Q: How much do your services cost??

A: Great question and an important one!  My fees start at $175.00. I wish I could give you an exact amount, but it is important that you know how my fees work. My fees depend on many factors. What type of ceremony you are planning on having? How many elements will be included into the ceremony (please see ceremony elements)? What is the location of the ceremony (indoor or outside)? Where is the location of the ceremony (within 30 miles of my location, there is no travel fee)?  How big is the wedding party? How many guests will be attending? Will we be creating your ceremony together or using one of my prepared ceremonies? Will there be a rehearsal (I truly hope so. See this question below)? All of these things will be discussed during our free consultation, and the fee will be determined at that time.

Q: What if we DO want to be involved in creating our own ceremony, and we want to add different elements (traditions, rituals, etc.)?

A: That is where we would need to discuss everything that you would like to have, as my fees depend on the amount of, and the different elements that you would like included in your ceremony.

Q: Do you charge a travel fee?

A: Only if it is outside the 30 mile radius. The fee would depend on the location and distance. Also, if the distance/location is one that would require an overnight stay (this is usually when we have rehearsal one night and the wedding the next), I would give you the option of paying for my room and dinner, or including it into the fee.

Q: Do you require a deposit?

A: Another great question! Yes, I do. At the time of our consultation, if you decide to book with me, I will require a deposit of 50% or $100.00 whichever is the lesser amount. We will also sign a contract at this time. This will reserve your date, and start the process of creating your ceremony.

Q: What if we are not sure, or want to think everything over. Or we still want to interview other minister's after our consultation. What happens then?

A: That is not a problem at all, and I encourage you to interview others. Remember this is one of the most important days of your life. You want to make sure that whomever you choose, is the right person to officiate such an important event. Someone that fits your personalities, that you have a good feeling about, and that you know they will "get" what you are looking for in putting together your ceremony. After our consultation, if we do not book at that time, I will hold your date for five days so that you have time to do whatever it is you need to do to make the right decision.

Q: Do we have to have a rehearsal

A: I do not require one, but I would strongly suggest one as it is so helpful for all that are involved. Especially when you are adding different elements to the ceremony. It really helps alleviate so much stress when it comes time for the actual ceremony.

Q: But we are having a very small wedding, and we have a small wedding party.

A: That is a good point! However, does your Maid of Honor know when to take your bouquet? Does your future husband know when to step forward when you are being presented (given away)? Does your father (or escort) know how and when to hand you over to your future husband, and what to say when he does? What about the rings? Who is going to have them, and when are they supposed to give them to the minister, or are they?
What if you are having the Unity Candle Ceremony. Who lights the outside candles, and when? Who is going to escort the Mother's, the Grandmother's? There are so many variables that occur during a wedding, and most couples do not think of these things when preparing for their wedding day. A rehearsal is a dry run of your wedding day, and it lets you know exactly what to expect and when. If no one knows what is going to be happening and when, they themselves are going to be stressed out, and therefore most likely stressing you out as well. Do you really need more stress on your wedding day? In the end, the decision to have, or not to have a rehearsal is entirely up to you. I will never insist that you have one. This is YOUR day.

Q: Do we have to have a reference to God in our ceremony?

A: Absolutely not! As a non-denominational minister, I perform my ceremonies to include, or not include, whatever references you want. I perform religious, non-religious, semi-religious, spiritual, secular, and others. This is something that we will discuss in great detail during our consultation, because it is an important part of determining the tone of your ceremony. The choice is entirely up to you and YOUR beliefs.

Q: I noticed in your pictures you are wearing a robe. Do you always wear your robe when you perform weddings?

A: No. However most of my couples do prefer that I do, as it distinguishes myself from the others (such as mom's and grandmother's), when we take pictures during and after the ceremony.
(No, I am not in all your pictures ). Just a few right after the ceremony. If you prefer that I do not wear my robe, I am happy to oblige, and will usually wear a nice dress, pant suit, or whatever you prefer I wear (well almost anything ).

Q: I have not found the answer to the question I have. How can I get the answer.

A: It is very simple. You can ask the question in the form provided below, or you can call me at 916-375-9419, or you can email me at Pastorgunn1@aol.com. I am happy to answer any questions you may have, and there is never a dumb or stupid question, especially when it comes to your wedding. Most of you have never done this before and really don't even know what questions to ask. Just remember, if you are thinking of a question, then someone else out there is probably thinking the same thing. So please, do not hesitate to ask any question, and your answer will come directly to your email address provided, or by phone if you prefer.