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Illuminating Ceremonies

Photo credit: With Love by George
Logo for Illuminating Ceremonies

Staffing

Illuminating Ceremonies

Based in New York, NY, USA

Logo for Illuminating Ceremonies
Photos
27
Albums
3

Average Response Time 2-4 hrs

About Illuminating Ceremonies

Founded in 2011

Chris Shelley is a keynote speaker, wedding officiant and creator of People Skills Live! People Skills Live is an interactive, hilarious crash-course in social skills. His enthusiasm, positivity and lightning-fast wit boosts the mood of any group, conference or annual meeting. Through his company Illuminating Ceremonies, he's officiated weddings on The Rachael Ray Show, been featured in media such as Bustle and Nearly Newlywed, and he's emceed a memorial service for Joan Rivers' dog. A member of the National Speakers Association, Chris is committed to helping meetings run smoothly, events flow with fun and executive teams enjoy 5-star event reviews. The weddings he officiates are the most fun and personal that guests have ever seen. His book on creating unique wedding ceremonies is Best Ceremony Ever, published by W.W. Norton. Illuminating Ceremonies has afforded him the luxury of working with dozens of event professionals all over the country.

Available In

  • New York City
Announcement image

People Skills Live!

My high-energy interactive keynote/show (or: KeyShow) People Skills Live is ready to go. Bring me in to elevate your staff's level of social dexterity, presentation and charm. This is a social workout to ready workers for talking to customers, charming guests, and providing social amazement.

Event Albums 3

Pricing Packages

  • Illuminating Ceremonies Pricing

    Minimum Spend
    $800

    Taxes and fees not included

    Catering not included

    Beverages not included

    Download PDF

    Chris' rates for offiiciating and for keynotes are different.

Services

  • Bartenders

  • Servers

  • Coat Check

  • Security

  • Officiant

FAQs 5

How would you describe your entertaining style?
Improvisational. I love talking to the audience, having fun with whatever they give me. I'm loud but never over the top. I work clean. Family-friendly but can work an adult crowd too.
Are you an emcee first, wedding celebrant second?
I'd say first I'm a husband, second I'm a speaker, third I'm a wedding celebrant and I'm an emcee at all times.
What makes you different from other event pros?
I've been hosting and performing and living an interesting life for longer than a lot of people. I'm a quick-thinker and I thrive best in impromptu situations. I'm a classically-trained actor and I've worked in professional theater. I understand my role no matter the event.
At weddings, do you just officiate or do you emcee the reception?
Some couples do hire me to do both and I'm happy to. By the time the ceremony is underway, the guests are familiar with me, so it only makes sense to have consistency throughout the evening by having me keep the reception flowing.
How many years have you been in business?
I started in weddings in 2011. I hosted my first talent show in 1988. I mostly acted from 1985-1997. So to answer the question: several.

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Average Response Time 2-4 hrs