We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kevin Harper. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kevin below.

Kevin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

The wedding industry is fascinating, especially in these post-COVID times when demand is soaring and options are endless. Every couple’s celebration is as unique as their love story, and this diversity is something I embrace wholeheartedly as a wedding officiant.

What sets me apart is my deep commitment to truly understanding each couple. I don’t just show up with a script; I get to know their quirks, their journey, their dreams. I learn what makes them laugh, what drives them crazy, and what keeps them deeply connected. This isn’t just about making their ceremony legal—it’s about capturing the essence of their relationship.

Unlike some other wedding professionals who can operate on the surface level—like photographers who might snap away without knowing much about the couple, or DJs who can play a set without personalizing it—I dive deep. I craft a ceremony that reflects who they are, where they’ve been, and where they’re going together.

There’s no greater compliment than when guests come up to me after a ceremony and ask, “How long have you known the couple?” They assume I’ve been a close friend because the ceremony felt so personal and genuine. It’s in those moments that I know I’ve succeeded in making their special day truly their own. I’m not just an officiant—I’m a storyteller, weaving their love story into the fabric of their wedding day in a way that resonates deeply with everyone present.

Kevin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who haven’t come across me before, I’m thrilled to introduce myself! My journey into officiating weddings started as a college joke but has blossomed into a deeply rewarding vocation. My name is Kevin Harper, and I’m the heart behind “Hitched! By Harper.” I’m honored to have been named the 2nd Best Wedding Officiant by the Press of Atlantic City, a recognition that celebrates the passion and dedication I bring to each wedding ceremony.

What I offer goes far beyond traditional officiating. Each couple I work with gets a personalized experience, starting from our very first consultation. We explore their love story in detail—reliving first dates, the proposal, and envisioning their future together. This isn’t just about the legalities of marriage; it’s about celebrating their unique journey in a way that resonates with them and their loved ones.

On the wedding day, my role is to set the tone for the celebration. I’m not just delivering a speech and signing paperwork—I’m interacting with families, energizing the wedding party, and creating a moment that balances fun with heartfelt emotion. While receptions often steal the spotlight with great food, drinks, and dancing, I aim to make the ceremony a highlight in its own right—a calm, yet exhilarating experience that leaves a lasting impression.

What sets me apart is this personal approach. I dive deep into each couple’s story, ensuring that the ceremony reflects their personalities and their relationship. My goal is to create a memorable, emotional, and joyous occasion that feels uniquely theirs.

I’m most proud of the connections I build with couples and the feedback I receive from guests who often assume I’ve known the couple for years. It’s these genuine relationships and the shared joy of the ceremony that fuel my passion for what I do. For those considering my services, I want you to know that with me, your wedding ceremony will be more than just an event—it will be a reflection of your love, captured in a way that’s true to who you are

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

For those who really don’t know me, I’m a Firefighter and EMT by trade, which has always been and always will be my first love and passion, and second priority only to my family. However, my side hustle as a wedding officiant has grown into an unexpectedly profound passion of its own. What started as a college joke—becoming ordained just for fun and ironically dreaming of being a jack-of-all-trades—has evolved into a deeply fulfilling business.

Originally, I was the go-to person among friends and family for wedding ceremonies simply because I happened to be ordained. At one point, I even forgot about my ordination and assumed it might have expired! But as word spread and more people requested my services, what began as a casual favor snowballed into “Hitched! By Harper.”

Today, this venture does feel like more than a full-time job. Managing social media (which can be exhausting), crafting fully personalized wedding ceremonies, and strategizing ways to grow the business beyond officiating, without losing the personal touch that defines it, requires constant effort. I juggle these responsibilities alongside my career as a Firefighter and EMT, but the rewards make it worthwhile.

One of the biggest milestones in this journey was October 2023, when I officiated 14 weddings in a single month. This included a memorable trip from my home in New Jersey to Vermont for a breathtaking country wedding in Stowe. Now… managing client profiles, writing scripts, and ensuring each ceremony is as unique as the couple themselves has become my norm.

This side hustle has blossomed into a close second love, providing a rewarding experience that complements my career. It’s about being a beacon of love and support, guiding couples through one of the most significant moments of their lives, and it’s a privilege I cherish every day

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

It’s just as I said, my goal is to be a beacon of love and support, guiding couples through one of the most significant moments of their lives. This mission drives every aspect of my work. I’ve heard tales of wedding vendors who see their clients as just another transaction, which is unthinkable to me. When a couple entrusts me with their wedding day, they aren’t just another client—they’re two individuals with a unique love story that deserves to be honored and celebrated.

My mission is to ensure that every ceremony I officiate reflects the couple’s personal journey, their quirks, and their dreams. It’s about creating a moment that feels authentic and deeply resonant, leaving both the couple and their guests with cherished memories. I strive to make each wedding ceremony a heartfelt experience that truly encapsulates the love and commitment the couple shares. This goal keeps me dedicated and passionate about what I do, ensuring that no couple ever feels like they’re just another name on my calendar.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://hitchedbyharper.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/hitchedbyharper
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/hitchedbyharper

Image Credits

Erica Jay Photography
Revel Media
Andy Peralta
Broadmoor Photography
South Street Photography