I can perform weddings and commitment ceremonies/holy unions indoors or outdoors on Fridays and Saturdays just about anywhere in MD/DC/VA/PA. I am officially licensed in those states to perform weddings. I have performed ceremonies in churches, hotels, military officer's clubs, country clubs, restaurants, beaches, and private homes.

Although my specialty is personal and custom ceremonies, I do have the following types of ceremonies available: non-denominational, Catholic liturgy of the Word, a full traditional Catholic mass which includes the liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist, Inter-Faith service, and short notice Civil or Vow Exchange.

I would be glad to meet with you and your fiancé or partner to begin planning your ceremony! Even though most couples only want about a 30-minute ceremony, it will probably take us one to two hours to go over all the choices available for you. If you live outside the greater Baltimore/Washington area, or have a really busy schedule, we can do a telephone interview instead of a meeting. However, I prefer a meeting if possible at my parish office in Baltimore, MD.  Click here to find out about Rev. Flaherty's availability for your wedding.

As a "wedding minister" or "wedding officiant" in the MD/DC/VA/PA area, I spend a lot of time helping each couple plan their ceremony. Many couples today don't want a "generic" ceremony, one that looks and sounds like everyone else's. Based on what we discuss, your ceremony will be uniquely yours by being completely personalized and customized. You will be able to select readings, vows, and ceremonies from my files or create your own. There will also be opportunities to involve friends and family members in readings, prayers of the people, lighting the unity candle (if used), and escorting down the aisle. I will provide you a complete written outline or script in plenty of time before your wedding or commitment ceremony for you to review and approve.

Since I have done many weddings and commitment ceremonies and worked with many wedding professionals, I can also make recommendations of reputable wedding resources since I have seen and approve of their work. Please "click" on the Wedding Resources button which will link you to their sites or just ask me when we meet.

I have two levels of services available: Full-Service and Full Catholic Mass. I perform ceremonies in all locations, both indoors and outdoors, in MD/DC/VA/PA. The service fees are applicable for a ceremony within 60 miles (one-way) from Baltimore, MD.  Any ceremony which is 60-150 miles from Baltimore , MD will be charged a travel fee of $100. Travel further than 150 miles will be at the current IRS reimbursement mileage fee. Any overnight accommodations must be arranged and paid for by the couple.  I am also available for extensive travel outside the states listed above, and the airfare, transportation and accommodations are the responsibility of the couple.

In order to book, confirm, and reserve a specific date and time for your wedding, the following must be received within (2) weeks after the initial contact: completed registration form, signed ceremony contract, and your check.  Your special date will be reserved only when all of these items have been received by the Business Manager.

The Church

Looking for a location for your wedding?   If you are looking for a church to hold your wedding, please consider my church in Fells Point, Baltimore, MD. The church was built in 1851 and has all the charm of the 19th century with antique stain glass windows, wrap-around balcony, piano, and organ.  It can be configured for a catholic, protestant, or non denominational wedding.  The church holds 200 on the main floor and another 100 in the balcony.  The charm of this old church may be just what you are looking for!

Registration and Contract Documents

(Click here for a copy of the Wedding/Holy Union Ceremony Contract in Microsoft Word)  

(Click here for a copy of the Wedding/Holy Union Ceremony Registration Form in Microsoft Word) 

Rev. Flaherty Credentials

Rev. David Flaherty entered Wadham's Hall Seminary-College in Ogdensburg New York, directly after High School in 1982 and received a BA in Philosophy in May 1986. Studying for the Diocese of Syracuse, New York. He completed a Pastoral Year at a Roman Catholic parish in Binghamton, New York and completed 3 credits of Clinical Pastoral Education during that year (August 1986-June 1987) and then entered St. Mary's Seminary University in Baltimore, MD, in August of 1987.  He finished two years of study and received an MA in Theology in May of 1990. In August of 1997, He then  completed the first of two years towards a Ph.D. in Liturgical Studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. 

On September 15, 2002, Rev. David Flaherty was ordained as a Catholic priest within the United Reform Catholic Church and the next day St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Baltimore, MD was founded and held it's very first Mass. The newly formed Saint Sebastian parish has been a growing, and thriving parish community with an ongoing and active outreach mission to serve and reach out to all people.

Full Service

The majority of couples I've met with have wanted a really special ceremony, lasting 20-45 minutes, depending on their wishes. The full service ceremony includes readings, a homily, exchange of rings, closing rites and recessional. They have chosen to have a celebration of love that is customized and personalized, just for them. In order to do that, I need to meet personally with them for one to two hours at my parish office in Baltimore , MD. We will go over a checklist that covers just about anything you can think of. Then I will write up and forward to you an outline of your ceremony so you can modify it if needed. I will attend and conduct the rehearsal if there is one, and walk everyone through their parts of the ceremony.

Full Catholic Mass

Some couples want the Full Service and want to celebrate their wedding or holy union within the context of a traditional Catholic Mass which includes the liturgy of the Word and Eucharist. The precious Body and Blood (communion) are offered under the elements of bread, wine and grape juice, and all your guests are welcome to receive. This service also includes a personal meeting for one to two hours at my parish office in Baltimore , MD.  I will attend and conduct the rehearsal if there is one, and walk everyone through their parts of the ceremony.  

Click here to find out about Rev. Flaherty's availability for your wedding