Choosing the right officiant can be easily overlooked in the face of decisions about the cake and the flowers and the guest list, but it’s arguably one of the most central pieces in one of the most important days in many couples’ lives. Weddings are one of life’s biggest joys but can also be one of the most complicated. The union formed on the day of marriage is one that calls for celebration and congratulations, and of course, a great team to get you through it. After all, it’s a pivotal moment that transitions a couple into the next phase of their life. Choosing an officiant that puts your comfort and happiness above all else is essential for a smooth day-of ceremony. Couples beginning to plan their weddings may find that many officiants model their services after their own beliefs and perspectives on the concept of marriage, but the few that put couples’ needs above all else are diamonds in the rough. EC Matrimony is one of those special few.

EC Matrimony is here to help joyfully navigate the pairing through their big day in a way that brings smiles and provides memories for a lifetime. Headed by Ernie Claeson, EC Matrimony helps couples wed surrounded by loved ones while ensuring the day is completely centered around the couple, honoring their wishes, philosophy on marriage, and unique style.

Ernie Claeson’s initial introduction to ordaining was casual as a pair of friends asked Ernie to officiate their wedding, but he jumped into the task wholeheartedly, and the business soon grew. With a background in marketing and public relations, he left the industry for weddings shortly after that first wedding, and his business is now ten years old. Now Ernie proudly works year-round to bring couples peace and joy on their big day while performing one of the most important and intimate functions at the wedding. He currently averages 100-125 weddings per year, something that he never would’ve imagined before, but the weddings are just too magical to resist.

One of his favorite aspects is getting to know the couples, beginning with their love story. Knowing the soon-to-be-wed helps ensure that Ernie is able to keep the ceremony unique, but it also helps the couple to feel comfortable with him, an important step to making sure he fulfills his officiating duties well. After all, there are only three people who will be standing at the altar, the couple and their officiant. That degree of intimacy and connectivity requires getting to know your officiant early on, something that Ernie is eager to do with every couple he officiates. In order to secure Ernie’s services and to allow sufficient time for planning, it’s best to reach out as early on as possible.

In getting to know every couple, Ernie likes to keep in mind that this is not his wedding or his memories being created. You won’t find him imposing his beliefs, values, or traditions on any couple. In fact, he has officiated weddings of all persuasions, from small budgets and park ceremonies to grand venues and over-the-top weddings. Instead, he makes sure that every ceremony is uniquely catered to the couple and fits their wants and needs, not his.Though he’s happy to be as involved as the couple would like, the forefront of Ernie’s mission is to make the clients and guests feel like every aspect is entirely about them. His overall goal is to make “ceremonies as unique as you.” By getting to know the couple, Ernie can create a wedding that models them and melds with them, rather than working against them. This process involves sprinkling the couple’s love story throughout and working together to create meaningful vows while working closely with the couple.

Regardless of where or how a couple wishes to get married, Ernie will try his best to accommodate. Couples that he’s worked with have done everything from saying their vows in a park during a quick ceremony or participating in a grand ceremony in an extravagant ballroom. Either way, EC Matrimony has it covered. Regardless of where or how a couple wishes to get married, Ernie will try his best to accommodate. Couples that he’s worked with have done everything from saying their vows in a park during a quick ceremony or participating in a grand ceremony in an extravagant ballroom. Either way, EC Matrimony has it covered.

When it comes to financial considerations, Ernie is also accommodating. If a couple is not able to afford Ernie’s officiant services at face value, he encourages them to connect with him anyway because he is always open to finding a creative solution that will work with their wants and needs. Though based in Beaverton, EC Matrimony regularly officiates weddings across the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and beyond. Ernie won’t try to convince couples to book with him if it’s not the right fit. Since he values the importance of working with clients, he works to develop a rapport, but he encourages couples to connect with different officiants to find who they feel most comfortable with. A good officiant can make the difference between a wedding day that is stressful or one that is full of comfort, joy, and everything the couple’s dreams are made of.