Question 1

How long have you been in business?

Accepted Answer

I started Santa Cruz Officiant over a decade ago.

Question 2

How many weddings have you done?

Accepted Answer

I have officiated over 300 wedding ceremonies as well as elopements and vow renewals.

Question 3

We’re legally married already. Can you still do our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I have officiated many weddings for couples who were already legally married. Many couples do the paperwork first because of taxes or health insurance or for green card purposes, so it's not uncommon for couples to be legally married before their wedding.

Question 4

Do you provide or require premarital counseling?

Accepted Answer

I am not a therapist and don’t offer pre martial counseling as such, but as part of my custom ceremony package I offer a very in depth pre martial reflection process - what one bride described as “the emotional homework I knew I needed to do before getting married but previously hadn’t known how…" This process includes 50+ questions that help couples reflect on their relationship, contemplate their future, and think deeply and intentionally about their ceremony.

Question 5

Do you do rehearsals? Is that included in your cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends. For micro-weddings and elopements I generally do not. I do attend rehearsals for custom ceremonies unless I am officiating another wedding ceremony on the day of their rehearsal. In all cases I prepare the couples I work with via email or Zoom, or by speaking with their planner/coordinator/site manager.

Question 6

Are your ceremonies spiritually and culturally inclusive and LGBTQIA+ friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 100%. Every ceremony I officiate is welcoming and inclusive of all cultures, colors, creeds, abilities and orientations.

Question 7

Do you offer vow coaching?

Accepted Answer

I provide a vow writing tutorial and offer 1:1 vow coaching support to all the couples who book me for a custom wedding ceremony package. For couples who are not writing their own wedding vows, I have a wide and varied selection of alternative vows for them to choose from.

Question 8

Should you tip your wedding officiant?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is never required, but always deeply appreciated. If you’re tipping other wedding professionals—like your photographer, DJ, videographer, or caterer—it makes sense to tip your officiant too, especially if they’ve gone above and beyond to make your ceremony meaningful. If tipping isn’t part of your wedding plan just know that a heartfelt thank you (and a glowing review!) also means the world.

Question 9

Are you on social media?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I am active on Instagram @santacruzofficiant.

Question 10

It's looks like you have officiated many Jewish wedding ceremonies. Are you a rabbi?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is no, I am not a rabbi. The longer answer is that I have extensive experience officiating Jewish wedding ceremonies that honor Jewish traditions in meaningful, inclusive, and often reimagined ways. I come from an ultra-orthodox lineage of cantors and kohanim (Jewish high priests), so I bring a deep understanding of Jewish wedding customs, along with a passion for helping couples have fresh perspective about ancient rituals.

Question 11

How can we make our ceremony feel dynamic and interactive?

Accepted Answer

You can make your ceremony feel dynamic and interactive by integrating religious, cultural or secular rituals into your ceremony, including well selected readings and readers when appropriate, involving kids/step-kids and blended family rituals, and by including unique remembrances of loved ones (including pets.)

Question 12

What's your best advice for couples?

Accepted Answer

Have an unplugged ceremony. Don't be drunk, stoned or hungover for your ceremony. Skip the first look and see each other for the first time at the altar. Say your vows during the ceremony and not beforehand. If tears come, let them! Have the ceremony be the most magical, expansive part of your whole wedding day. It sets the tone for everything that follows it...

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