# 🤫 Charleston Vow Renewal — Officiant Options
*Compiled: March 28, 2026 — PRIVATE (Joe only)*

## ⚠️ STATUS: 6 DAYS OUT — BOOK IMMEDIATELY

The ceremony is Friday, April 3rd on the beach. Here are the top 3 options, ranked by fit for a casual beach vow renewal:

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## Option 1: ⭐ Vows by Dawn (BEST FIT)
- **Who:** Dawn — 15+ years experience
- **Website:** https://vowsbydawn.com
- **Zola:** Listed on Zola with strong reviews
- **Why she's #1:**
  - Explicitly does **vow renewals** (listed as a core service)
  - Non-denominational, inclusive, personalized
  - Reviews mention **last-minute bookings** ("We decided very last minute...")
  - Covers both **North and South Carolina**
  - Beach ceremony experience
  - Warm, personal, not stuffy
- **Contact:** Through website — vowsbydawn.com
- **Action:** Joe should call/email TODAY to check April 3 availability

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## Option 2: Custom Vows by Casey
- **Who:** Casey — Charleston-based
- **Website:** https://www.customvowsbycasey.com
- **Why she's good:**
  - Specializes in **short and sweet** ceremonies (perfect for a renewal)
  - Reviews specifically mention last-minute rebookings ("Our original officiant had backed out on us at the last minute")
  - Very responsive via phone and email
  - Laid-back, personal approach — not corny
  - Charleston local, knows all the venues and beach spots
- **Contact:** Through website
- **Action:** Email/call as backup if Dawn is booked

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## Option 3: Wedding Belle Rev (Rev. Kristen Barner)
- **Who:** Rev. Kristen Barner, MDiv — ordained UCC minister
- **Website:** https://www.charlestonweddingbellerev.com
- **Why she's good:**
  - 700+ ceremonies since 2012
  - Handles vow renewals specifically
  - Non-denominational, spiritual, civil — flexible
  - Has a backup officiant (husband David, professional actor/Shakespeare specialist — could add a nice dramatic touch)
  - Very established, credentialed
- **Potential concern:** More formal/religious-leaning than the others
- **Contact:** Through website

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## Joe's Action Items (ASAP — this weekend!)
1. **Call/email Vows by Dawn TODAY** — check April 3 availability for a beach vow renewal
2. If booked, immediately try Custom Vows by Casey
3. If both booked, contact Wedding Belle Rev
4. Have basic details ready:
   - **Date:** Friday, April 3, 2026
   - **Location:** Beach, one block from rental house, Charleston SC
   - **Type:** Vow renewal (casual, intimate, family-only)
   - **Attendees:** Joe, Keli, Danielle, Juliana, Isabella
   - **Vibe:** Casual beach, personal, heartfelt but not overly formal
   - **Duration:** 15-20 minutes
   - **Budget:** Expect $300-$500 for a simple beach ceremony

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*This is happening in 6 days. Every day Joe waits reduces the chance of booking. CALL TODAY.* 🦞