F.A.Q.

First off, I am completely Covid-19 vaccinated.   I have no problem showing you a copy of my CDC Vaccination Card.  For the health of myself and my family, both of  you and your families and guests, and our communities, I follow the strictest mandates in place at the time of and in the location of where your ceremony will be taking place.  This includes mandates for face coverings, guest number, physical distancing, and indoor vs. outdoor ceremonies.  I do not require the couples I marry to wear face coverings, nor do I wear one while performing the ceremony as I maintain a six foot distance from the couple.

California does not have a residency or blood test requirement for you to apply for a marriage license.

You only need to want to get married in beautiful California!

Of course, you may write your own vows!  We can work together if you desire to combine some of the language I have into your own written vows.  I also have a large selection of vows to choose from if you find that is easier for you.

Depending if your wedding will be formal, semi-formal, or casual, I generally will wear either a black dress or skirt and blouse or a navy blue dress when officiating your wedding.  Beach and backyard weddings are usually less formal and if you are ok with me wearing black or dark blue jeans and a blouse let me know.  

That is entirely up to you both.  If your wedding has attendants, it is a good idea to have one so everyone knows what is expected of them and where they should be during the service.  It also helps to know what we can fix before the ceremony and helps to coordinate cues for seamless transitions.  All wedding party members (including both sets of parents, flower girls, and ring bearers) and your wedding planner (if you are using one) should attend the rehearsal.  

I prefer to meet with every couple at least once before the ceremony.  It will be at a place and time that is mutually convenient for both of us.  If more meetings are necessary those can be arranged as needed.  That way we can have a table with chairs and Wi-Fi available.  I am always available by email or phone.  This meeting allows us to become familiar with each other and to see if we "fit together".  It also lets you tell me about your relationship and what you both see as your wedding vision.

There are many ways to make your ceremony  more personal to you and your partner.  You can do this by adding a sub-ceremony.

Sub-ceremonies available to do are:

1.  Sand Blending
2.  Rose presentation to the special women in your lives
3.  Bubble blowing recessional
4.  Family member or friend does a special reading
5.  Unity Candle (not recommended for outdoor ceremonies)
6.  Candy Jar (perfect if children are involved)
7.  Glass Bits
8.  Memory Box

You are responsible for providing the items needed for your ceremony.  If you would like me to provide the items needed, there will be an additional charge based on the ceremony above and beyond the $25 inclusion fee.

If you are interested in adding one of these or something else  please let me know and we will work it in!

Forms to request an official copy or copies of your marriage license are available  from the County Clerk Recorders website of the county when you pick up your license.  There is a charge for this and it varies from county to county.  Los Angeles and Ventura Counties charge $17 for each requested certified marriage license copy mailed to you.

You will need to have your signature notarized. I am a commissioned Notary Public and can do the notarization at your ceremony at the same time we do the license signing or any time after. My fee for this service is $25 and includes mailing. You will need to have your driver's license or valid passport available for me to view and record, and you will need to sign and have your thumbprint placed in my California Notary Journal. Those are state requirements for any type of document notarizations.

This service is optional and must be requested in advance by you.

Once I receive your contact information I will give you a call to set up an informal meeting.  If you would like to book your date with me at that time,  I will need a non-refundable retainer fee of $200.  This payment confirms your wedding date on my calendar.  I will also have you both sign a contract.  I will remind you of any balance due for your package one month before your wedding.  Final payment is due three weeks before your wedding date.

If you want to wait and not book me right away, I cannot guarantee your date or time will be available when you get back to me.

California requires anyone wishing to be married in California must present with a license  issued by the state of California.  The license can be obtained by making an appointment with any county Courthouse online and then both parties must be present to sign and pick up the license.  You do not have to be married in the same county your license was issued in.  You will be asked to pay a fee, present a photo government issued ID (No, a Costco ID will not be accepted),  and if applicable, any original certified final divorce documents from previous marriage or original certified death certificate of previous spouse.