
Planning a wedding is often a beautiful journey filled with excitement, joy, and love—but let’s be honest, it can also come with a lot of pressure to do things a certain way. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by outdated traditions or wedding day “rules,” you’re not alone. Read below to see how my guest, Chris Shelley, and I do some serious debunking of Wedding Ceremony Myths.
This week on the Now You May Kiss™ Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the hilarious, wise, and deeply heartfelt Chris Shelley—a professional wedding officiant, Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant, speaker, and the author of Best. Ceremony. Ever. Chris is known for creating refreshingly honest, personal, and often laugh-out-loud ceremonies for couples who want their wedding day to feel just right for them.
A Conversation Full of Laughter, Love, and Real Talk
Chris and I got real about some of the most common wedding ceremony myths that couples still feel obligated to follow—even at modern, non-traditional weddings! And let me tell you, this was no dry checklist conversation. It was funny, sometimes a little irreverent, and always packed with love and wisdom.
Whether you’re planning a black-tie celebration or a cozy destination elopement, this episode will inspire you to rethink what’s “traditional” and step fully into what’s true for you.
7 Wedding Ceremony Myths We Officially Debunked
Here are just a few wedding ceremony myths Chris and I joyfully busted during our conversation:
“You can’t see each other before the ceremony.”
Yes, you can—and for some couples, a first look or private moment before the ceremony brings calm, connection, and a sense of sacred intimacy.
“Weddings always start late.”
Not if you don’t want them to! With a well-planned timeline and an experienced officiant and planner, your ceremony can begin exactly when it’s meant to.
“The officiant must stand between you during your vows.”
Not true! Chris and I both agree—stepping aside during your vows creates a more powerful, connected moment for you and your guests.
“You have to sign your marriage license after the ceremony.”
Actually, you can sign before, DURING or after—it all depends on what feels best for your flow of the day. Spoiler alert, signing before or during your ceremony allows you just to get to the celebrating all the more quickly afterward.
“Outdoor weddings must go on outdoors—no matter the weather.”
You and your guests deserve to be comfortable and safe. A stunning backup plan isn’t a failure—it’s good design.
“You need a large wedding party.”
You don’t need 14 people in matching outfits to feel supported. A meaningful ceremony can be intimate, relaxed, and still elegant.
“Personal vows should be kept private.”
We say: if you want to share your heart in front of your loved ones, do it. That’s where the magic lives.
Why This Matters for Your Wedding Ceremony
If you’re a couple who values intentionality, authenticity, and unforgettable moments, then these myth-busting truths will help you confidently shape a ceremony that reflects your real love story—not someone else’s expectations.
Regardless of budget, your ceremony deserves to be a celebration of your hearts, your values, and your journey—crafted with care, creativity, and maybe even a little comedy.
Meet Chris Shelley

Chris Shelley has been crafting beautiful, deeply personal, and yes—sometimes laugh-out-loud funny—wedding ceremonies since 2011. He’s the author of Best. Ceremony. Ever. (W.W. Norton), speaks regularly at Wedding MBA and other top-tier industry events, and is the owner of Illuminating Ceremonies in New York.
📍 Visit Chris’ Website
📸 Follow Chris on Instagram
Your Ceremony, Your Way
If this conversation lit a fire in your heart and you’re dreaming of a wedding ceremony that’s elegant, intentional, and uniquely yours, I would love to help bring your vision to life.
Whether you’re eloping in the mountains of Washington or the Oregon coast, exchanging vows at a private estate in Coeur d’Alene, or planning an unforgettable destination celebration, your ceremony should be as extraordinary as your love.
Click here to connect with me and learn more about working together
Let’s create a moment you’ll remember forever—for all the right reasons.
About Chanelle

Chanelle Carlin not only hosts the Now You May KissTM Podcast, she is, first and foremost, a Professional Wedding Officiant, Your Celebrant for LifeTM, and the owner of Chanelle Carlin Weddings, LLC. With a passion for crafting deeply personal ceremonies, Chanelle helps couples create authentic, meaningful celebrations of love. Whether through intimate elopements, personalized coaching, or VIP retreats, she is dedicated to guiding couples through every step of their journey. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Chanelle draws inspiration from the natural beauty around her and her heartfelt connections with the couples she serves. If this sounds like the type of elopement or intimate wedding for you, reach out to Chanelle today to start the conversation.