FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have tried to make this site logical and easy to navigate.
You will find the favorite wedding locations in Santa Barbara are listed under "WEDDING LOCATIONS" (and no, we are NOT limited to just these locations) along with lots of wedding photos that Rev. Gail has taken at that location.
We
have published this web site with information that will be
helpful to you and are happy to answer your questions concerning Wedding
etiquette and costs.
Everyone's needs differ, so please call us and we can talk more about
what you are looking for.
We can NOT accept checks on the day of your wedding AND are unable to take credit cards outside of the office.
We require that ALL of our couples read this FAQ section
AND the MARRIAGE LICENSE page
so that there are no surprises and to keep your wedding day stress free.
Please click on Expand All, then print to keep this page.
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Click on the QUESTION below to see the answer
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ARE IN CAPITALS
Who is I do Vows?
I do Vows performs wedding services 7 days a week, all year round.
Can we E-mail our request for reservations?
Yes, however, a phone conversation might be necessary at some point as there are many questions we will be asking you.
Does it matter how far in advance we reserve
our time?
Not always, however ....appointments
on weekends fill up fast (especially during
summertime).
If you have a date and time you prefer, we advise that you call and get
it on our books
as soon as possible.
If choosing a Saturday sunset -
we recommend putting a deposit down as soon as you have decided (to hold your date).
What if we want to get married today or tomorrow?
Call
us.....We can probably fit you in!
Is a deposit required to reserve our time?
Yes....we require $200.00 or 50% deposit (whichever
is more)
to book your wedding.
We can NOT reserve a date without a deposit (if mailing, we will hold your date for
5 days).
All deposits/payments are NON-REFUNDABLE
What is the coordinating fee for?
For coordinating everything in our packages....of course!
We try to keep our prices down, yet still offer excellent service.
WHAT IF WE WISH TO PAY VIA CREDIT CARD?
No problem! We use PayPal which accepts Visa, MasterCard, AmericanExperess & DiscoverCard.
To make it easy for you, I will email you a PayPal payment button.
All deposits/payments are NON-REFUNDABLE
Do you offer premarital counseling?
No ...however, here is a Premarital Questionnaire from NAWM
(National Association of Wedding Ministers).
What if it rains or we need to post-phone our wedding?
If you want your wedding outdoors and you’re concerned about the weather, you may order a canopy from a party rental company to cover your event. You might even consider wedding and travel insurance. Weddings and honeymoons take months of planning. And just when you think you've attended to the last of the details, something unforeseen happens. Wedding insurance can provide coverage for many wedding-day mishaps including wedding rings or gown mix ups, foul weather, military deployment and health issues affecting key participants.
We have listed a few Wedding Insurance companies on our "LOCAL SERVICES" page.
Of course, we suggest you check out the company with the Better Business Bureau first.
I do Vows policy is as follows:
If you post-phone your wedding more than 2 weeks
in advance, then we will honor the deposit towards your new wedding date
(subject to availability & must be within 6 months of original wedding date).
HOWEVER...we can not guarantee the price. If our prices have increased since you booked your wedding, then your balance will be adjusted to the new price.
WE WILL ONLY DO THIS ONE TIME!
All deposits/payments are NON-REFUNDABLE
HOW AND WHEN DO WE PAY THE BALANCE?
A small portion is due approximately 2 weeks prior to your
wedding. The balance is to due in cash on the day of your
wedding.
If
you choose to use PayPal, you may, however this must be done at
least 10 days before
your wedding date.
We can NOT accept checks OR credit cards on the day of your wedding.
Can we book our wedding more than a year in advance?
YES...($200.00) is required
to reserve your
date.
Your balance will then be
split up into 3 payments as
follows:
1. The balance of the 50% deposit is due 1 year before your wedding
2. A small portion is due approximately 2 weeks prior to your
wedding.
3.
The balance is to due in cash on the day of your
wedding.
Remember, all deposits/payments are NON-REFUNDABLE
How much time are we allowed?
Since that depends on which package you have
chosen, ask
us at the time you make your
reservations.
Your package price includes
the appropriate time for us to serve you, ceremony,
photography, video & paper work.
Are Chairs provided for all packages?
