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REV. CLAIRE FRANCES

Since 2004 it has been my joy to officiate at more than 1200 wedding ceremonies… each a unique, personalized creation… mostly in the Charlottesville area but occasionally in other parts of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Each individual brings unique life experiences and each couple has a distinctive story of their own… finding the best ways to reflect that in their ceremony is a wonderful creative challenge. Helping couples celebrate their love and honor the family & friends that are most important to them in their wedding ceremony is a joyful process… And sharing in their wedding day is always an honor. I have the best job anywhere!

Over the last 19 years I’ve officiated at more than 1200 weddings… I could never have imagined a better career.

A little background... having grown up in an interfaith (Christian and Jewish) but non-observant family in New York City I was free to explore every cultural and faith community I could find: Episcopal; Catholic; Hindu; Jewish; Muslim; Buddhist; Quaker, and many more! I first became involved in a faith community at age 13 at one of the oldest Quaker meetings in the country. It was there that I took my very first Yoga class and set out on a lifetime path of discovery.
I received my undergraduate degree in 1981 in Cultural Anthropology and Religious Studies at UC Santa Barbara, and although I loved my studies, found that I was attracted to a more heart-centered, practical approach than an academic one.

In 2004 I completed my studies at One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, a 2-year program in New York City, leading to ordination as an Interfaith Minister. Seminary curriculum provided a firm knowledge base in ancient and contemporary faith traditions and spiritual paths and their practices as well as ongoing experience of practical ministry. Through a workshop elective during Seminary, I discovered the wonderful world of creating beautiful, heartfelt wedding ceremonies for couples from varied backgrounds and that set me on the path of doing the wonderful work I do now.
I have also trained and worked as a Chaplain at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center and have had the opportunity to travel to South India, the Amazon and the Arctic as well as California, Arizona and Kansas..

I am married to the love of my life, Fred Hean (a talented woodworker) and have a wonderful son, Justin, and daughter-in-law (Jayang) and 2 beautiful grandsons: Gibson and Grayson. I am blessed!

Aaron Watson Photograph
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Claire Frances from Sacred Ground Ceremonies was absolutely wonderful. She is so friendly, well spoken and easy to work with. Our ceremony was exactly what we wanted and Claire was really able to capture our personalities and the love we share.

ASHLEY & JESSIE

Photo Credits: Portrait by Jen Fariello Photography; (bottom) Amruta & Emmett by Aaron Watson Photography