Reverend James Marques "Soft Ceremonies"

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Introduction: I will make even the largest ceremony seem warm, personal, and intimate. I can provide even the smallest of ceremonies the attention they deserve. I deliver "Soft Ceremonies." Non-denominational. Non-judgmental. They are stress-free, meaningful, and memorable, with built-in romance. My ceremonies are easily adjusted to become your ceremonies. I have been officiating weddings and other religious events for over thirteen years, recently through Thumbtack and previously through other venues. Ask about discounts for the military. I live in Pioneer, Ca. (Discounts for locals.) I will serve up and down the Gold Country Corridor and as far as Napa Valley, South Lake Tahoe, and down to Yosemite. Without contradicting the importance of the occasion, I believe your ceremony should be light-hearted and enjoyable, memorable, and fun. "No fire and brimstone" here. I will pause for laughter and for tears. Either way, bring a tissue...maybe a box. Weddings mean family and friends. Just two of the greatest inventions ever. (I will also officiate Vow Renewals, Baptisms, Celebrations of Life, Formal Blessings, and I do Motivational Speeches.) I am fully COVID vaccinated and triple boostered. Sorry, not licensed in Nevada and will not work in Stockton, CA. Feel free to ask any questions. Thank you for your consideration, Reverend Jim

Overview

Hired 53 times

Background checked

2 employees

16 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash and Check.

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2019

2018

Featured Projects

60 photos

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Type of ceremony

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.

Exceptional 5.0

49 reviews

98%

Read reviews that mention:

Erica H.

Feb 5, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

Reverend Jim created such a beautiful ceremony for us. The ceremony was intimate, personalized, and full of love. I can’t think of another person better than Reverend Jim to be our officiant. Highly recommend!! 💕

Details: Wedding • Non-denominational (mentions God) • 51 - 100 guests • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal

Reverend James Marques "Soft Ceremonies"'s reply

Thank you very much. You made it very easy. A beautiful couple. Reveren Jim

Wedding Officiant

Dina F.

Nov 17, 2021

Hired on Thumbtack

Reverend Jim was the perfect officiant for our off grid mountain wedding. His easy going manner and great communication ability set us at ease immediately. He was very organized, flexible and obviously very experienced. We could not have asked for more. If your looking for a non denominational. Non judgmental wedding in the eyes of all that really matters then Rev Jim is for you too… we can’t thank him enough for everything on our amazing day it was perfect!

Details: Wedding • Non-denominational (mentions God) • 21 - 50 guests • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal

Reverend James Marques "Soft Ceremonies"'s reply

Thank you very much. It was a fun trip to the trees! Reverend Jim

Wedding Officiant

Jennifer G.

Apr 8, 2021

Hired on Thumbtack

Rev. Jim is a perfect choice for a wedding officiant! He tailored the ceremony to fit us. He is reliable and very helpful in what can be a stressful situation. His words moved us from tears to laughter. My family had a ton of compliments for him.

Details: Wedding • Non-religious (no mention of God) • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal

Reverend James Marques "Soft Ceremonies"'s reply

You and your family made it very easy!

Wedding Officiant

Daniel S.

Jan 17, 2021

Hired on Thumbtack

Because of a sudden change with our family, we had to cancel with Reverend James which was unfortunate. We were so pleased with his timely responses and professionalism that we still wanted to leave a raving review. To anyone on the fence about having him officiate your wedding, we say do it! Even during what sounded like an emergency on his end, he still made it a point to email us drafts and plans about our ceremony which pleasantly surprised us. Reverend James was easily contacted and readily available whenever we had questions and assured us multiple times that our ceremony would be exactly how we dreamed it would be, whether it be a micro wedding or elopement, and even during this pandemic. Despite our change of plans in the end, we highly recommend reverend James for any couple looking for an understanding and responsible officiant during these uncertain times.

Details: Elopement • Non-denominational (mentions God) • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal

Reverend James Marques "Soft Ceremonies"'s reply

Thank you very kindly. Much appreciated!

