reaffirmations, vow renewals, affordable beach weddings in san diego
San Diego's Top Wedding Officiants
Christine and Steve answer
•FAQ'S•
AND POLICIES
San Diego Weddings • San Diego Beach Weddings •
Coronado Easy Elope • Elope to San Diego • San Diego Officiants
Your Frequently Asked Questions
We're so excited you are considering us for your big day !
Thank you for taking the time to review our policies.
As you reserve us for your wedding, you will be
agreeing that you have read and accept our policies
outlined on this page. Please feel free to contact
us if you have any questions before you book us.
Thank you, again !
•
- what services can you provide for us?
- how do I reserve my wedding?
- can you just hold a date for us ?
- how do we pay for your services ?
-what about including our children?
- when is sunset on my wedding day?
- what happens if we're late for our wedding?
- are you part of the Hotel Del Coronado?
- what elopement packages do you offer?
-what are the guidelines for the elopement packages?
-what if I forget my marriage license, or didn't have time to purchase one?
-how far in advance should I reserve you for my wedding?
- what about rehearsals?
-how long is the ceremony?
- I would like for my friend to read a poem, is that okay?
- how long will it be before I receive my photographs after the wedding
- do you have a rush service for the photographs?
- what is your cancellation policy ?
-can I reschedule my wedding?
- what if the weather is bad, what is your inclement weather policy?
- what is the weather usually like in San Diego?
- where should we stay and what should we do while on Coronado?
-how long have you been in business ?
- my friend wants to take photographs too.... is that okay?
~ can you give us a referral if you are booked
of if you think we might not be the best "fit'" for your plans?
-do you perform vow renewals & reaffirmations? no, our friends do ! click here !
I would like to see more photographs
of the elopements you've done -before we book with you...
please check out our You Tube link here
for nearly 100 wedding pictures set to music !
What services can you provide for us?
Steve is a wedding officiant, this means he actually
performs the wedding ceremony.
Christine is a professional photographer,
she photographs weddings only when Steve is officiating the ceremony.
We aren't qualified to act as your
wedding consultant, wedding planner or travel agent.
If you are looking for a reaffirmation or vow renewal, anniversary renewal,
our friends Curtis and Vickie perform reaffirmations and vow renewals,
click here for more information
We do offer two small elopement packages:
for 15 or fewer guests
for 25 or fewer guests on
Coronado's public beach
We don't have ANY "wedding/elopement packages"
for groups over 25--if you have a larger group we offer
just the "officiating of the ceremony" option (click here)
We've provide a great Wedding Link's& Location page that
may be helpful to you as you plan your wedding.
HERE IS A LINK TO "CORONADO VISITOR'S CENTER"
great guide for hotels, restraurants & things to do on Coronado
click here
•
•
We're ready to get married !
What are the steps I need to
take to reserve and BOOK you as my
wedding officiant and wedding photographer ?
1. Email here to see if your date is available. Let us know about your plans.
Please CALL if your wedding is in the next couple
of weeks. Our phone number is on the contact page.
2. if we decide together that it's a good fit for your plans,
you can book us on-line immediately to officiate and/
or photograph your wedding with a debit or credit card
Until you do this, your date is NOT reserved.
3. Once we receive a reservation from you,
we'll send you a ceremony planning guide
and a tiny list of questions to complete your reservations.
It's so simple. Rest assured that we'll be there for you on your wedding day
and help you with the details by phone and email as you need.
Click here for our FEES for most
San Diego weddings and Coronado beach weddings.
* you are NOT officially booked
with us until we receive your payment.
Prices/packages are subject to change until you are actually booked with us.
•
We'd like to include our children
in the ceremony, is that okay and how do we do that ?
Of course your children are welcome to be part of the ceremony !!
We can incorporate some special words in the
ceremony, joining you together as a new family, sometimes
couples choose to give gifts to the children...
and sometimes the children actually have "jobs"
as flowergirls or ring bearers, helping with sand ceremony
... it is up to you!
