Meet Gust Bassianotis — Tampa Bay’s Most Experienced Wedding Officiant
With over 40 years in the wedding industry and 800+ personalized ceremonies officiated, Gust brings wisdom, warmth, and a deeply personal touch to every wedding he leads.
Gust Bassianotis is a professional ordained wedding officiant and Prepare-Enrich certified marriage coach based in Palm Harbor, FL. He has officiated over 800 personalized wedding ceremonies across Tampa Bay — including beach weddings, elopements, interfaith ceremonies, and traditional services — and is a multi-year recipient of both the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award and The Knot Best of Weddings.
How Did Gust Become a Wedding Officiant?
Gust’s journey into the wedding industry began in Michigan, where a lifelong passion for bringing people together — and for the beauty of commitment — led him into officiating. He spent decades honing his craft, learning what makes a ceremony feel both legally sound and deeply human.
When he relocated to the sunshine of Palm Harbor, Florida, he brought with him everything he’d learned — and found his ideal canvas in Tampa Bay’s spectacular beaches, parks, and venues.
Today, as Sun & Sand Wedding Officiant (formerly known as Forever Twogether), Gust continues to serve couples of every background, faith, and style with the same core belief: love deserves to be celebrated exactly as it is.
What Makes Gust Different from Other Officiants?
Many officiants recite scripts. Gust writes stories. Every ceremony begins with a real conversation — Gust takes time to understand who you are, how you met, what your values are, and what you want guests to feel. The result is a ceremony that sounds like no one else’s.
His Prepare-Enrich Systems certification as a marriage coach also means he can offer more than just ceremony services — he can help couples build a stronger foundation before they say “I do.”
“Serving everyone in love, never to judge.”
Credentials & Experience
Inclusive by Belief
Gust officiates ceremonies for every couple — regardless of faith, background, or identity. 'Serving everyone in love, never to judge' is not a tagline, it's how he works.
Recognized by the Industry
Multiple WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards and The Knot Best of Weddings honors reflect the consistent feedback couples share about Gust's professionalism and heart.
Always Personalized
No two ceremonies Gust officiates sound alike. He takes time before every wedding to understand your story and craft words that are authentically yours.
Ready to see what Gust can offer for your ceremony?
Browse Ceremony TypesLet's Talk About Your Wedding Day
Reach out to check availability, ask questions, or simply introduce yourself — Gust personally responds to every inquiry.