What does my wedding officiant do?
As your wedding officiant, Michelle will spend some time to get to know the bride and groom to build rapport and get an understanding of what their dream wedding looks like. She will help you choose the format of your ceremony to include the introduction, prayers, vows, and any additional ceremonies that you would like to incorporate and will make sure that it reflects your unique union. She will then perform the ceremony for your special wedding. As an ordained minister, she will help you fill out your paperwork to make sure that you are legally wed, if applicable. She can also provide services such as pre-marital counseling and facilitating your wedding rehearsal.
Do we have to be a specific religion to have Michelle marry us?
Not at all. If you read the about page, you will see that Michelle is comfortable celebrating your union in a way most meaningful to you. Whether you are looking for a more traditional wedding with prayers and scriptures or you prefer to cast a circle and perform your vows within, we will work together to make your day amazing. If you prefer something more theatrical, Michelle is an award winning actress and up for the adventure. If your custom wedding incorporates rituals from a mix of traditions, we will work together to make it perfect. The only ceremonial limitations Michelle sets are that all are physically and medically safe and legal for the venue/locale. Beyond that, it's up to you.
What is a Consultation?
A Consultation is an hour-long meeting either in person or via video chat. It is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and build some rapport while we plan your perfect wedding. We will discuss themes, attire, and the words spoken at your ceremony to assure that the address to your guests and the manner in which you share your vows is most meaningful for both of you.
What is a License Session?
The Licensing Session is where we fill out all of the paperwork to make sure that your union is legal, according to the county that issued the license. There are some specific rules that can vary by county or state and we need to make sure the license is filled out to their specifications. This is booked separately because sometimes it is inconvenient for the couple to meet right after the ceremony.
In most locations, the couple is required to show up in person to take out the marriage license packet. No one else can legally get that for you. In most counties it is the County Auditor that handles this paperwork. Depending on your location, it may take time for the license to become effective and there may be a limit on when it must be filed. Please be sure you get your license packet on a timeline that meets these restrictions.
For the marriage certificate to be issued, you must file in person, or have it signed by a notary. Some counties will reject the paperwork if the witness signs too big and swirly and their signature impedes on the box above it. You may not strike-through or white-out any information on the paperwork. If you make a mistake it has to be applied for and paid for through the county again and redone. As this is a legal document, it is important that we do this right and Michelle is here to lead you through it.
In most locations, the couple is required to show up in person to take out the marriage license packet. No one else can legally get that for you. In most counties it is the County Auditor that handles this paperwork. Depending on your location, it may take time for the license to become effective and there may be a limit on when it must be filed. Please be sure you get your license packet on a timeline that meets these restrictions.
For the marriage certificate to be issued, you must file in person, or have it signed by a notary. Some counties will reject the paperwork if the witness signs too big and swirly and their signature impedes on the box above it. You may not strike-through or white-out any information on the paperwork. If you make a mistake it has to be applied for and paid for through the county again and redone. As this is a legal document, it is important that we do this right and Michelle is here to lead you through it.
Will Michelle perform same-sex weddings?
Just as is true with religious preference, the only ceremonial limitations Michelle sets are that all are physically and medically safe and legal for the venue/locale. Beyond that, it's up to you. The bond between two people who love each other enough to gamble a lifetime commitment and vow that in front of friends and family is worthy of honor. We have standard ceremonies that will fit your needs and if necessary we can make alterations that will fit both of your needs, or we can work together to create a custom ceremony that beautifully reflects your personalities and includes the wording that you prefer.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A Marriage Certificate is a pretty document, signed by myself and two witnesses. You can hang it on your wall or put it in a scrapbook. It is not a legal document. There are spaces for two witness signatures.
A Marriage License is the legal document issued by the county, and rules can vary by each county or state. You may take a Marriage License out in any county in California and may then marry anyplace in the state. You do not need to be a resident of California to take out a licence in California. Once the license is issued it is effective immediately and good for ninety days. You must wed and have it turned back in within ninety days of issuance. You must file it in person or you must have the document notarized to receive the stamped and finalized document with the county seal.
You must be eighteen years old to marry in California unless you have parental signatures or a court order. Please research your options if you are under 18. A Public License requires signature from a witness, and there are spaces for two witness signatures. The witness need not be eighteen years of age, but must be able to sign the form and must understand that they are witnessing a marriage. A Confidential License does not require a witness but the couple must sign an affidavit that they are already living together.
A Marriage License is the legal document issued by the county, and rules can vary by each county or state. You may take a Marriage License out in any county in California and may then marry anyplace in the state. You do not need to be a resident of California to take out a licence in California. Once the license is issued it is effective immediately and good for ninety days. You must wed and have it turned back in within ninety days of issuance. You must file it in person or you must have the document notarized to receive the stamped and finalized document with the county seal.
You must be eighteen years old to marry in California unless you have parental signatures or a court order. Please research your options if you are under 18. A Public License requires signature from a witness, and there are spaces for two witness signatures. The witness need not be eighteen years of age, but must be able to sign the form and must understand that they are witnessing a marriage. A Confidential License does not require a witness but the couple must sign an affidavit that they are already living together.
If you have a question that we didn't answer, please contact us.
We look forward to sharing your special day!
We look forward to sharing your special day!