We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Stephens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit. I started babysitting at the age of 12 for families in the neighborhood. When a friend was talking about her wedding and how she wanted to have something really spiritual and not religious. I began to research what it takes to become an officiant. She was a yoga client of mine and had always discussed the spiritual aspects I brought to my classes and the calmness of my voice. So in 2015 I performed my first wedding, and yes I cried! In 2017 I began to market myself further in the field.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One thing in my life I have always known is that I am an “out of the box” thinker. I never like repeating myself and working with the couples I have since 2015, I love hearing their vision and ideas and creating a ceremony that is most comfortable for them. Some ceremonies are so energetically charged and the love felt from their family and friends can be overwhelming to me. (yeah that is a bit woo-woo, but that is who I am!) I feel things, even from the first phone call I have with the couple. Are we a good fit or not?

I won Best Officiant in Arizona by Arizona Bride magazine in August 2023.  

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am an avid kayaker and have a kayak that folds up and can be easily transported, I got a second one so I can take friends out on the Salt River or a lake in Arizona. I love the water and connecting to nature. When I moved to Arizona in 2004, I use to take my friends who came to town to the McDowell Mountains to go hiking and see the difference from the Midwest. Most of them would say “it’s so brown here”. I do enjoy walking around Desert Botanical Gardens as well and I have had the opportunity to perform ceremonies at the Gardens. It has such a different feel than other locations.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have always been a firm believer in striving to be your best. My spiritual side allows me to connect to nature, divine and share that with the couples I work with. Many of the couples I work with are not religious or have family who is and want some components woven into their ceremony. I personally feel each couple I meet and share in their special day has given me a lesson to learn.

Website: https://www.azweddingsbyamy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azweddingsbyamy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theamystephens/

Facebook: facebook.com/azweddingsbyamy

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/az-weddings-by-amy-scottsdale?osq=officiant

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@azweddingsbyamy

Image Credits
The one is labeled the others I do not have.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.