FAQ’S

Download Wedding Contract

What is included for your $350 fee?

I never want money to keep someone from having a perfect wedding.  If the cost is a big concern, let’s talk it over.  Included are meetings with Chris to plan out your wedding, the rehearsal, a personalized ceremony, and mailing in the signed marriage license.  I’ll ask for a contract to be signed to secure your date.

Can we incorporate our own ideas and cultural traditions into the ceremony?

Of course!  I have a general outline and ideas that I offer for those who need help in designing their ceremony, but I am very flexible to customize your wedding to your liking.  It is your wedding, so you choose what you want to include in it.  Be Creative!

Do you offer Pre-Marital Counseling?

As part of our initial meeting, we can discuss any issues concerning marriage and relationships you might have.  See the “Pre-Marital Topics for Discussion” sheet under the “Wedding Info” button.  I am more than willing to meet again for further discussion since many times it is easier to talk over sensitive issues with a third party present.  As an ordained minister with some counseling experience, I believe I can offer insight and wisdom to engaged couples.  I do not however have any set requirements for counseling before the wedding.

Will you perform a wedding outside the Bay Area?

I’m very willing to do a wedding away from the Bay Area, but we would need to discuss travel and lodging considerations.

Are your ceremonies religious?

As a Christian Minister, I normally incorporate prayers and a bible verse in the ceremony.  Again, it is your ceremony and I would only include as much “religious-talk” as you were comfortable with.  I’ve done a joint ceremony with a Rabbi and have married people of other faiths, and while I am comfortable incorporating customs and traditions, I of course cannot do/say anything to compromise my own beliefs.  If you are concerned, let’s talk it over.

Where do we get our Marriage License?

You will need to go to the County Courthouse prior to the wedding to obtain a license.  They are good for 90 days and there is a fee.  At the rehearsal, I will take the license to get the necessary signatures and mail it in myself after the ceremony.  This way, you can be off to your honeymoon without having to worry about it!

Link for Alameda County

http://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/courts/

general/license.shtml

Link for Contra Costa County

http://www.co.contra-

costa.ca.us/depart/elect/clerk/clerkfunc01.html

Link for San Joaquin County

http://www.sjgov.org/Recorder/marriage.htm