•
TELL ME ALL ABOUT YOUR
"Elopement" packages on Coronado Beach
We have two Elopement packages one for 15 or less guests
the " Coronado Beach Easy Elope Package"
click here
and the DELUXE Coronado Beach Elopement
package for 25 or less
click here
Our " elopement packages" are fantastic,
they are on the most gorgeous beach ever -
behind the Hotel Del Coronado, on the public beach...
a very, very affordable alternative ....
we gather together with family and friends
and walk down to the beach together behind the hotel.
Your very closest friends and family gather around you,
with rose petals in the sand
and you marry the love of your life :)
T H I N K elopement !
" elopement" --- running away secretly to be married !
. . . having said that, we do have a few basic "guidelines"
about how the packages are done .
Here's our fine print if you will -
Our "elopement packages" are priced to be very affordable.
Because they are on the public beach,
they don't Include the items you might normally find
in the church or hotel settings: aisles, aisle runners, chairs,
any beach decor other than flower petals, a "grand entrance",
hiding from the groom,
alcohol, food, rehearsal, music, or processionals.
We are not affiliated with the
Hotel Del Coronado in any way.
If you are not actually staying at the hotel as a guest,
please be respectful of the hotel's policies
as you visit with your family and friends.
When you reserve us, you agree that you have read
our limitations regarding the Coronado Elopement
packages and understand what we
offer for your wedding ceremony.
It's truly fabulous, but not for everyone !!
It's an elopement ceremony on a public beach
in the sand, near the water. You and your guests must be
able to walk on the sand out to the beach.
We ask that you PLEASE honor the agreement
we've made together regarding the Coronado Elopement packages...
in terms of number of guests,
how the ceremony unfolds, and our start time.
Keep in mind, we have designed this as a fun, happy, simple,
very low stress, low drama alternative . . .
truly an "Easy Elope" ...
On the wedding day, if you have additional guests
over the number you agreed upon, or decide at the last minute
to not see the groom and are hiding somewhere in the hotel,
or you decide to organize a processional ,
or arrive to the ceremony more than 30 minutes late
at OUR option, you agree to pay an additional 500.00 fee.
It may sound really harsh, and it rarely comes up....
but we like you to know that, we count on your commitments to us
just as you count on us to honor our commitments to you...
It's that bond of trust that helps us to choose the couples we work with.
Know, that on our end, we do everything in our power
to make sure you are happy and have a wonderful, perfect day !
We are on time, fully prepared and super caring and professional--
but we do like for you to know that we feel it's a two way street
when we agree to work together.
You agree that if the situation arises that changes are made by you
at the last minute and we request the additonal payment of 500.
you will not receive your photographs,
CD/album until the payment is made.
•
Can you just "pencil me in " or "hold the date" ?
We aren't able to save wedding dates without your
payment for our services.
It's unfair to a couple who is ready to book
and it is nearly impossible to keep track of the
"maybe's" especially during the busy months when
we receive dozens of inquiries per day.
We would feel bad if we were part of a mix-up that
could have been avoided with an actual reservation.
You can reserve us immediately after you
contact us and know the date and time are available--
thru our book on-line service .
•
How long does it take to receive
my photographs from my wedding session?
For your sessions that include photographs and a CD,
it normally takes a 10 to 14 days
for you to receive your images.
They are shipped to you in the mail with tracking.
We can send them to your new home
or your office if you just let us know.
If you have an album from your deluxe package,
these take a bit longer,
please allow 4 to 6 weeks to receive
your finished album and CD.
We do have a "rush" option.
Photographs shipped within 1-2 days, 2 day shipping $50.
Albums shipped within 7 days, 2 day shipping $75
Photographs are kept on file for 45 days
after your wedding date
My friend wants to take the photographs too . .
.....or my friend would like to "shadow "
Christine at the wedding
If you have commissioned Christine to take your wedding photographs,
you are agreeing that she is your "official " photographer.
She needs your cooperation to her best job for you !
