FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS| A Perfect Gay Ceremony

1. Why is A Perfect Gay Ceremony so popular?
A Perfect Gay Ceremony honors your choice to marry the "person you love". I perform ceremonies for ALL couples who have declared their desire to marry. Many churches have restrictions and requirements for couples to marry, I have none. I specialize in non-denominational, traditional, non-traditional, civil, interfaith, religious, non-religious, themed, custom and short and sweet ceremonies. I am dedicated and committed to create and perform a perfect ceremony tailored for your special day. I have worked with hundreds of couples from all different backgrounds and from all over the world. I make words come Alive! Your ceremony will be enjoyable and memorable! I will set a beautiful tone for your wedding day! I am professional, personable, dynamic and detail oriented which makes for A Perfect Gay Ceremony.

2. We want you to perform our ceremony for us. What should we do next?
Please email mark@aperfectgayceremony.com so that I can check my available dates and times. Please include the Required Information-Both Parties First and Last Names, exact wedding date, exact ceremony start time, exact wedding location, your contact number, the number of guests and the ceremony package that matches the dynamics of your wedding. Please include a statement that you are ready for us to draft and issue the retainer.

3. What are the requirements to reserve our wedding date and time?
Both Parties First and Last Names, exact wedding date, exact ceremony start time, exact wedding location, number of guest, number of wedding attendants, contact number and the chosen ceremony package that matches the dynamics of the wedding. Once I receive the requested requirements, I can review my calendar, evaluate the driving pattern to and from the wedding. All Requirements must be finalized before a wedding date and time can be reserved. All reservations require a 50% deposit of the total fees. An invoice will be emailed to The couple for the retainer/reservation fee. Payment can be made with any major credit card.

4. What do we do to obtain our marriage license?
A Perfect Gay Ceremony does not issue Marriage Licenses. Marriage licenses in San Francisco are issued in person by appointment only. Appointments are available on-line at "Online Marriage License Reservations." Appointments can be made up to 90 days in advance. Both parties must appear in person and bring valid picture identification to San Francisco County Clerk City Hall, Room 168, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102-4678 to obtain your marriage license at your appointment. To apply for a marriage license in California you must have a valid picture identification, one that contains a photograph, date of birth, and an issue and expiration date, such as a state issued identification card, drivers license, passport, military identification and/or birth certificate.

5. How do we make payment?
Once I have determined that I am available, a 50% retainer is required. Ceremony fees are set and available on the Ceremony Packages and Pricing page. The ceremony fee is based on the ceremony package that matches the dynamics of your wedding/ceremony. Once I receive the requested requirements-Question # 3, if the date and time remains available, I will email you an invoice to be paid online with any major credit card or PayPal account. The Invoice/agreement will include the Terms and Conditions of Service. SPECIAL Ceremony Packages are unavailable during ideal and most popular wedding times and days, including holidays and holiday weekends.

6. Do you have a contract/service agreement that we must sign?
Invoices are issued to Couples that are ready to reserve their ceremony date and time. Terms and Conditions of Service are included on the invoice. Payment of the invoice confirms that the terms and conditions have been read and accepted. Due to the high demand for services, Failure to pay the invoice within 12 hours from the due date and time will release A Perfect Gay Ceremony from holding the date and time of the ceremony and furnishing and services to The Couple and the invoice will be cancelled. When the invoice is cancelled due to failed payment, If The couple request that a new invoice is drafted and re-issued, if the ceremony date and time remains available, then a $25 invoice re-issue fee will be incurred.

7. Are rehearsals included in the ceremony package price?
Wedding rehearsals-$150 are separate from the ceremony package price. The need for a rehearsal is based on the dynamics of your wedding. Once I have the requested required information FAQ-#3-Number of guest and Number of Wedding Attendants, I can determine if a rehearsal is neccessary.

