The Wedding of Zachary and Ashley at The Thaxton

Ashley called me after being referred to me by her friend Nina.  I Officiated Nina's wedding at The Lodge at Grant's Trail in November 2012.  Zachary and Ashley were engaged and she was excited to start planning her wedding.  Zachary had proposed to Ashley at Kemoll's with a stuffed animal ( a long family tradition).

Zachary and Ashley Fry

Zachary and Ashley are one of the sweetest couples I have met.  You could tell they were madly in love with each other the first day I met them both and what great families they both have. 


Zachary and Ashley decided to write their own vows for each other.  This really makes a ceremony more personal.  

Sand Ceremony

personal vows to each other

Zachary and Ashley also decided to do a blending of the sands ceremony.  This ceremony represents your unique selves and unique families blending into one.  This is a very popular ceremony, and the sand is something you can keep for a lifetime.

Fred Bird also decide to show up for their wedding.




The Thaxton is a wonderful venue for a wedding.  It is unique and sophisticated.

The team at The Thaxton,,,Peter Terry (aka Mad Dog) and Kim.  They are great at what they do and will make sure your wedding/reception is the best!

the team

This is the dining room ready to go for a delicious dinner.

The SpeakEasy, which is located on the lower level of the banquet hall is a really unique place to go.  After your wedding, guest can ease their way down to the SpeakEasy for a drink and appetizer and then after dinner, you can dance the night away.

Marriage License Information State of Illinois

Hi, I wanted to pass along information for getting your license in the state of Illinois.  In the state of Illinois, there is a one day waiting period before you can use your license and the license is good for 60 days.

State of Illinois:

Madison County: 618-692-6290/ Office of Mark Von Nida Madison County Clerk Administration Bldg, 157 North Main, Suite 109, Edwardsville, Il 62025. Office Hours 8:30-4:30pm Monday-Friday except holidays, license is $30.00 cash certified copy $10.00 cash, you will need your drivers license or state ID, if divorced need to know date divorce was finalized you do not need papers.

St. Clair County: 618-277-6600/ 10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220. Office hours are

8:30am to 4:00pm Monday-Friday and the 1^st Saturday of the month 8:30am to 11:30am.

License fee is $32.00 cash if writing check, check needs to be over #300 and banking in St. Clair County, certified copy is $11.85. 2 forms of ID valid drivers license or state ID,or passport, if divorced within 1 year you must bring divorce papers, after 1 year need to know date and county the divorce was finalized in.

Jersey County: 618-498-5571 200 North Lafayette, Jerseyville, Il 62052, office hours are: Monday-Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm and Friday 8:00am to noon. 2 forms of ID, 1 must have a picture, license is $35.00 cash or check and $10.00 for certified copy. If you are divorced, you will need date, county and state of divorce.

Clinton County: 618-594-2464 ext 630 Mary Rakers County clerk 850 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231, Office hours 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday-Friday, license is $21.00 cash or check, certified copy is $13.00. Valid drivers license needed, if divorced need to know date and county of license. 

Please feel free to contact me anytime at 314-704-1092 or michelle@weddingsbymichelle.net.

Thank you

Reverend Michelle Spies 

Marriage License Information State of Missouri

Hi, I wanted to give everyone information for getting a marriage license in the state of Missouri

This the information for getting a marriage license in St. Charles County, St Louis City,    St Louis County and Jefferson County.  You both have to be present to apply for the license, you have to be at least 18 years of age, you must bring a drivers license and social security card, if either of you are divorced, you must have been divorced for more than 30 days and you will need to bring your divorce papers.  The license is good for 30 days from the date you get the license with no waiting period.

Where to apply in St. Charles:  Office of Barbara J. Hall, Recorder of Deeds, St. Charles County Administration Building, 201 North Second Street, Suite 338, St. Charles, Mo 63301  636-949-7506.  Office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday except legal holidays.  Arrive no later than 4:00 pm.  48.00 cash. They do accept Visa/Mastercard but a service fee will be added.  You can pre-pay for a certified copy at time of application for $9.50 

St. Louis City: $48.00 cash Visa or Mastercard. Certified copy is $12.50. City Hall, Room 127 phone number 314-622-3257. City Hall is on the corner of 12^th and Market located downtown St. Louis.  Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00 pm Monday-Friday except legal holidays.  Arrive no later than 4:30pm.

St. Louis County: $47.00 cash only, certified copy is $9.00.  41 S. Central Ave. 4^th Floor in Clayton Missouri, phone number 314-615-7102. Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm on M-W-F and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on T-Th except legal holidays.

Jefferson County: $51.00 cash only, certified copy is $9.00. You do need your birth certificate, 729 Maple Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050. Office hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Phone number 636-797-5414.

In the state of Missouri, you do not need to get the license in the county you are getting married in, as long as it is issued in the state of Missouri,

I hope this information helps and please feel free to contact me anytime at 314-704-1092 or michelle@weddingsbymichelle.net

Reverend Michelle Spies
Ordained Minister/Wedding Coordinator