Wedding Officiant & Notary Public
Personalized & Inclusive Ceremonies in North Carolina
Every couple. Every ceremony. One of a kind.
Hi, I’m Deborah Halvorson — a North Carolina wedding officiant and notary, and the heart behind The Legal Knot. I believe every couple deserves a ceremony that feels like them — honest, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
Whether you're planning an elopement, vow renewal, or full wedding celebration, I’m here to guide you with warmth, care, and respect. From traditional to contemporary, LGBTQ+ to spiritual or symbolic, I specialize in creating ceremonies that honor your unique love story.
As a commissioned Notary Public in North Carolina, I also ensure that every ceremony is not only meaningful, but legally binding. I’d be honored to help you tie the knot — your way, with joy and intention.
Ceremony Types
Every couple is different. Your ceremony should be too.
I currently offer:
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Traditional Ceremonies
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Contemporary Ceremonies
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LGBTQ+ & Same-Sex Ceremonies
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Handfasting Ceremonies
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Vow Renewals
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Elopements
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Simple Legal Signings
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Symbolic or Commitment Ceremonies
Let’s create a ceremony that feels true to you.
The Heart Behind The Legal Knot
Ceremony Packages
Each ceremony package is thoughtfully designed to provide meaningful, personalized service from start to finish. Whether your celebration is grand or intimate, you’ll receive professional, compassionate support every step of the way. I believe every ceremony should be one-of-a-kind — just like the love you share.
The Legal “Yes”- $50
A quick, no-fuss option for couples who just need to make it official.
- Free Consultation (phone, video, or in-person)
- Ceremony performed at a location up to 15 minutes travel time
- Brief declaration of intent (saying “I Do”, required by NC law)
- Professional attire
Simply Yours Package – $200
A simple and heartfelt ceremony for couples who want to make it official without the extras.
- Free Consultation (phone, video, or in-person)
- Ceremony performed at a location up to 15 minutes travel time
- Up to 30 minutes of ceremony time (ceremony and pictures)
- Day of ceremony support
- Opening blessing or prayer (optional and prewritten)
- Pre-written ceremony script with light personalization
- Support with obtaining and completing of the marriage license
- Professional attire; robe available upon request
Signature Ceremony Package – $300
A fully personalized ceremony that tells your love story.
- Free Consultation (phone, video, or in-person)
- Rehearsal and ceremony attendance
- Travel to your ceremony venue up to 45 minutes each way is included.
- Up to 45 minutes of rehearsal time is included with timeline coordination and
rehearsal guidance
- Up to 1 hour of ceremony time (ceremony, pictures, and short celebration) is
included
- Day of ceremony support
- Opening blessing or prayer (optional and prewritten with light personalization)
- Fully customized ceremony script tailored to your love story
- with optional vow writing guidance
- One personalized reading (poem or story)
- Support with obtaining and completing of the marriage license
- Professional or formal attire based on ceremony tone; robe available upon request
Unity & Celebration Package – $400
Everything you need for a personalized, meaningful, and ritual-filled wedding day.
- Free Consultation (phone, video, or in-person)
- Rehearsal and ceremony attendance
- Travel to your ceremony venue up to 1 hour each way is included.
- Up to 1 hour of rehearsal time is included with timeline coordination and rehearsal
guidance
- Up to 2 hours of ceremony time (ceremony, pictures, and short celebration) is
included
- Day of ceremony support- ceremony structure and flow
- Opening blessing or prayer (optional and prewritten with light personalization)
- Fully customized ceremony script tailored to your love story
- with optional vow writing guidance
- and unlimited communication and revisions to the ceremony script
- One personalized reading, symbolic rituals, or cultural inclusions
- Includes unity ceremony (supplies not included)
- Support with obtaining and completing of the marriage license
- Elegant or themed attire by request; robe available
Every love story is unique — and your ceremony can be too. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, let’s chat. I’d be happy to create something just right for you.
Enhancements & Special Considerations
Ceremony Enhancements-
Premarital Meeting or Coaching Session – Starting at $50
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Up to a 1 hour informal session for couples who want deeper reflection or connection before the ceremony.
Venue Liaison or Vendor Coordination – Starting at $25
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Includes one email or phone coordination with venue or vendor team.
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Additional communication may increase pricing.
Additional travel time outside of package specifics – Starting at $25 per 30 minutes
Attending Rehearsal outside of package specifics – $50 for 1 hour rehearsal time (not including travel time)
Additional unity ritual elements (handfasting, candle, sand) (supplies not provided) – $35
Officiant Standing-In for Photos Only – $50
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Up to 1 hour availability for stylized shoots or staged moments without the full ceremony
Decorative keepsake certificate (marriage or unity) – $15
Ceremony script keepsake printing – $10
Extra meetings or planning support – $25/hr
Notarized wedding documents – $10 per signature
Special Considerations-
Emergency / Last-Minute Ceremony Fee – $50
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For same-day or short-notice (within 72 hrs) requests.
Holiday Ceremony Surcharge – $75
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Applies to weddings on major holidays (e.g., Christmas, New Year's, July 4th, Thanksgiving).
Standalone Planning Consultation – $50
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For couples not booking a ceremony.
Ceremony Planning Guidance – $50
Script-Only Service – $100
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Custom-written ceremony script for a designated friend or family member to officiate. Includes one revision and a 15-minute consultation.
About Me
I’m Deborah Halvorson — wedding officiant, Notary Public, mama of four grown kids, proud Yaya to my grandson, and founder of The Legal Knot.
For over 30 years, I’ve served families and communities with compassion and heart. Now, I have the joy of helping couples celebrate one of life’s most meaningful milestones — their union.
I believe that love is love — and that every couple, no matter their background, identity, or journey, deserves a ceremony that reflects who they truly are. Whether you're LGBTQ+, blending cultures, starting over, or starting fresh, you are welcome here. Fully and without hesitation.
After moving from Texas to Burlington, North Carolina, I knew I wanted to continue work that matters. Officiating weddings and providing support with intention and care has become my passion.
When I’m not writing ceremony scripts or assisting with paperwork, you’ll probably find me discovering new cafés and local tap houses. I believe dessert should be eaten first (life is short — eat the cake!), and I never pass up a great playlist from the 70s, 80s, or 90s.
No two ceremonies I create are the same — because no two love stories are. I’d be honored to help tell yours.
I am ordained through Universal Life Church and legally ordained to perform marriages in the state of North Carolina.
North Carolina General Statute § 51-1 states that marriages may be solemnized by an ordained minister of any religious denomination or by a magistrate. I hold a valid ordination certificate, which I am happy to provide upon request.
North Carolina does not require officiants to register with the state or county, and local Register of Deeds offices have confirmed that my credentials meet the legal requirements to perform your ceremony.
Your marriage will be fully legal and recognized by the state once your license is completed and returned as required.
I take your ceremony seriously and always strive to provide a heartfelt, personalized, and fully legal experience for every couple.
Let me know if you have any questions—I’m always happy to help!