That is to be on time and not have to compete with others
who are taking photographs
or re-directing you from what we are creating at that particular moment !
Generally speaking Christine style and personality are very relaxed and fun
and it's rarely an issue..however she would like for you to know
she has a limited amount of time and opportunity
to create gorgeous wedding photographs for you.
Others taking photographs will be at her
discretion, especially during the group shots, she asks for the full attention
of group...once she has completed the groups shots,
everyone is free to do all the photography they wish.
•
Do you provide the wedding/marriage license
or the permit for the beach ?
You will need to purchase a San Diego marriage license from
any county office in California before the wedding .
Information for San Diego marriage licenses
(hours, locations, fees, phone numbers, requirements)
located on our San Diego Marriage License section
of our web site click here
Maps to county offices, click here
IN ORDER TO RECEIVE AN OFFICIAL/CERTIFIED COPY OF YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE, YOU MUST SEND $1 3 TO THE
COUNTY AND REQUEST A COPY BE SENT TO YOU.
You won't be be receiving anything from us or from the county
California beaches and parks are public and free,
however if you have a group over 25 you are required
to obtain a permit from the city for your event.
For Coronado beach, contact
City of Coronado parks department,
for San DIego events contact
City of San Diego parks department.
This is not something that we take care of for you.
•
What if you haven't done a wedding ceremony
in my location before?
Not to worry, because we've performed wedding
ceremonies in many unusual places, and
performed very last minute wedding ceremonies - -
plus the fact that each of us has been
performing wedding ceremonies for about 20 years--
be assured that we are professional and flexible enough to be able to
do the right thing at your
wedding ceremony, even if it's a brand new location!
•
Does your fee include a wedding rehearsal?
We have an additional fee for wedding rehearsals
please click here for our Wedding Ceremony Fee Page.
•
How long have you been
performing wedding ceremonies?
Each of us have been performing wedding ceremonies-
officiating and photographing weddings since 1987.
Between the two of us, that's over 2500 weddings!
You can count on us to do a great job.
•
How long is the wedding ceremony?
Thats up to you! We perform wedding ceremonies
of all types and lengths.
Short and sweet-- our "San Diego easy elope"
or more elaborate with readings from friends ,
vocalists, sand ceremonies, ceremonies to include
your children.... really. . . the sky is the limit.
Most of our "beach wedding" ceremonies
and wedding vows are 10-15 minutes in length.
Check out our wedding ceremony sample here
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Do we have to say any certain
things or special words during the ceremony?
Nope ! We don't have any rules or hang-ups
about what you say to each other
during the ceremony.
We provide you with samples of
wedding ceremonies that we have performed
in the past to use as a guide. You are free to add,
or take away or change them in any way you like.
We can include a sand ceremony if you like.
If you are shy and just want to say " I do"
and no more. . . that's fine too!
We can do all the talking and you can nod YESSSS!!
We feel VERY STRONGLY that this is YOUR
wedding ceremony, not ours!
We want you to be happy and comfortable
with the content of the ceremony.
•
How far in advance should
I reserve you for my wedding ceremony
in San Diego or for a Coronado Beach Wedding ?
As soon as you have secured your San Diego wedding
location and decided on a date and time.
We book up quickly in the
Spring and Summer months, and around holidays. . .
We receive close to twenty inquiries
for weddings each day and have a very limited
number that we perform and photograph.
The sunset wedding times book up very, very quickly.
Generally speaking, we don't usually book out more
than six months ahead of your wedding date.
•
What about inclement weather?
Please know that in San Diego we have wonderful
weather and we normally have about 320+ days a year with no rain.
Seems someone is always asking:
"what is the weather like on our wedding day?"
--- we wish we could tell you, but we can't !
We do suggest you try this if you are concerned:
.Click here for San Diego climate information
OR
Wikipedia Climate of San Diego
If you have selected the beach to hold your ceremony,
remember you are choosing a "free, no cost, public"
venue to hold your wedding.
You have commissioned us for our services only:
to officate and photograph your wedding.
