FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS| A Perfect Gay Ceremony

1. Why should we select A Perfect Gay Ceremony to perform our ceremony?
A Perfect Gay Ceremony honors your choice to marry the "person you love". I perform ceremonies for ALL couples who have declared their desire to marry. Many churches have restrictions and requirements for couples to marry,
I have none. I specialize in non-denominational, traditional, non-traditional, civil, interfaith, religious, non-religious, themed, short and sweet custom ceremonies. I am dedicated and committed to create and perform a perfect ceremony tailored for your special day. I have performed hundreds of wedding ceremonies. I am personable and detail oriented with an upbeat personality. I am knowledgeable and skilled in wedding day dynamics and coordination. I believe you should have choices, both as to your ceremony content and location. The package fees are designed to offer the finest quality custom ceremony and wedding officiant services at an affordable price.

2. We want you to perform our ceremony for us. What should we do next?
Complete the contact form on the contact me page. You may also contact me by telephone at 415-292-7672 or email mark@aperfectgayceremony.com so that I can check my available dates and times.

3. How soon prior to our planned wedding date should we contact you?
As soon you begin planning, contact me. This is best, so that I may check my calendar for availability of your desired wedding date. I am happy to speak with couples at any point before there wedding and I have officiated ceremonies with stunning turn around times (days, in many cases). I want to serve all of the couples that I can, but having an appropriate amount of time to work together ensures that I can provide the highest quality service possible. Dates are secured on a first come first served basis with a client service agreement and 50% deposit of your total fees.

4. What do we do to obtain our marriage license?
Marriage licenses in San Francisco are issued by appointment only. Appointments are available on-line at "Online Marriage License Reservations." Appointments can be made up to 90 days in advance. Both parties must appear in person and bring valid picture identification to San Francisco County Clerk City Hall, Room 168, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102-4678 to obtain your marriage license at your appointment. To apply for a marriage license in California you must have a valid picture identification, one that contains a photograph, date of birth, and an issue and expiration date, such as a state issued identification card, drivers license, passport, military identification and/or your birth certificate. Note: Marriage license must be presented to me prior to your ceremony.

5. Do you require a deposit?
Yes, I request that half of your total package fees be paid when the client service agreement is signed. The other half of the fee is due upon arrival to the ceremony site. The 50 % deposit secures the date and time of your wedding ceremony.

6. Do you have a service agreement that we must sign?
I do have a short, concise client service agreement that I ask all couples to review and sign. It is straightforward and primarily outlines my responsibilities to you, all the details of your ceremony package and the terms of our agreement. It is designed to establish a clear written understanding of my services for your wedding and to help everyone feel assured that all the details have been covered.

7. Are rehearsals included in the ceremony package price?
Wedding rehearsals are separate from the ceremony package price. The need for a rehearsal varies based on the dynamics of your ceremony. Rehearsals are $150.

8. Do you perform religious ceremonies?
I am a Non-denominational Minister. I will only include as much "Religious" content as you wish. Religious content, Spiritual Elements, Rituals and Cultural traditions are incorporated only upon your request. We will discuss your ideas and beliefs in our planning session.

9. May we share our own vows?
Yes, creating your own vows captures the love and commitment between you and your loved one and personalizes the ceremony. I can assist you in creating your vows.

10. What will you wear?
I will wear a dark suit with a tie matching the color theme of the ceremony. If you desire casual attire, I will wear dress slacks, button down shirt and a nice jacket. If your wedding is formal, I will wear a black tux. If you are having a themed wedding and wish a specific style of dress, just let me know and we can arrange a style of dress that fits within the style of your theme.

11. Do you travel outside of San Francisco County?
Yes, I proudly serve San Francisco, East Bay, South Bay, Sonoma and Napa. Nominal travel charges apply for rehearsals and ceremonies outside of San Francisco County. Travel fees are based on the distance to your wedding ceremony location.

12. Will you stay for the reception?
I will be honored to be invited. My schedule can be quite challenging, so my attendance is based on my availability for that day. I believe receptions are great opportunities to share more of your joy with you. I also believe this is your day and a special time for you to spend with your friends and family.

13. Should I tip?
If by chance you, a family member or your friends offer a tip out of pure joy and expression of their own thanks, that's fine and very much appreciated. I am thankful for your expression of gratitude for my service to you and graciously accept the gift. Tipping is not expected or necessary.

14. Will I need a witness for the ceremony?
Yes, you will need one witness for a Public Marriage. If you do not have a witness, I can provide a witness for an additional fee of $25 each. Please give me an advance notice so that I can make arrangements with the witness to be present.

15. Do you have back up in case something happens on the day of our wedding?
Yes, I am pleased to say that I have never missed a ceremony. In the unlikely event that I am unable to perform the ceremony, I will use a qualified substitute replacement to perform the ceremony. I am part of a strong network of highly trained and caring wedding officiants and other wedding professionals.

Below are some of the venues and locations where I have performed ceremonies!
Fairmont Hotel, SF City Hall, Rotunda, Mayor’s Balcony, Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Golden Gate Bridge, Mark Hopkins- Top of the Mark, UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens, Mandarin Oriental Hotel-Sky Deck, Embarcadero-The Piers, SF Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Cathedral Hill, Dolores Park, Museum of Modern Art, Palace of Fine Arts, Marin Art & Garden Center, W Hotel, The Spinnaker, Inn Above the Tide, Wildcat Canyon/Alvarado Park, Sausalito Women’s Club, Palace Hotel-French Parlor Room, Beach House-Pacifica, Presidio Main Chapel, Ralston White Retreat, San Mateo Coyote Point Park, Cliff House, Randall Museum, Lake Chalet, Redwood Grove, Coit Tower, Asian Art Museum, SF Cable Car, Chapel of the Lady, Napa Valley, Wine Country, Yerba Buena Gardens, Golden Gate Park-Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, Memorial Grove, Chain of Lakes Meadows, De young Museum, Shakespeare Garden, Baker Beach, Fay Park, North Beach, Gary Danko Restaurant, Crissy Field, Numerous Private Residences…

I Proudly Serve the Following Areas…
San Francisco, Daly City, South San Francisco, Pacifica, Millbrae, San Mateo, San Carlos, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino, San Jose, Milpitas, Fremont, Union City, Pleasanton, Richmond, Oakland, Alameda, Hayward, Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Ramon, Berkeley, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Benicia, Concord, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Napa, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Vallejo...

Let's Talk About Your Wedding Ceremony! E-mail me at mark@aperfectgayceremony.com or call 415-292-7672