8. Do you perform religious ceremonies?
I am a Non-denominational Minister. I will only include as much "Religious" content as you wish. Religious content, Spiritual Elements, Rituals and Cultural traditions are only, incorporated upon request when you choose the Custom Ceremony Package. During our planning session, we will discuss your religious ideas and spiritual beliefs.

9. What will you wear?
I wear dark suits with a tie. I can wear a black robe with a white or creme colored wedding stole. If you desire casual attire, I will wear dress slacks, button down shirt and a nice jacket. If your wedding is formal, I will wear a black tux. If you are having a themed wedding and wish a specific style of dress, just let me know and I am happy to work with you to arrange a style of dress that fits within the style of your theme.

10. Do you travel outside of San Francisco County?
Yes, I proudly serve San Francisco, East Bay, South Bay, North Bay, Sonoma and Napa. Nominal travel charges apply for rehearsals and ceremonies outside of San Francisco County. Travel fees are based on the distance to your wedding ceremony location from San Francisco. $1 per mile over 60 miles (round trip).

11. Will you find a venue/location for our ceremony/wedding?
A Perfect Gay Ceremony is not involved in the venue/location planning process for the wedding. It is the couples responsibility to secure space to hold their ceremony/wedding. I have listed some of the venues and locations where I have performed ceremonies on the website. I suggest having fun as a couple researching a location/venue where you would like to be married. Once you have finalized the location for the ceremony to be held. If available, I will perform the ceremony wherever your hearts have landed you.

12. Should I tip?
If by chance you, a family member or your friends offer a tip out of pure joy and expression of their own thanks, that's fine and very much appreciated. I am thankful for your expression of gratitude for my service to you and graciously accept the gift.

13. Will I need a witness for the ceremony?
Yes, you will need one witness for a Public Marriage. If you do not have a witness, I can provide a witness for an additional fee of $35 each. Please give me an advance notice so, that I can make arrangements with the witness to be present. We need a Witness as a Photographer-the donation is $75 total. The Witness/Photographer shall use the couple's camera/camera phone. The donation shall cover the Witness/Photographer's time.

14. Do you have back up in case something happens on the day of our wedding?
Yes, I am pleased to say that I have never missed a ceremony. In the unlikely event that I am unable to perform the ceremony, I will use a qualified substitute replacement to perform the ceremony, if time and resources permit.

Below are some of the venues and locations where I have performed ceremonies!
Fairmont Hotel, SF City Hall, Rotunda, Mayor’s Balcony, Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Golden Gate Bridge, Mark Hopkins- Top of the Mark, UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens, Mandarin Oriental Hotel-Sky Deck, Embarcadero-The Piers, SF Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Cathedral Hill, Dolores Park, Museum of Modern Art, Palace of Fine Arts, Marin Art & Garden Center, W Hotel, The Spinnaker, Inn Above the Tide, Wildcat Canyon/Alvarado Park, Sausalito Women’s Club, Palace Hotel-French Parlor Room, Beach House-Pacifica, Presidio Main Chapel, Ralston White Retreat, San Mateo Coyote Point Park, Cliff House, Randall Museum, Lake Chalet, Redwood Grove, Coit Tower, Asian Art Museum, SF Cable Car, Chapel of the Lady, Napa Valley, Wine Country, Yerba Buena Gardens, Golden Gate Park-Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, Memorial Grove, Chain of Lakes Meadows, De young Museum, Shakespeare Garden, Baker Beach, Fay Park, North Beach, Gary Danko Restaurant, Crissy Field, Numerous Private Residences…

I Proudly Serve the Following Areas…
San Francisco, Daly City, South San Francisco, Pacifica, Millbrae, San Mateo, San Carlos, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino, San Jose, Milpitas, Fremont, Union City, Pleasanton, Richmond, Oakland, Alameda, Hayward, Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Ramon, Berkeley, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Benicia, Concord, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Novato, Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Napa, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Vallejo...

To Reserve your Ceremony date and time! E-mail me at mark@aperfectgayceremony.com