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. Expand All | Contract All
*** Click on a QUESTION below to see the answer for that question*** IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ARE IN CAPITALS 1. Who is I do Vows?
I do Vows performs wedding services 7 days a week, all year round. 2. 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. 3. 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). 4. What if we want to get married today or tomorrow?
Call us.....We can probably fit you in! 5. 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 6. 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 7. Do you offer premarital counseling?
No ...however, here is a Premarital Questionnaire from NAWM (National Association of Wedding Ministers). 8. 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 9. HOW AND WHEN DO WE PAY THE BALANCE?
The balance is to due in cash on the day of your wedding, unless requested otherwise. If you choose to use PayPal, you may, however this must be done at least 21 days before your wedding date. We can NOT accept checks OR credit cards on the day of your wedding. I do Vows reserves the right to require payment made in full 3 weeks before your wedding date 10. Can we book our wedding more than a year in advance?
In most cases...yes. Please note that if a permit is requred for a setup, we will not reserve weddings dates more than a year in advance as the permits are not available yet. 11. 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. 12. Why are the CLASSIC packages worth every penny and more?
First, providing seating for your guests allows for your wedding photographer and videographer to have better access to those special ceremony shots while being unimpeded by persons standing or blocking his/her line of sight. From an officiates perspective, having guests behind us when we are performing a ceremony can be somewhat distracting. Secondly your chairs, set up cathedral style, will give you a clearly defined and traditional wedding aisle down which to walk toward your beloved. Third, the comfort of your guests is very important, especially in Santa Barbara's warmer months. Oftentimes guests will arrive to your ceremony location early and so providing comfortable and elegant seating gives everyone the ability to relax and enjoy your wedding day experience in style without the discomfort of standing for long periods of time. Fourth: the graceful and tastefully decorated arch perfectly frames both yourselves and your officiate, creating a stunning altar beneath which to say "I do". (And it looks outstanding in pictures too...) Finally, it all comes down to Style Style Style! You can easily transform a simple, casual exchange of vows into an elegant "high end" wedding ceremony without the big budget price tag. Simply said, it's Your Day! Make it fabulous! 13. What's the difference between "The Riviera" & "Riviera at the Beach"?
The "Riviera at the Beach" package has the Tiki-torch Bouquets and can ONLY be done at the beach, on the sand. "The 'Riviera" package does NOT have Tiki-torch Bouquets and can be done at any location. Permits are NOT required for the standup weddings. If you choose an arch or a setup package, then the city of Santa Barbara does require a permit (except for Butterfly Beach). You will be responsible for obtaining your own permit and will need to send me a copy of the first page. 15. Can we take items out of the packages?
No... If you wish to ADD to the package, that is fine. Otherwise, you should go ala carte. 16. Are these private locations?
No. These are all public locations. 17. What if we want to get married at the Courthouse Sunken Gardens?
You may choose any of our stand up packages for the selected "no permit locations", which are limited to 15 or less participants, as noted on our Courthouse location page. PLEASE NOTE--- You must obtain permits for any of the Sunken Garden locations. Visit Santa Barbara County Parks for more detailed information or to reserve a permit. 18. HOW TO 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). Be sure to read the "Name Equality Act" pamphlet. Please email 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, bank statement, bills, lease, correspondence...etc). Rev.Gail will issue your confidential marriage license to you on your wedding day. 19. 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. 20. 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. 21. DO YOU GIVE US AN OFFICIAL COPY OF OUR MARRIAGE LICENSE?
No....When issuing a license, Rev.Gail will have the required form for requesting a Certified copy of your Marriage License completed and ready for you on your wedding day! This form must be notarized, which she will do on your wedding day when issuing the marriage license. You should receive your certified copy within 3 weeks after you have sent in your request. OR you may contact the County Clerk Recorder's office for more info in obtaining a certified copy of your marriage license. Here is a copy of the "Application for certified copy of Marriage License". 22. What kind of music is on the CD?
23. Do you have any extra tips for the bride & groom?
24. 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 bird seeds or bubbles (looks great on photos & video). 25. Can we hire someone else to take pictures?
Yes, of course! 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. 26. How long does it take to get our pictures?
Your photos should be sent out within 10 - 14 days after your wedding date. You will receive a digital file with 2 folders. One will be the High Resolution Originals and the other folder will have your photo gallery (see example). We reserve the right to photo and/or video all of "I do Vows" services for promotional purposes. 27. Can we use our own Minister to Officiate?
Yes...but what would you need us for then? Again...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. 28. HOW DO WE REACH YOU ON OUR WEDDING DAY?
My cell phone number will be on your pre-wedding invoice. This number is only to be used on your wedding day. 29. 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. Please note: I will not bother you on your wedding day for any late fees....however, you will be receiving a PayPal payment button from us the following day. 30. 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. Please note: I will not bother you on your wedding day for any late fees....however, you will be receiving a PayPal payment button from us the following day. 31. 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! Please note: I will not bother you on your wedding day for any late fees....however, you will be receiving a PayPal payment button from us the following day. 32. 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. 33. Is a Tip necessary?
While a tip is always appreciated ..... it is not necessary. 34. 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. 35. 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 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. 36. 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. 37. 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). 38. When do we get our pictures?
Our couples get their high resolution photos on within about 10 days. You will receive a digital file with 2 folders and 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! No materials will be shipped until remaining balance is paid in full. We reserve the right to photo and/or video all of "I do Vows" services for promotional purposes. 40. Where is Carpinteria State Beach?
41. 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. 42. 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! You can also view TESTIMONIALS from our couples. 43. Do you have your own church?
No.....but there are some available churches in Santa Barbara! 44. Are there any hidden or extra Charges?
NO! Not for our services. 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 accept PayPal ! LOCAL SERVICES - Everything you & your guests will need while in Santa Barbara RELATED RESOURCES - Everything wedding related. We hope you have a wonderful life together! |