Wedding Officiant

Brenda P.

Apr 6, 2020

Hired on Thumbtack

Reverend James Marques is AMAZING! I contacted him back in January 11th for my little sisters wedding ceremony that was planned for less then a month away. February 2nd was the date, worried of not having an officiant I took to google and found Thumbtack. Lucky I came across reverend James. From the first interaction to the end of the entire process it was a pleasure working with him. He is a complete professional who is very experienced and does everything he can to make this very easy for anyone to work with him. My sister and her husband are a young couple who had no idea where to start with the marriage license process. Once I connected them with Reverend James he gave them a step by step playbook on what they needed to do on their end and what he would take care off on his end. Very clear and easy for anyone to do. The day of the ceremony came he was there early and ready next his lovely wife. He introduced himself and Mrs. Marques and talked for a moment giving us instructions on what to expect and all that was to take place during the ceremony. Once he started the ceremony the tears started flowing! He’s amazing at what he does. The vows where chosen by the bride and groom ahead of time from some options reverend James provided as options. Everything else was all him, the speech and blessings came from his heart. It was very memorable for everyone. You can tell he loves what he does by the way he officiates. Very warm and loving message he delivered for my sister and brother in law. You would have thought he knew them personally for years! I loved it! You will not be disappointed by choosing him for your celebrations. I’m a very picky individual who researches everything before doing business with anyone and I was very happy and blessed to have found Reverend James on this site. Naturaly nervous as we didn’t know what to expect and since the wedding was so close we didn’t get a chance for the couple to meet ahead with him to get a bit more familiar before the big day. However he did more then what we expected with his services and the ceremony was BEAUTIFUL! Days after the wedding day my sister received her wedding certificate in the mail thanks to Reverend James who also took care of mailing it in for them. He does everything for you and the best part is he is very responsive and communicates with you throughout the entire process. No question went unanswered thanks to him. You will not be disappointed by choosing him to officiate your big day. Its been two months since the wedding and we still are amazed of how memorable this day was thanks to the beautiful ceremony preformed by Reverend James. Thank you so much for making my sister and brother in laws day so special. You are amazing and we can’t thank you enough for such an easy process, your professionalism and your beautiful ceremony. Note: review wouldn't let me choose more then three options on the review but we would have loved to select "value" and "punctuality" as he delivered the hole package as stated on my review.

Details: Wedding • Catholic • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal

Wedding Officiant

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James Marques

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I will usually be traveling over 50+ miles. Rehearsals mean an extra trip. Time & travel. Rehearsals take longer than the wedding itself. This may add to the price. Extra sub-ceremonies (Candle, Sand, Lasso, etc.) may add to the price. In short, prices vary based on travel, size, and type of ceremony. I will work with you. I give discounts to locals near my home in Pioneer, CA, and anyone in the military.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I try to meet my couples, by phone or, if possible, in person, before the wedding. I like to know a little about them; what they do, how did they meet, etc. I find out how to make the ceremony as personal as possible. At this time, I would present a ceremony and discuss any changes or additions. I would also present helpful planning hints, family involvement possibilities. This is a time to discuss the venue and wedding day procedures. Between then, and the wedding, keep in contact to make sure everything is on track.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in biology and physical education from San Jose State University. I have been a teacher, manager of operations, and human resources. I was ordained a minister as a Non-denominational Clergy from Rose Ministries in July, 2008; and obtained Credentials of Ministry from Universal Life Church in March, 2013. Since 2008, I have been performing weddings, vow renewals, baptisms, celebrations of life, motivational speeches, and formal blessings in Monterey County, the Wine Country and the Gold Country Corridor. I am a contributor to the Amador Ledger Dispatch for the Wedding Issue, as well as other newspaper support. I now live in the Sierra's, but am willing to travel most anywhere. I am retired, but still available for weddings, renewals, baptisms, celebrations of life, formal blessings and inspirational speeches.