It is up to you to make secondary arrangements within
about 10 minutes of the original wedding location,
if you wouldn't be comfortable exposed to the elements.
Let us know ahead of time at least 4 hours, so that we are able to try
and accomodate the schedule change at the last minute
(for travel time, etc.) It may not always be possible to
keep the exact same start time,
and we may have to offer another of our staff to cover.
Our goal is to make this as seamless
and stress free as possible if the weather should turn on us !
Perhaps the ceremony could be
held at your hotel room or the place where you are
holding the reception if it is not too far away.
We've also recommended bringing big beautiful
umbrellas for your guests if you think it may rain.
We are not affiliated with Hotel Del Coronado,
please don't expect to use the hotel grounds
for your wedding without consulting the hotel first-
and be willing to provide us with the name of the person
you obtained permissions from.
•
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Are you part of the Hotel Del Coronado?
No, we are not affliated with the hotel.
Our weddings and elopement ceremonies are held
on the public beach out behind the hotel near the water.
The boardwalk and vicinity are private hotel property, if you
would like to have your wedding near the boardwalk
or ANYWHERE on hotel grounds, you
need to contact the Hotel Del Coronado directly.
•
What if we are running LATE the wedding day?
We ask that you PLEASE, PLEASE do everything
that you can to begin your wedding on time.
We WILL be on time and waiting for you.
We ask that you
please honor the start time by being ready
at the time we've both agreed upon.
If you suspect there is going to be a problem, or challenge. . .
please let us know as soon as possible.
Our plan is to spend about an hour with you
for your ceremony and photographs.
When you are late, please remember,
it is YOUR wedding and photo time that you will compromise.
We will STILL have to leave on the time
to be on time for our next couples wedding.
As we must be on time for each of our weddings.
If we should miss you all together on the wedding day,
because you were sooooo late-
we would arrange to meet you on another day during
the week to sign your license. please note:
there is an additional fee of $ 75 for this service
(to be paid at the signing in cash)
Also please note:
If you have booked our photography services, and are late...
you will have lost that time we would have used to take photographs, greatly impacting the number,
the style and quality of your session. You may even miss
the lighting opportunity we had counted on
(sunset for example).
It's obvious, but worth stating,
we can't take photographs of you--
if you are not there....
If you are more than 15 minutes late
for your photography/ceremony session,
you agree to accept the quality and quanity
of photos that are given to you
as the complete package.
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How can I book you for a wedding ceremony on-line?
Simply click here to BOOK on-line section.
But FIRST check with us to make sure that
we are available for your San Diego
beach wedding or
last minute elopement in San Diego.
This is the best and most immediate way
to save your date
•
We didn't have time to purchase a marriage license
before the wedding.... OR
we forgot the license the day of the wedding !
No problem, we can meet you the next business day
or when you do have the license.
There is a $75 fee to meet again
after the ceremony day
and sign the license with a witness
who was at the wedding.
•
What if your are already booked on our special day ?
If you aren't flexible about your time or date, we understand!
our friends Curtis and Vickie Rhodes may be available to help you
with your ceremony and photography !
click here to see their page
•
We don't have a church that we go to right now
and don't know how to pull a wedding ceremony
together, can you help us?
YESSSSSS.
We pride ourselves on creative and quick
thinking to help you pull together a fun,
low stress San Diego Beach wedding or
last minute San Diego elopement.
•
We have a poem that we would
like you to read at our wedding ceremony,
can you do that for us?
Of course! We can read anything you like,
you could also read something to
each other or even have a friend
or family member read something --that's fine with us,
we like to personalize your ceremony in any way you like.
•
My fiance is being deployed overseas and we won't have
time to pick up a license and get married all in one day
because it's a holiday weekend, can you help you
get married in San Diego in a hurry?
Yes, we will do our best to try and help you,
we have a fellow minister who can issue
a confidential marriage licenses at the last minute,
and we can perform the ceremony right after that.
Just give us as much notice as you can,
even if it's the same day.
