JD Prendergast | Authorized Officiant | 509.255.3858 | Traveling Celebrant
H O M E
J. Douglas Prendergast
Professional Traveling Celebrant

Authorized Officiant       Licensed & Certified

Chaplain J. Douglas Prendergast

About J.Douglas Prendergast

  • Professional Service
    • Ordained chaplain ministering to all persons regardless of faith or affiliation.
    • Honorable U.S. Air Force veteran.
    • Commissioned Notary Public.
  • Community Active
    • Involved as a local Block Watch Leader.
    • Helped organize and promote free-to-the-public concerts in neighborhood parks.
    • Fundraised for American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
    • Volunteered with community theatre for over a decade.
  • Civic Engagement
    • Elected as Chair three terms, 2015-2020, to Northwest Neighborhood Council.
    • Campaigned with Washington United for Marriage supporting Referendum 74.

Registered with Washington Department of Veteran's Affairs as a Veteran Owned Micro-Business.

Greetings!

I am Johnathon Douglas Prendergast, a chaplain and ordained clergy person. To make things easier you can call me Doug. And yes, my ancestry is Irish & Celtic. As an independent, non-denominational traveling wedding Celebrant, I offer personalized ceremonies for weddings, funerals, life events, and everything else in between.

As a clergy person, I believe in companionship and marriage. A nurturing love relationship is a Gift, deserving of acknowledgement and blessing. It's the reason I have chosen to be fully inclusive. Some clergy may reject couples for their own reasons. But I believe our future is better served by clergy opening their arms rather than slamming their doors, especially when two people are willing to commit to a future and home together. It would be an honor to be of service to the two of you however it is I can assist.

I am authorized to solemnize and can legally sign marriage licenses in all 50 States & D.C. You don't need to be religious to have a clergy person officiate your marriage.

If you're planning to get married please know that pre-marital counseling is available but not required. Also understand I don't schedule multiple weddings on the same day. My entire day is dedicated to the two of you. Unexpected things can (and sometimes do) happen and the last thing you'll want to worry about is whether your Celebrant is stuck somewhere else and they're not there for you!

Planning to Elope? I am here to assist you in planning your intimate wedding for two and two witnesses. Please let me know if you would like me to arrange for the witnesses. Any authorized Official can conduct your Washington wedding pre-planned or after the required three day waiting period. Or, you can marry in Idaho the same day you get your marriage license.

The services I offer are all-inclusive and the Honorarium is negotiable. As an independent clergy person I receive my salary per ceremonial service.  

I reside in Spokane County serving the metro Spokane-Coeur d'Alene area and greater Inland Northwest region. I welcome the opportunity to get to know you.

Síocháin

~ Doug  

Real Testimonials From Verified Sources

weddingwire.com Thumbtack |  Best Pro of 2016 Thumbtack |  Best Pro of 2015
Marriage During the Pandemic
SARS·CoV·2 & COVID·19

Yes, you can get married!

You can have your wedding day though it might come to changing what you originally had in mind when you first envisioned this day. However, when you realize what is most important, it helps make you appreciate what you truly have in each other.

I am following the CDC’s recommendations. I am also complying with all lawful orders including, but not limited to, being physically distant (social distancing) by at least 6 feet and wearing a mask while indoors. If you want me to wear gloves or take other reasonable precautions I am willing to meet your requests when possible.

The overall safety message from the authorities is one of containing and reducing the spread of the outbreaks. As such, I am limiting my travel to the local area. I ask you to make the proper decisions that feel right for you and those around you.

There are safer ways to have your wedding. Your wedding day official can legally marry each couple in a non-formal intimate setting. If you want or need to get married, a small outdoor ceremony can always be arranged. Indoor ceremonies are possible under certain conditions.

The ceremony will always consist of an Officiant, the couple, and two witnesses, if required. Your officiant simply needs to stand at a safe distance. Depending on whatever restrictions are in place at the time of your wedding, other members in the bridal party and guests may not be allowed or may be limited in number.

I'm hoping with all of our efforts we can return to better times.

How may I help you?

Inspirational Lyrics, Readings, and Quotations

Weekday Office Hours & Other
Contact Information

Typical office hours are as follows:

    • Monday Thursday: 1 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.
    • Friday – Sunday:  By appointment only
    • Holidays may affect these hours.

I am usually out of the office on weekends as this is when most couples marry.

You can always send a text message anytime you want. I will respond as soon as I can.

You may call or text me at: 509.255.3858

Email address: doug@jdprendergast.vet

Mailing address: PO Box 9519 · Spokane, WA 99209


Life's events are not difficult to plan when you can find the information you seek. Please contact me for information, guidance, and assistance. If you don't find what you are seeking on this site please do not hesitate to ask me.  

The Tree of Life

  • I’ve always appreciated the symbolism of this tree because of my Irish-Celtic ancestry. The Tree of Life is also found in Jewish tradition and in the mythology of many different cultures as a symbol of the connection between mystical teachings and the natural world.
  • The Tree of Life metaphor is completely pervasive – we talk about family trees and people with deep roots. It's not difficult to understand how this tree became a metaphor for the nature of life itself.
  • The Gaelic, or Irish, name for the Tree of Life is Crann Bethadh. Pronounced as Chron Ba-hod (rhymes with “prawn Baja”).
  • Crann Bethadh represents sustenance and just about everything known to the Celts – the passage of time, growth, shelter, food, lumber, fuel, warmth, – the basics of life!
  • To the ancient Celts the variety of different lifeforms being sustained by the trees and even the shape of the tree itself seemed to model their universe.
  • The Hebrew name for the Tree of Life is Eitz cHaim. Pronounced like Ette’s Hime (rhymes with “it’s time”).
  • Eitz cHaim represents sustenance for life, too. But even more it represents the natural world – it can transform the earth from a barren and lifeless mass into an environment capable of supporting other forms of life.
  • It also is interesting to note that in Jewish liturgy only the tree is distinguished with its own special blessing. There is no other comparable blessing uniquely singled out for one of the natural wonders of creation that provide benefit to humankind.
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