FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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 Boutique with everything from bedding to small kitchen appliances and more....even wedding rings! The Boutique even has a gift registry. 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 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 6 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.
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 guest.
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 1/2 hour early...otherwise, 10 to 15 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.
What do we get with our Sand Ceremony kit?
You will receive a large glass heart shaped vase with mini bow around the cork stopper filled with black and white sparkling sand with the "Simple sand ceremony" and both kits. The kits also include
2/4 cylinder vases, tiny seashells and a beautiful glass box to store
your precious memory.
(see photo on AlaCarte page).
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?
No, not for the Simple Sand Ceremony AND for the other Sand Ceremonies there would be a small fee added for the extra cylinder vases and colored sand.
What if we have an elderly or sun sensitive person?
We now offer beautiufl parasols for our outdoor weddings.
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.
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.
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.
WHAT DO WE GET WITH THE WEDDING WEBSITE?
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 photos, videos AND check their bouquets and boutonnieres.
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
Dove 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%.
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