No...only the setup packages include chairs.
We have 50 of our own chairs. We suggest having chairs for immediate family, the elderly or guests with health problems. We do not recommend having a chair for each guest as many prefer to stand and do not “sit” in the chairs provided.
We have listed some party rental businesses on the "Local Services" page.
DO WE NEED A PERMIT FOR YOUR PACKAGES?
If a permit is required for the package, then the permit is included in the package price.
Are these private locations?
No. I'm sure private locations are available, but not at these prices..
Do WE have to get a permit for these public locations?
lf you have a setup (like the KISS or Castaways), OR have a large group of people, then the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Dept requires a permit.
The setup packages listed include the cost of the required permit.
You do NOT need to worry about getting the permit as we take care of that for you and is included in the price of the setup packages.
EXCEPTION --- we do not do setups nor obtain permits for any of the County Courthouse locations.
If special reservations are needed for certain areas you will be told before booking.
HOW DO WE GET OUR CONFIDENTIAL MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION?
We have tried to make this very easy for you:
Go to the Marriage License page and read the highlighted information regarding the Confidential Marriage License.
Next, download the Confidential Marriage License Application (there are instructions, please follow them).
You may either mail, email or fax the application to Rev.Gail. Please send it ASAP!
Then, on your wedding day, bring your drivers licenses. If your drivers licenses do not have the SAME ADDRESS on them, then you will need to bring verifiable proof that you reside together (ie, bills, lease, correspondence...etc).
Rev.Gail will issue your confidential marriage license to you on your wedding day.
Why would I want a confidential license?
3 reasons....
1. Saves you time, otherwise the bride & groom have to visit a courthouse together during the week.
2. Ensures your privacy as the County does not provide your personal information to anyone.
3. Does not require a witness.
Can you issue a regular Marriage License?
No, ONLY the County Recorders Office can
issue a regular Marriage License.
Please refer to the License page for more information.
DO YOU GIVE US AN OFFICIAL COPY OF OUR MARRIAGE LICENSE?
No....however, here is the "Application for certified copy of Marriage License". This form must be notarized, which we now do on your wedding day when issuing the marriage license.
You should receive your certified copy within 3 weeks after your request.
OR you may
contact the County Clerk Recorder's office for more info in obtaining a certified copy of your marriage license.
What kind of music is on the CD?
Here is a list of the song titles and artists on the music CD.
Do you have any extra tips for the bride & groom?
YES! We have a "Wedding Etiquette Guide". I am always adding new tips....check it out!
Can we throw rice?
NO! Throwing rice is not allowed at our parks and beaches. It harms the wildlife.
Because of this, we encourage your guests to use bubbles (AND....it looks great on photos & video).
Can we hire someone else to take pictures?
Yes, of course! If we are doing your video, please inform us when bringing your own Professional Photographer, we do have requirements for during the Ceremony.
Be sure and tell us before hand so there
are NO problems on your Wedding day.
We reserve the right to photo and/or video all of "I do Vows" services for promotional purposes.
HOW DO WE REACH YOU ON OUR WEDDING DAY?
My cell phone number will be on your invoice.
This number is only to be used on your wedding day.
What time do we arrive for our wedding (for example, at 4:00pm)?
Your time is 4:00pm (not 4:10)! If we are issuing your marriage license, then please arrive 20 minutes early ...otherwise, 10 minutes
before your time is good. Tell your
guests that the ceremony will begin on time. PLEASE allow for traffic
and distance
of your
drive and the time of day, which makes a big difference in traffic.
We are now charging late fees of $60.00 per 1/2 hour or any portion there
of.
What if we want more Time or we are Late?
Late?!!! Please
see previous answer. We are there to serve each and every Bride & Groom
in
a relaxed environment. If
you feel you need more time or you are late, there is an extra charge.
Remember, sometimes we
have several weddings in a day and
times are set according to the
packages and locations for the day.
WHAT IF WE FORGET OUR DRIVERS LICENSES?
If we are issuing your license, then please
see previous answer as I will consider you Late. I have had many brides leave their purse
(with ID) in their hotel room. So Brides, please give your drivers license to your groom.
