Other Matters
Choosing a Location
You may set your wedding in a home, a chapel or other indoor site; or out of doors— in a garden, a park or beach, a winery … the possibilities are endless. If appropriate, a small portable amplifier is used so that your guests may also hear the words.
Obtaining a California Marriage License
You may obtain your license from any California county clerks Marriage License Department. In Sonoma county, this office is located in Santa Rosa at 2300 County Center Drive, Suite B-177, across the street from Lyons restaurant on Steel Lane (East of US Hwy 101 about a block) and is open between the hours of 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday thru Friday. Usually it takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete the application process and obtain the license which is good for a period of 90 days. No blood test is required but both parties must be present and have picture identification. The fee for a regular license is $83.00, payable by cash or check drawn on a California bank. Additional details are available on a 24 hour voice recorded message by dialing 1-707-565-3700.
A Rehearsal?
For a wedding in which there will be a processional and a number of attendants, a rehearsal is usually wise to stage the sequence of events, confirm details, and relieve your own and your attendants anxieties about mistakes. If you choose to have a wedding coordinator, these professionals often oversee the rehearsal with or without the minister being present. If a coordinator is not employed, the minister is often asked to provide this guidance.
Fees for Service
There is no charge for our initial consultation in my office. If you decide you would like me to perform the ceremony, the charge for locations within the greater Santa Rosa area is $350. At locations outside Santa Rosa add $25 per half hour for driving time.
If you want me to attend your rehearsal, the basic charge is $75 plus travel time, if any, as outlined above.
A gratuity is optional, of course, but sincerely appreciated. Usually an envelope handed to the minister after the ceremony. Payment can also be made through PayPal.
