What is a Life-Cycle Celebrant?

Life-Cycle Celebrants are highly specialized and trained in the art of ceremony.
We are a diverse and spirited community that embraces everyone, without exception.
We see ourselves as uniquely able to engage in constructive dialogue with people of all faiths. We tailor and customize ceremonies to the beliefs and values of our clients.
Our personal beliefs are completely immaterial to the process.

Celebrants create personalized ceremonies that mark the milestones in a person’s
life. Including triumphs like weddings, baby blessings, adoptions, coming of age, and
new business ventures. We are also there for you in times of tragedy and can provide personalized, loving and compassionate service for funerals, memorials, pet funerals,
break-ups and divorce.

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​​Can I legally marry people?

Yes, I am ordained through the Universal Brotherhood Movement as a Non Denominational and Interfaith minister. I am not a judge or a justice of the peace, 
but often perform non-religious or civil weddings. I can legally marry couples in the
State of California as well as New York City and New York State.
 

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Can we write our own vows?

Absolutely! Writing your own marriage vows is a wonderful way to personalize your ceremony and to speak directly to your partner using your own words. There are many variations in writing your own vows. You can write them together or separately. You can read from a card or have me cue your vows, line by line. Your vows can be traditional, non traditional, and everything in between. Your approach is completely up to you and your fiancé. If you’re considering writing your own vows, but don’t know where to begin, I will gladly e-mail you some sample vows to help get you started.

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Can we read the ceremony beforehand?

Yes! One of the benefits of working with me is that I will send you a complete first draft.
You will have every opportunity to make changes, edits, or additions to the ceremony script.
I want you to be 100% satisfied with your ceremony. You will always get final approval because it is after all YOUR ceremony!

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How long is a typical ceremony?

The length of the ceremony will vary depending on the number of elements and readings you decide to include. On average, I would say most ceremonies are between 20-25 minutes…not too short and not too long.​

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How do I obtain a Califonia marriage license?

In most cases, you and your partner must go in person to a City Clerk’s Office with proper identification. Marriage licenses are issued to applicants on the spot. A marriage license is valid for 90 days. There are no waiting periods or blood test required in the State of California nor are there any citizenship or residency requirements. Applicants must be over 18 years old. Couples can begin the process for submitting an application for a marriage license online. A California license has space for two witnesses, but only one signature is required. 

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Orange County
https://cr.ocgov.com/marriageappointment

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Los Angeles
http://rrcc.lacounty.gov/clerk/marriages.cfm

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Riverside / Palm Springs
http://riverside.asrclkrec.com/SVmarriage.asp

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Do you perform same sex weddings?
Yes! In my belief system, love is love. I never discriminate against anyone based on
gender, ethnicity or religious background. I firmly believe that all consenting adults deserve
a personalized ceremony and I am always honored when couples hire me to officiate at
their wedding.

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​Do you stay for the reception or rehearsal dinner?

No, I almost never stay for the reception or rehearsal dinner. After you and your witness(es) have signed your marriage license, I make a quiet exit. You are never obligated to invite me to the reception or rehearsal dinner nor do I expect an invitation.

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​What do you wear when you perform a wedding ceremony?

I usually wear a black dress or a dark suit. If you have something specific in mind,
I am happy to accommodate. I always try to wear an outfit that is neutral and coordinates with your wedding colors.

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What happens if I cannot perform your ceremony due to an emergency?
In the unlikely event that I am unable to officiate at your wedding, I promise that I will never leave you hanging. I am part of a wonderful community of Celebrants and I will work with you and the Celebrant Foundation & Institute to find a replacement.

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What are my fees?
Because every ceremony is unique to your needs and circumstances, fees
are quoted on an individual basis. For more information, please see my
fees & services page.