Chris O'Brien - Wedding Officiant
Chris O'Brien - Wedding Officiant

Chris O'Brien - Wedding Officiant

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Introduction: I may look young, but I'm an experienced, educated man who can provide exactly the kind of officiant services that you are looking for at your wedding! Maybe more to the point, I'm a great listener and I'm flexible in how I work (and the rate I ask) and more than anything, it's most important to me to provide you with exactly the services you need in exactly the style and tone of your wedding. I am particularly interested in providing officiant services to those who may have trouble finding someone to perform their wedding ceremony. Whether you are a same-sex couple (or gender non-binary, non-conforming, or fluid!) or just happen to have financial limitations, I can provide the highest quality professional wedding services to you! In California (and all states that recognize ordination from the American Marriage Ministries) I am legally certified to perform marriage ceremonies! Please see my photos for my certification. *** Here is a complete breakdown of the services I offer and pricing! My standard rate is only $250 for all of the services I offer. To reserve my time, I ask for a $150 non-refundable deposit to be paid to me at the time you hire me. The balance of the fee is due the day of the ceremony. In the very unlikely case that I must cancel, I will return your deposit to you. However, if for any reason you must cancel the wedding or decide not to use my services, I don't refund your deposit (of course, in extenuating circumstances, I will make an effort to return as much of it as possible). 1. Performance of a wedding ceremony of your desired length, including readings by me and from loved ones, pre-written vows--or you may provide your own--and any additional rituals you'd like to have as part of your day (for example, blending of sand, handfasting, etc.) I'm very flexible and happy to work with you to give you exactly the ceremony you want! Also, I do not ask any additional fee based on length unless the ceremony is planned to be longer than 30 minutes. (As an additional note to this, I do not change extra if the wedding is photographed or videographed. Both are welcome!) 2. Two 30-minute consultations in advance of the ceremony via skype, phone, or FaceTime (can also be in-person). During these consultations, we'll discuss the type of ceremony you'd like to have--making sure we're on the same page about everything I described above and getting all the details figured out so that your big day is perfect! Some other things we'll discuss include: - What you'd like me to wear. I own a nice suit, but I'm comfortable going casual if you prefer! - The length of your ceremony as well as your desires for the tone of the ceremony. I'll offer two or three ceremony scripts, which we can discuss and adjust together so that you're 100% happy with it! - I'm also a professional writer! For an additional fee (see the bottom of this list), I can write you an entirely original ceremony, including vows. - Specific readings (if any) that you'd like me to do during your ceremony, whether these are pre-written by you or from existing spiritual text or other non-religious texts. I am happy to provide some suggestions! - Hand-in-hand with that, we'll talk about any other acknowledgements you'd like me to make during the ceremony. This might be as simple as thanking specific family members for traveling to your wedding, or it could just be a note on the particular way you'd like me to ask everyone to be seated. - Any additional rituals you'd like to include. Again, I'm happy to provide suggestions! - Finally--we'll confirm the order that you'd like everything to happen during your ceremony. Basically, we'll put together a script that I will work from on the big day! Generally it's safe for me to assume the kiss comes last, but I like to be flexible and make sure everything happens exactly they way you'd like! 3. One ceremony rehearsal of up to one hour. I not only offer my attendance at your rehearsal--I really prefer to be there to smooth out any wrinkles together! If the rehearsal does not happen the same day as the ceremony, I ask a small additional fee of $50. (If the rehearsal lasts more than one hour or requires significant travel, I may ask a larger additional fee, but that would be discussed at the time of hiring.) 4. My attendance at the wedding venue up to two hours prior to the beginning of the ceremony. I'll be there to meet with you, the wedding planner (if you have one), your photographer, and anyone else who may need to coordinate with me on the big day! During this time, we may run a rehearsal, I'll get familiar with PA equipment (I'm sorry, I don't provide my own) and the layout of the venue, I'll answer any last minute questions and we can discuss anything that needs to be changed or adjusted. Basically, I'll just be around to make sure you're not wondering if I'll make it on time and to go over everything one last time so there are no surprises! 5. Introductions and announcements. This one is completely optional, but for no additional fee, I will also provide em-cee services at the top of your reception. Often, couples have their DJ do this, but if you don't have one (and even if you do), I recommend having me do it, because I'll be more familiar with you and your entire wedding party. Generally, this is just the introduction of the wedding party as they enter the reception area--usually by twos, paired up as one bridesmaid and one groomsman, ending with the newly married couple. Usually, I might say something like "...and now ladies and gentlemen, for the first time ever as a married couple..." Whatever you like! 6. If you wish, I am happy to remain in attendance at the reception through dinner. Some couples really like this, others prefer that I go after the ceremony is done. I like to include this though, just in case it's something you'd like, so you know I'm willing to stay and celebrate with you! Similarly, I have been asked in the past if I'll join photographs. If you'd like, this is also something I'm happy to be a part of! 7. I will do all the necessary filing of paperwork with your local government and provide you with copies of that paperwork. You just need to be ready with your marriage licence and I'll do the rest! For additional fees, I offer these special services! +$50 - Rehearsal prior to wedding day (plus travel costs, if necessary) +$50 - Ceremonies planned to be over 30 minutes long. +$100 - I'll write an original ceremony, including vows. +$50 - Each additional 30-minute consultation in advance of the wedding (Again, two 30-minute consultations are included in my basic price). Finally, I also offer a recommendation for a wedding photographer I regularly work with. I recommend her because she's a good friend and an even better photographer. If you choose to go with her for your wedding photographer, not only can you be 100% certain I will be out of that all-important first-kiss shot, you also get my services as her assistant for no additional cost. Normally, a pro photographer such as her will charge extra when they bring a second person to assist, but as I'm already there and available, this is something I'm happy to offer for no additional fee when she and I work together. Let me know at any point if you'd like her information! I love working with many different types of people, especially those who may not normally have access to the type of services I offer. I especially enjoy working with each couple to provide exactly the services they need and create just the right ceremony together! There are few things more rewarding than being part of such a special day in two individual's lives.
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11 years in business

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