Meet the
Wedding
Chaplain
Team.

A team you can trust with your wedding day - and beyond.

Wedding Chaplain is a team of ordained ministers who share a common approach: thoughtful preparation, meaningful ceremonies, and care for the marriage that follows.

Founded by David Anderson after more than 25 years of wedding ministry, every chaplain on our team follows the same process - walking with couples from engagement through the wedding day.

You are not simply choosing an officiant. You are stepping into a guided experience with a trusted team.

Not sure who to choose?

Start with your wedding date, and we will guide you to the right chaplain.

Start Here

Our Experienced Ministers

Rev. Dr. David M. Anderson, Jr.

Founder of Wedding Chaplain | 1,800+ ceremonies | 25+ years of ministry

Rev. Dr. David Anderson has served as a pastor and minister for more than 30 years and has officiated over 1,800 weddings.

As the founder of Wedding Chaplain, he has worked with couples from a wide range of backgrounds to create ceremonies that feel personal, meaningful, and well-prepared. His approach blends thoughtful ceremony design with steady guidance, helping couples not only prepare for their wedding day, but for the marriage that follows.

He brings a calm, experienced presence, with a balance of warmth, humor, and pastoral depth.

Best fit for couples who:

Want a highly experienced officiant
Value preparation and thoughtful guidance
Are looking for a steady, pastoral presence
Appreciate a balance of humor and gravitas

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Rev. Burl Jernigan

Retired Pastor | 1,000+ ceremonies | 40+ years of ministry

Rev. Burl Jernigan has spent more than four decades in ministry, faithfully serving congregations and walking alongside people through life’s most meaningful moments. Over the years, he has officiated hundreds of weddings, bringing a steady and reassuring presence to each one.

Known for his warmth and sincerity, Burl creates ceremonies that feel genuine and grounded. In addition to his pastoral work, he is also an accomplished musician, which adds an extra layer of appreciation for the rhythm and flow of a well-crafted ceremony.

Best fit for couples who:

Want a seasoned, experienced minister
Appreciate a calm and reassuring presence
Value sincerity and tradition
Are looking for someone who brings both warmth and wisdom

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Rev. David Oliver Kling

Pastor, Chaplain, and Educator | Doctor of Ministry | Background in Ethics & Theology

Rev. David Oliver Kling serves as pastor of St. John UCC in Massillon, Ohio, and brings a thoughtful, deeply informed approach to wedding ceremonies. With academic training in philosophy, religious studies, and theology, along with a Doctor of Ministry focused on leadership and transformation, he offers both depth and clarity in his work with couples.

He has also served as a hospital and hospice chaplain and teaches medical ethics as an adjunct professor. His approach is grounded in authenticity, compassion, and a commitment to meeting couples where they are.

Outside of ministry, he enjoys history, philosophy, and a good dose of science fiction and fantasy—bringing a thoughtful but approachable personality to every ceremony.

Best fit for couples who:

Value depth, meaning, and thoughtful conversation
Appreciate an authentic and relational approach
Want a ceremony that reflects their story and values
Are looking for someone both insightful and approachable

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Rev. Rhonda Gallagher

Pastor | 150+ ceremonies | 10+ years of ministry

Rhonda serves as a pastor in the Lutheran tradition and has officiated weddings in a wide variety of settings, both inside and outside the church.

Through years of pastoral ministry, she has walked alongside couples during some of life’s most meaningful moments, bringing a compassionate and relational approach to every ceremony she leads. She is passionate about helping couples feel supported, understood, and genuinely cared for as they prepare for their wedding day.

Her approach combines thoughtful preparation with warmth and attentiveness, creating ceremonies that feel personal, welcoming, and reflective of each couple’s story. Rhonda brings a calm and caring presence, helping couples feel at ease throughout the entire process.

Best fit for couples who:

Want a warm, relational, and attentive presence
Appreciate a thoughtful and caring approach
Are looking for someone both insightful and approachable

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Rev. Tim Young

Pastor | Certified Premarital Counselor | 15+ years of leadership

Tim brings a unique combination of pastoral care, coaching, and real-world experience to the couples he works with. As a certified Financial Peace and Prepare/Enrich counselor, he is especially equipped to help couples navigate important conversations around communication, finances, and long-term goals as they prepare for marriage.

His background includes pastoral ministry, military service, and coaching, giving him a grounded and practical approach that resonates with a wide range of couples. He values honest conversation, intentional preparation, and helping couples build a strong foundation that lasts beyond the wedding day.

Tim brings a steady, encouraging presence to the process, blending wisdom, clarity, and care as he walks alongside couples during one of the most important seasons of their lives.