GROOMS, PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO BRING THE DRIVERS LICENSES :o)
WE CAN NOT ISSUE THE MARRIAGE LICENSE NOR CAN I START THE WEDDING CEREMONY
WITHOUT THEM
!
Should we have flowers for our parents?
Yes, if your budget allows it.
CAN WE BRING OUR OWN ROSE PETALS?
No...if you bring petals and they are not picked up, then we get fined by Parks & Rec. This is not fair to us, so please do not bring petals. You may order petals from us as the cleanup price is included.
Can we include our children in the Sand Ceremony?
Yes, please make sure to let us know ahead of time.
We have found that including the children is a sand ceremony is the most popular option.
If you choose to give a token, customary ones are watches, necklaces or
ID bracelets.
Does it cost extra to include our children in the Sand Ceremony?
Yes, a small fee of $8.00 for each child's colored sand.
Is a Tip necessary?
While a tip is always appreciated ..... it
is not necessary.
The exception is our Wedding & Reception Packages in which
20 % gratuity and 8.75 % tax is added to the total.
Are there facilities for us to get dressed?
There
are no dressing rooms as all of the locations we use are public (except for the Sanctuary).
There are public rest rooms (I'm not sure that this is what you want).
If staying at a local hotel, we recommend you check-in before your wedding.
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time for dressing without rushing.
WHAT DO WE NEED TO BRING ON OUR WEDDING DAY?
If you have not already sent us your Marriage
License application,
then you MUST bring it with you (completely filled out).
We will also need a valid State photo ID.(drivers license, military
ID or passport).
BRIDES & GROOMS, DO NOT FORGET YOUR DRIVERS LICENSES!!!
Also, if you have not already paid your balance, then you must bring CASH.
Do you perform commitment ceremonies for domestic partnerships?
Yes...Of Course!
We realize and understand that there are many couples
who wish to commit themselves to their
partner.
This event is symbolic
and very meaningful for them and their families. Please refer to our California Domestic Partnership page.
Do you perform same-sex marriages?
We did until prop 8 passes. Hopefully we will be able to do so again. In the meanwhile, we do offer a Commitment Ceremony (make it a part of your Domestic Partnership agreement).
When do we get our pictures?
Our couples get their high resolution photos on a data DVD within about 10 days.
The DVD is the equivalent of owning the "digital negatives" of your photos, and allows you to make
prints and enlargements either at home or at a professional photo lab, as well as the ability to send
your photos to friends and family by email.
We also give you a photo gallery ready to put up on your own website!
To those also getting video, the photos and video will be sent out together.
We reserve the right to photo and/or video all of "I do Vows" services for promotional purposes.
When do we get our video?
You should receive your edited video
on DVD within 4-8 weeks (in case of if an emergency, we will notify you if we can not meet this time frame).
Do you have your own website that you would like to put your video on?
You may request a copy of your video as Windows Media Player or Quicktime.
We reserve the right to photo and/or video all of "I do Vows" services for promotional purposes.
Can we Just Show Up to get married?
NO! We work by Appointment Only.
However, we usually can work out a time within a couple of hours or the
next day.
Santa Barbara has become a major wedding and event destination....so,
if you have a larger wedding, try to
book
early.
Why would we use "I do Vows" rather than someone else?
Our goal is to give you quality service and product at a reasonable price (pleasant customer service included). We urge you to check
out the other companies but PLEASE make sure you get to see the work they promise... such as
the quality of their bouquets and boutonnieres AND check their photos & videos! You can also view TESTIMONIALS from our couples.
Do you have your own church?
No.....but there are some available churches in Santa Barbara!
Are there any hidden or extra Charges?
NO! Not for our services.
We do charge the required California state sales tax of 8.75%.
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INSTRUCTIONS TO PRINT THE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Click on "Expand All" above, highlight and copy all of the questions,
open your Word program and paste, then print.
Here are some services we hope will make your wedding day stress free:
PAYPAL - We now accept PayPal as well as Visa and Mastercard!
LOCAL SERVICES - Everything you & your guests will need while in Santa Barbara
WEDDING ATTIRE - the perfect beach wedding related attire & more...check it out!
RELATED RESOURCES - Everything wedding related.
We hope you have a wonderful life together!
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