Frequently Asked Questions
We write and perform the actual wedding service. We also have a P.A. system for the wedding, which you may use to play music for your ceremony.
Can we write our own vows?
Most definitely. I do ask that you email a copy of your vows separately so I may print them on cards that I will present to you during the ceremony. My best advice is to focus on what you will do to make the marriage last.
How long does your wedding ceremony take?
It depends on what we are doing. Most take between 10 to 20 minutes. I have found that guests start to lose interest after 20 minutes.
Do you require premarital counseling?
No, I do not require premarital counseling. If you feel you may need it I encourage you to go.
Do we need witnesses?
Since we live on the border of Texas and New Mexico the answer varies. In Texas, specifically El Paso, witnesses are not required. Other counties in Texas may witnesses. If you are bringing a licence from a county other that El Paso, ask that question when you obtain the licence. In most of New Mexico, two witnesses are required.
Can we come to you - I don't want the wedding at my place?
If you are not having a large wedding and are in need of a venue, we can meet in almost any public location to perform a simple ceremony. This might include a park, a coffee shop, a building, or any other landmark. Make sure that you ask permission of any area before you decide on a place, especially public parks.
Do we need to have rings?
No, rings are not a requirement .
Can our photographer take pictures during the wedding ceremony?
Of course! I make it a habit of speaking with the photographer before the ceremony. I let them know that I feel the pictures of the ceremony are the most important memories the couple will have.
are we legally "married" when you do the ceremony?
No. Although I am licenced to perform and sign the marriage licence, the State, Insurances, Banks and so on will not recognize a marriage as legal until it is recorded By a County Clerk's office. It is very important to take the licence back to the County Clerk's office so they can enter it into the system and they can also place their seal(s) on the original. Most counties have a thirty day window to do so. Make sure you ask for copies, you will need them.
what do we need to do to reserve a date and time
I require a contract and a deposit to hold the date and time. The deposit is part of the total price.
Do you supply a sound system?
I provide a system that allows me to do the ceremony. The couple needs to make arrangements for equipment, and someone to play music before, after and during the ceremony.
Do you perform "paperwork only" weddings (because I'm having a big wedding at another time or country?
Yes, I will be more than happy to perform a short ceremony that conforms to the requirements.
Do you accept credit card payments?
I take credit/debit payments for the deposit only if the ceremony is more than three weeks away. Anything under three weeks I take Cash. The balance should be in cash the day of the ceremony before the ceremony starts.
do we have to get married in a church?
To be legally married you do not have to be married in a church.
Can I have my wedding outside?
Yes, so long as the weather permits or the ceremony is performed in a roofed or tented area.
Can we add some cultural traditions to our wedding ceremony?
Yes, we may ask for more information so we can research.
Can our children participate in the wedding ceremony?
Yes, I encourage it. I feel it helps when couples make the children a part of the ceremony.
My partner does not speak English what languages do you speak?
I speak English and Spanish.
Do you work on holidays and long weekends?
It depends on our plans. Most holidays I am available
what does the ceremony consist of?
The order is generally; an optional prayer, a welcome, a reading, the vows, a consecration/reading, the ring exchange, extra(s), and a closing. Depending on what the couple wishes to have in the ceremony Items may be added or removed.
What are extras and do you provide them?
The number of "extras" available are too numerous to add here. If you click on the Pinterest page on our home page you will have all the examples you need. The couple is responsible for providing the items needed for the "Extras".