Getting married near Panama City, Florida? You're going to need an officiant. Your wedding officiant is the person who will perform your ceremony and will sign your marriage license as the official witness. In Florida, a licensed Notary Public or an Ordained Minister may perform a wedding ceremony.
Whether you're planning a simple courthouse wedding or an epic celebration, our officiants would be honored to be a part of your day. For us, it's all about promoting and encouraging the love of two people!
Meet some of our officiants...
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Keirsten Ackerman
Ordained Minister
Hello! My name is Keirsten and I was born and raised in the beautiful Florida Panhandle. I’ve had the pleasure of living throughout the state over the last 10 years and I am blessed to be back home in the Panama City/ Fort Walton Beach area.
My passion in life is most certainly people. I have always enjoyed working with couples both similar and different from myself. Uniqueness is beautiful and a blessing, and we are all unique in our own ways. I also believe that weddings- being one of the most memorable moments in people’s lives- should also be unique and represent each individual couple in the most authentic of ways.
My goal for your day is simple, to ensure that your special day is as memorable and stress-free as possible. I believe that couples should be fully immersed in the joy of the moment, both with their future partner, as well as with their family and friends. I love all of the beautiful couples I’ve had the opportunity to work with and I can’t wait to create an unforgettable wedding experience tailored just for you as well.

Liane DeBoard
Notary Public
Hello, my name is Liane (Diane with an L)
I have a diverse background spanning from the Pacific Northwest to Austin, Texas. Having called Portland, Oregon area home for two decades, I embraced the vibrant culture and lush landscapes of the region. In the two years I spent Austin, Texas, it definitely added a touch of southern charm to my experiences. Currently, I reside in Panama City. While I've only been here a year, I'm happy to call it home. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my kids by the bay or relishing the beauty of the local beaches and all of the adventures Panama City has to offer.
I wish you both a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and endless joy as you embark on this beautiful journey together. Congratulations on your special day!
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Michael Fogle
Ordained Minister
Meet Michael, ordained minister hailing from South Carolina, now calling Panama City home since 2000. With a foundation in Christian values and a spiritual outlook, Michael embraces an open mind and honors all belief systems and backgrounds. Michael is an electrician apprentice by day and a passionate unifier of couples by heart. Formerly a proud member of the military, Michael understands the commitment, dedication, and unity that bind people together. Having experienced the beauty of a blended family, he recognizes the importance of celebrating love in all its forms. Beyond work, he enjoys walks with his two dogs, cheers for football teams, and finds solace in his love for music. In 2020, Michael married his soulmate, adding a new chapter of love and commitment to his journey. Michael looks forward to making your special day truly memorable.
"Love is when you meet someone who tells you something about yourself." -Andre Breton
Joe Zeni
Ordained Minister
Hi there, I'm Joe! I’m active duty military stationed in the beautiful panhandle with a deep love for weddings and family. As a dedicated dad and husband, I cherish every moment spent with my loved ones. When I’m not working, you can find me exploring the Emerald Coast with my wife, dogs, and kids. I have a special place in my heart for elopements, where love and spontaneity beautifully intertwine. My life is a fusion of duty and passion, making every day an adventure. I strive to bring joy and a positive spirit to everything I do. Let's create beautiful, lasting memories together
Cait Zeni
Ordained Wedding Minister
Hi! I'm Cait, a wedding officiant here in beautiful Panama City Beach! Originally from New England, I moved her with my husband, who's in the Coast Guard. Since 2023, I've been lucky enough to be involved in all things weddings - from officiating ceremonies, to coordinating weddings, and even bartending and hospitality services. I absolutely love being a part of someone's special day and making sure it's perfect and memorable. When I'm not busy with weddings, you can find me hanging out with my big dogs (I'm a huge animal lover!) or getting ready for the arrival of my first daughter. I'm excited to be a part of your day!
Angie Wright
Bilingual Ordained Minister & Notary Public
I am truly enamored by the magic of weddings. As a devoted bilingual officiant, I find immense joy in uniting two hearts and two languages in love. My own wedding day allowed me to witness the power of love through my husband's eyes, a moment I cherish. Let me bring this same passion to your special day, creating a ceremony that mirrors your unique love story and sets the stage for your beautiful journey ahead.
Estoy realmente enamorada de la magia de las bodas. Como ofi ciante bilingüe, encuentro una inmensaalegría en unir dos corazones y dos idiomas en amor. El día de mi boda me permiti ó presenciar el poder delamor a través de los ojos de mi esposo, un momento que aprecio. Permítanme traer esta misma pasión a sudía especial, creando una ceremonia que refl eje su historia de amor única y prepare el escenario para suhermoso viaje por delante.
Krystle Smith
Ordained Minister & FL Notary Public
Hello, I'm Krystle, originally from Ohio and raised in a quaint small town there. In 2021, I made the move to the Panhandle. I have a passion for officiating weddings and witnessing the joyous union of couples. When I'm not busy with weddings, I'm a proud mom to a two-year-old boy and a huge fan of a delicious cup of coffee. I'm excited to be a part of your special day and help make it unforgettable.
Tashica Williams
Notary Public
Hi1 I'm Tashica, originally from Jamaica, and now a Panama City Beach resident. I have been happily married since 2018 and love weddings because of the atmosphere and excitement love brings. The laughter, smiles, joy, and love found at a wedding are inspirational. Witnessing a happy couple experience one of their best days, is the greatest gift in life.
Mary Averill
Ordained Minister
Minister Mary is the Emerald Coast's favorite coffee love, beach bumming wedding officiant. She is joyful, easy-going, and certain to put a smile on your face. After years of officiating weddings in West Tennessee, Mary moved to Panama City Beach in 2017. A natural born nurturer, in addition to officiating weddings, Mary is also a nurse. All of her couples and their families say she immediate feels like part of the family. She works hand in hand with your photographer to make sure she is not in the way for your most important memories. Mary's "love" philosophy can be summed up as, "I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." (-Harry, When Harry Met Sally)
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Darla Bennett
Ordained Minister
Darla is a proud military brat and because of her many relocations as a child, she loves meeting new people and learning about different cultures. She has a natural happiness that is contagious and she would be honored to bring a special joy to your most precious day. Darla and her husband, Clay, have 3 adult boys. In her personal time, Darla loves exploring her new home town of Panama City, petting every dog she comes in contact with and enjoying great meals with good friends. “Love is a partnership between two unique people who bring out the very best in each other and who know that even though they are wonderful as individuals, they are even better together.” Barbara Cage

Rev. Tom Averill
Ordained Minister
Rev. Tom and his wife (Minister Mary) moved to Panama City Beach in 2017. When he's not officiating weddings you can find him spending time with his wife and cats, hanging out at the beach, or reading a good book. Rev. Tom also teaches English Language Arts at a local middle school.
"My favorite part of officiating weddings is all of the great people that I get to meet!" -Rev. Tom