Heidi Gessner

Ordained Minister, Wedding Officiant, Certified Premarital Counselor

My gift is gently supporting all couples and crafting intentional, elegant, and heartfelt ceremonies.

Meet Heidi

Hi, I’m Heidi Gessner—an ordained United Church of Christ minister, seasoned professional wedding officiant, and certified premarital counselor, serving Winston-Salem, the Triad, and beyond.

Since 2007, I’ve helped couples of all backgrounds by creating personalized, heartfelt ceremonies that reflect their love, values, and story. Whether your wedding is spiritual or secular, traditional or unique, I’ll craft a ceremony that feels truly you.

As a former hospital chaplain, I understand the deep importance of connection and calming presence. I bring warmth, care, and intention to every ceremony I write. My style is relaxed, inclusive, and deeply personal—because love is love, and your love story deserves to be told with joy and meaning.

Packages range from $575 to $1,450 with most couples investing around $850.

Let’s create a ceremony your guests will remember—and you’ll never forget.

Explore my wedding packages

Heartfelt Elopement Package

Intimate, Meaningful Ceremonies for Small Gatherings

Not everyone wants a big wedding—and that can be just as meaningful. Whether you're eloping now and celebrating later, or simply want something more personal than the courthouse, this package offers a warm, custom ceremony for you and a few loved ones.

As an ordained UCC minister, I honor all love stories—regardless of faith, orientation, or background—and craft ceremonies that reflect your unique connection.

This elopement package includes:

  • Free consultation to shape your vision

  • Custom ceremony with vows and rings

  • Friendly, calming officiation at your home, park, or special spot

  • Legal completion and mailing of your marriage license

Simple, sincere, and full of heart—this is elopement made meaningful.

Ready to get started? Let’s connect for a free consultation.

Up-Close & Personal Package

Custom Wedding Ceremonies for Every Kind of Couple

Looking for a wedding officiant who just gets you? Whether you're spiritual, secular, from different faith backgrounds, or simply want a ceremony that feels like you—this package is designed with intention, warmth, and inclusivity.

’ll create a personalized ceremony that honors your unique relationship, values, and vibe—making the planning process stress-free and meaningful from start to finish.

This package includes:

  • Initial + unlimited consultation

  • Planning Your Ceremony worksheet

  • Sample readings and vows to inspire you

  • Personalized ceremony writing with unlimited revisions

  • Rehearsal leadership to ensure everything flows smoothly ($200 additional)

  • Ceremony officiation with a calm, friendly presence

  • Completion and mailing of your marriage license

Let’s create a wedding ceremony you’ll always remember—and guests will never forget.


Building Blocks Premarital Counseling Package

Laying the Foundation for a Beautiful Marriage

More than just planning your wedding, this comprehensive counseling package invests in your relationship now and for years to come.

As a certified Prepare/Enrich Premarital Counselor, I’ll guide you through an online assessment that compiles your personalized Couple Report—your foundation for strengthening communication, problem-solving, and deepening connection.

One of the perks of this package is that we build a meaningful connection—the kind that lasts a lifetime, which makes your wedding day feel even more personal and special.

What’s included:

  • Everything in the Up-Close & Personal Package

  • Prepare/Enrich Assessment + Couple Report

  • Three 75-minute sessions with:

    • Skill-building tools

    • Personality + values assessments

    • Intentional conversations

  • Couples Workbook to support healthy habits

Schedule time with Heidi

Heidi is an incredible officiant! She is so professional and easy to work with. Heidi very thoughtfully got to know my husband and I in order to create the perfect ceremony for us. She was so calming and executed our ceremony flawlessly. I would highly recommend Heidi to anyone!~Emily, Bride

Let’s get started!

I can’t wait to meet you.