Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Miller.
Hi Joanna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2022, I was asked to officiate my cousin’s wedding. With more than 20 years of experience as an actor, singer, and public speaker, I felt confident I could create something meaningful for them—but I didn’t expect it to change my life. After the ceremony, their wedding planner pulled me aside and asked if she could book me for future couples. That was the moment I realized I might be stepping into something special.
I officially launched my business a few months later and have been off to the races ever since. I’ve now officiated nearly 80 weddings and typically serve 20–40 couples each year. It has been the greatest gift to discover work I’m truly passionate about—and to be welcomed so warmly into the wedding community.
At the end of 2025, I took the leap into the wedding industry full-time. It’s both exciting and a little nerve-wracking, but I can’t wait to see what’s next. Hopefully it includes the chance to marry many, many more happy couples!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t all been a smooth road—though I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a clear vision for my business from day one. What’s most humbling is realizing just how much you don’t know when you first start out. I’ve always held myself to a high professional standard, but weddings involve countless moving parts, and some lessons you only learn the hard way.
I’ve had to become an expert in everything from planning parking logistics and confirming a couple actually has a valid marriage license, to making sure venues and planners know in advance about any special rituals—and the props needed to make them happen. I’ve also learned how to help nervous loved ones feel confident if they’re giving a reading. Those small moments matter just as much as the big ones.
On a larger scale, running a small business while holding down a full-time day job is no joke—nor is driving 3,000+ miles a year to weddings across the DMV. But I’m very aware that my path has still been more straightforward than many other vendors’, and I’m grateful every day for the support and momentum I’ve had along the way.
We’ve been impressed with Married by Miller, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Married by Miller is my heart project turned full-time profession. I’m a wedding officiant who specializes in creating highly personal, deeply meaningful ceremonies that feel joyful, inclusive, and genuinely reflective of each couple’s story. My work goes far beyond simply showing up on the wedding day—I guide couples through the entire ceremony-building process, help them find the right tone for their vows, and design rituals that honor their backgrounds, values, and communities.
I’m known for ceremonies that balance warmth, humor, and a thoughtful narrative arc. Couples often tell me that their ceremony felt “so *them*,” which is the highest compliment I could ever receive. I’m also proud of how accessible I make the process: couples receive a full library of readings, traditions, writing prompts, and sample scripts to help them explore what resonates most. Whether someone wants something classic, modern, interfaith, multicultural, or entirely unconventional, I meet them exactly where they are.
What sets Married by Miller apart is the combination of performance experience and deep, empathetic listening. My background as an actor, singer, and public speaker helps me bring confidence, presence, and clarity to the ceremony itself—but my nonprofit and community work taught me how to connect with people, honor their stories, and hold space for the emotional weight of the moment. That blend allows me to create ceremonies that feel both polished and profoundly personal.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the consistency and care behind everything I do: clear communication, thorough preparation, beautifully crafted scripts, and an unwavering commitment to making each couple feel valued. My job is to make the ceremony the most meaningful part of the day—not the part people rush through.
At its core, Married by Miller is about love, storytelling, and community. I want readers to know that whether they’re planning a huge celebration or an intimate elopement, I’m here to help them create a ceremony they’ll remember forever. My services include fully custom ceremonies, vow support, legal officiation, a curated library of readings and rituals, and guidance every step of the way. Above all, I believe that every couple deserves a ceremony that feels like home—and I’m honored to help bring that to life.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The quality that has been most essential to my success is the balance of genuine warmth with unwavering professionalism. Weddings are deeply emotional, high-stakes moments—couples need someone who can hold space for their feelings, make them feel seen, and bring a sense of calm and joy to the process. That’s the warmth.
But they also need someone they can trust completely. Someone who answers emails promptly, prepares thoroughly, shows up early, knows the legal requirements inside and out, and can adapt gracefully when anything unexpected happens. That’s the professionalism.
For me, the magic happens at the intersection of the two. My couples know they’re in capable hands, which helps them relax and be fully present. And because they feel supported and cared for, the ceremony becomes more personal, emotional, and meaningful. I think that combination—heart and dependability—is why the experience feels so special, and why so many couples end up referring their friends and family to me.
Pricing:
- $1350 for a custom ceremony written after conducting a live interview, along with full access to my library and other custom resources
- $999 for a custom ceremony written based on responses to a written questionnaire, along with access to my library of wedding readings and traditions
- $450 for ceremonies written via questionnaire that are performed Monday – Thursday
- $200 just to sign legal marriage documents
- $150+ to coach someone else in writing and performing your ceremony
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marriedbymiller.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmarriedbymiller/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marriedbymiller
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/married-by-miller