We also offer a Military Discount of $25
off your wedding ceremony fee .
•
Is it true ... you don't work with money on the
day of the wedding ?
And. . . how do we know you'll actually be at our wedding
if we pay you ahead ?
Yes, it's true, we don't work with money on
the day of the wedding if at all possible.
It can be a bit awkward to say the least and
you have better things to think about than money on your wedding day.
We feel that paying the wedding minister should be the last thing
on your mind...or worse yet, totally forgetting to pay the wedding officiant
and having to pass the hat ( and yes, it's a true uncomfortable story!)
Also, it helps us to keep our paperwork correct when it comes to paying our
taxes at the end of the year. We pride ourselves on being
very honest and know that we will be there for
your wedding when you book us.
This is what we do for a living about 250 to 300 times a year....
and we take our responsibility to you, our
brides and grooms very seriously ! After 20 years of performing
wedding ceremonies, we've earned the trust of our fellow colleagues
in the business as well as the trust of literally thousands of couples...
we know first hand just how valuable a great reputation is.
Please check out our RAVE REVIEWS page for references.
•
I would like to be married at sunset,
what time is that?
Click here for a great link for
San Diego sunset and sunrise ceremonies!
This will help you plan your San Diego Beach weddings.
If you are having photography with your ceremony,
we would ask that the wedding start at least an
hour prior so that we have enough light
to create beautiful photos for you.
Once the sun nears the horizon,
it can get cold and dark REALLY fast.
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What is your cancellation/ reschedule policy?
Should you need to reschedule your wedding--
we first ask that you extend us the courtesy
of giving us as much notice as possible...
so we avoid arriving at your wedding location on
the day of your wedding
trying to figure out what happened.....
WHEN you give us at a weeks notice,
we will be happy to work with you
to arrange a new date for you
however, beginning on September 1, 2008
there will be a hundred dollar "change fee"
subtracted from the reservation/ deposit you placed with us..
As well, you will be asked to pay our current fees for
whatever new date you choose.
If you should change your wedding date
a second time or third time,
there is another change fee of the same amount
( one hundred dollars) for each time the date is moved.
If we are unable to be available for
your new date because a prior wedding has been
scheduled at that time, we will try to help you find
a replacement, but it will be treated as a cancellation.
Know that we will do everything in
our power to help you rearrange
your new date and be available for you if you are flexible.
If you simply change your mind or cancel
your wedding all together, we are unable to refund
any of the fees you have paid towards your wedding.
Your reservation fees/deposits are non-transferable.
By the very nature of the constraints of scheduling
wedding ceremonies, and photography sessions
for a specific day and time---
we are required to, and will have reserved
a specific wedding date and time just for you.
In most all cases we have had to turn away
other couples who were interested in having us
perform their wedding to be available for yours.
Because of this, we aren't able offer refunds .
WHEN YOU BOOK US ON LINE, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO CONFIRM
THAT YOU HAVE READ OUR FAQ PAGE AND ACCEPT.
THIS IS AS AN ELECTRONIC AGREEMENT
WE MAKE TOGETHER.
By way of this agreement, you acknowlege that you have commissioned
Christine to photograph your wedding, and Steve to perform your ceremony.
As we enter in to this agreement to provide you with our services,
you agree that:
we are the ONLY photographer and officiant
you have or will hire for your wedding.
BY MAKING YOUR RESERVATION WITIH YOUR PAYMENT
YOU ACCEPT THE TERMS ABOVE.
thank you
for any questions - you can
EMAIL US HERE
info@elopesandiego.com
San Diego Weddings and San Diego officiants
San Diego Beach Weddings and Coronado Beach Weddings
San Diego Easy Elope
Non-denominational and civil wedding ceremonies
Last minute weddings and elopements
We reserve the right to refund deposits at our option-
and to provide a referral for similiar services if needed.
Our total and complete limit of liability to you in any and all situations
is the amount of payment made to us , returned in full.
By reserving our services you have agreed
to our policies.
SITE MAP
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