FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWe have tried to make this site logical and easy to navigate. You will find the favorite wedding locations in Santa Barbara are listed under "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 & keep this page . Who is I do Vows?
I do Vows performs wedding and domestic partnership services 7 days a week, all year round. We do not sub-contract out to vendors except for entertainment, Transportation and Catering. What is I do Vows Boutique?
I do Vows has added a wedding ring Boutique! We have consistantly tried to simplify things for our couples...please enjoy! 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. If you live out of the USA you may send an e-mail with your phone number to: Weddings@IdoVows.org so that we may call you to reserve your date & time. 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 Friday or 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 40% 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). Credit card charges over $1500.00 are subject to 2% service charge. All deposits/payments are NON-REFUNDABLE What is the coordinating fee for?
For co-ordinating everything....of course! We try to keep our prices down, yet still offer excellent service. WHAT IF WE DO NOT HAVE MASTERCARD OR VISA?
No problem! You may pay via PayPal or we have credit card offers so that you may apply for a MasterCard or Visa credit card that fits your needs. All deposits/payments are NON-REFUNDABLE What if we need to post-phone our wedding?
If you post-phone your wedding more than 2 weeks (wedding & reception more than 2 months) in advance, then we will honor the deposit towards your new wedding date (subject to availability & must be within 3 months of original wedding date). we HOWEVER...we can not guarantee the price. If our prices have increased since you booked your wedding, then your balance will be adusted 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?
If you have chosen a wedding only package, the balance is to due in cash, money order or cashiers check (made out to "I do Vows") on the day of your wedding. If you have chosen a wedding AND reception package we will split the remaining balance into 2 payments for you. If you choose to use a credit card, you may, however this must be done at least 7 days before your wedding date. Credit card charges over $1500.00 are subject to 2% service charge. We can NOT accept checks on the day of your wedding AND are unable to take credit cards outside of the office. Can we book our wedding more than a year in advance?
YES...for a setup package! A portion of the non-refundable deposit ($300.00) is required to reserve your date for our setup packages. Your balance will then be split up into 2 payments as follows: 1. The balance of the 40% deposit is due 1 year before your wedding (this is non-refundable) 2. The balance will be due in cashiers check or money order on your wedding day. FOR A WEDDING AND RECEPTION: A portion of the non-refundable deposit (amount to be determined depending on package price) is required to reserve your date. The balance of the 40% deposit is due 1 year before your wedding (this is non-refundable). The rest of your balance will be split into 2 or 3 payments. Of course, you will have an invoice detailing the arranged services. 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, coordinating and guest arrival. Are Chairs provided for all packages?
Only the setup packages include chairs (you can always add chairs and a permit to one of the non- setup package). We do not recommend having a chair for each guest as many do not “sit” in the chairs provided. If you’re expecting 50 guests, we recommend 20 chairs for immediate family, the elderly or guests with health problems. We own 50 of our own chairs. If you want more than 50, then we can rent from an outside source at $10.00 per chair (minimun 20 chairs). DO WE NEED A PERMIT FOR THE NON-SETUP PACKAGES?
No....not until you add chairs, arch, canopy OR palms ala carte OR if you have a LARGE group of guests. Are these private locations?
No. Private locations are available, but not at these prices. Do WE have to get a permit for these public locations?
If you have a setup package (like the Channel Isle, San Miguel Isle, Santa Rosa Isle or Castaways..etc) or a large group of people, then the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Dept requires a permit. The packages listed do 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. If special reservations are needed for certain areas you will be told before booking. HOW DO WE GET OUR CONFIDENTIAL MARRIAGE LICENSE?
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 just before your wedding. Can your Notary 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....the steps to obtaining a certified copy of your marriage license are explained in detail on the MARRIAGE LICENSE page. What exactly is the custom ceremony guide and how do I view it?
I have designed a Ceremony Selection Guide to help make your wedding day unique and extra special. The wedding ceremony has been broken down into sections. There are several selections to choose from in each section. You may make ANY changes or additions that you wish. There are complete instructions and it's wonderfully easy to use. The guide URL is sent to you (via email) after your deposit has been received. Do you have any extra tips for the bride & groom?
