utah Wedding Minister
Image Credits
Craig Gordon
