You’re Going to Love These Locally-Made Cut-Paper Marriage Certificates

Here’s a look at one of Kaminecki’s certificates.

We have seen many a couple who’ve used a self-uniting Quaker marriage license turn the certificate itself into a work of art that they can hang in their home after their guests have signed it and their knot has been tied—so when we were introduced to a local artist who’s creating beautiful art out of marriage certificates, we couldn’t wait to share it with you.

Through her business Damara Does Design, local artist Damara Kaminecki (she recently relocated to Philly!) creates really gorgeous cut-paper marriage certificates. She was inspired to start her business after some friends asked her to design a wedding certificate similar to the Jewish Ketubah and those seen in Quaker marriages, which serve to “document the importance of the vows and honor the role the guests play in the relationship. It’s a promise the guests make to hold the couple to the words spoken on that day.”

Instead of following traditional ideas of what the certificates should look like, Kaminecki decided to redesign the concept and create a lovely piece that can be displayed in your home as a constant reminder of your Big Day. She offers nine artistic design templates, all of which are intricately cut from colored paper and inscribed with your choice of text and lines for your guests’ signatures.

Another of Kaminecki’s pretty designs

Here’s how her process works: After chatting with you about designs, colors, wording and the number of guests you’re expecting, Kaminecki will make a digital mock up of the certificate for you to approve. Once any tweaks are made, she’ll get started, and you’ll receive your certificate one week after placing your order (though she suggests getting your order in as early as possible).

Along with your certificate, you can also order special pens for your guests to sign with, or, if you prefer to buy them on your own, Kaminecki recommends archival, fade-proof ink pens (she likes these).

Check out all of Kaminecki’s work here.

Getting married? Start and end your wedding planning journey with Philadelphia Weddings' guide to the best wedding vendors in the city.