YES! Brides, if you are having a beach wedding, please make sure your dress is not TOO LONG! Remember that your feet sink into the sand. Let's have a gracefull entrance and exit :o) Also, we have a Wedding Etiquette Guide (pdf) for your convience and I will be adding more to it in the future! 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 Officiate or take pictures?
Yes, of course! If you hire other vendors you must inform us about this as we have a time schedule and they must be advised as to our position and agreement with you. We have a contract for you to sign when bringing your own Minister or Professional Photographer as we do have regulations on the Ceremony and formal photo shoot. 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?
Please call our office. If we are not in, the answering machine will give you my cell phone number. 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 ! Can we request specific flowers for our bouquet?
Yes, at a starting cost of $120.00 per bouquet. Should we have flowers for our parents?
Yes, if your budget allows it. 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 poplular 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 $5.00 for each childs colored sand. What if we have an elderly or sun sensitive person?
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 7.75 % 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. We also have the official California Domestic Partnership agreement. Do you perform same-sex marriages?
YES...YES...YES !!!! When do we get our pictures?
Our couples get their high resolution photos on a data DVD. 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. Starting no more than 2 months before your wedding: 1. A welcome page inviting your guests to the wedding/reception (date, time, location...etc) Photo will be included in background if you supply it 2. A directions page There will be a map with directions to your wedding location 3. An information page This page will have info such as: when to RSVP by registry info (if you have one) logding recommendations Santa Barbara's current weather a link to check your airline flight a countdown to your wedding date There will also be a reminder as to your wedding date, what time to arrive & start time 4. An RSVP link to your email address Your guests can RSVP via email....how easy is that? For 2 months after your wedding: 1. A photo gallery with all of the photos that "I do Vows" took of your wedding day. Wilth a link to your email address We have added a link to a sample photo gallery $25 & up - Per additional page added: You may purchase additional pages: You would need to supply the info, text & materials $10 - Per additional month added: Start WEDPAGES more than 2 months in advance of your wedding OR have photo gallery up more than 2 months after your wedding Can we Just Show Up?
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! Do you have your own church?
No.....but we do have a wedding chapel that is available for us to have our weddings! Please see our Chapel Packages page. What location do you use for the Hukilau ?
We use the Leadbetter Beach picnic area. Can we have more than 50 guests for the Hukilau?
Yes....additional food for guests would be reflected in the price. Please keep in mind that this location has picnic tables and benches that only seats 70 people. May we choose a different location for our Hukilau?
Not at this price...this is the ONLY beach location that has picnic tables for 50 - 70 people. Are the beach reception packages available all year ?
No...this is NOT for wintertime and is NOT available on holiday weekends. Can we choose a different location for your reception packages?
Not at this price. You may have your reception elsewhere, but it will cost more. Can we have more people for the Santa Barbaran?
2 Yes....this location can hold up to 80 people and of course, the addional people would be reflected in the price. It will be just the two of us. Can we put together our own package?
YES....OF COURSE! Look at what one couple choose for their dream elopement: Officiant License Photos on DVD Video on DVD (editing included) Rose petals (3 bags) Bridal Bouquet 1 Boutonniere Arch w/silk gardenia garland Permit Butterfly release Harpist & Flutist Sm. Wedding cake Champagne & flutes Are there any hidden or extra Charges?
A. NO! Not for the locations listed on this website (unless otherwise noted). We do charge the required California state sales tax of 7.75%. We enjoy adding new services and strive to be your "ONE STOP SHOP" ...literally! Here are some services we hope will make your wedding day....stress free: BOUTIQUE - A wide variety of beautiful engagement & wedding rings)......... all at discounted prices! CREDIT CARDS - Great offers to fit your interests and needs! LOCAL SERVICES - Everything you & your guests will need while in Santa Barbara PAYPAL - We now accept PayPal as well as Visa and Mastercard! WEDPAGES - Bride & Groom's personal website: Welcome page - An invitation to your guests for the wedding Info page - Date to RSVP by, gift registry, lodging recommendations, Santa Barbara's current weather, a link to check your airline flight, A remider of wedding date & time, when to arrive....ect. AND....A countdown to your wedding date! Directions page - With a map & directions to the wedding location RSVP - Your guests can RSVP via email directly to the bride & groom Photo Gallery - enjoy your wedding photos online! WEDDING ATTIRE - the perfect beach wedding related attire & more...check it out! Please enjoy these services! |
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