Reverend James Marques "Soft Ceremonies"

Discounts available

$200

estimated cost

Zip code

Scheduling

Wedding officiant needed at rehearsal?

Service type (affiliation)

Responds in about 4 hours

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. Feel free to ask any questions. Thank you for your consideration, Reverend Jim

Overview

Hired 50 times

Serves Pioneer, CA

2 employees

15 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.

2018

2019

Featured Projects

56 photos

Specialties

Type of ceremony

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Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

49 reviews

5

98%

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Read reviews that mention:

Erica H.

Feb 5, 2023

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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

Rebecca B.

Nov 6, 2022

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Hired on Thumbtack

Wonderful!!! If I could give more than 5 stars I would. I could not ask for better. Reverend James Marques was amazing. He put together a heart felt and personalized ceremony for my husband and I. The quality of work he put into it was above and beyond. From start to finish he was professional, kind, courteous, respectful, responsive and on time. Anytime I had a question or concern he responded to me very quickly. I didn’t have a location picked out for the ceremony and he also helped me with that. He ended up recommending the perfect spot for us. I’m so grateful I found him. I would recommend him to everyone. He made my wedding day perfect.

Details: Elopement • Christian • 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

I very much appreciate your warm words and thoughts. I put a lot of thought into my ceremonies. I am very happy you enjoyed it as much as I did officiating it.

Wedding Officiant

Yvon D.

Oct 30, 2022

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Hired on Thumbtack

Where do I start? We’re so happy we found Rev. Jim here on Thumbtack and he was available for our date in Arnold. He’s very professional, quick to respond to any questions, checks in often, punctual, and very kind. He made a beautiful soft ceremony for us that we and our families loved. We were given many compliments about what an amazing job he did. His wife was also kind and recorded our ceremony and now we have a video forever. After the wedding, he sent us a wedding packet with everything that pertained to our wedding. Including a keepsake marriage certificate, our script, and more. It’s a wonderful gift to remember the best day of your life. If he’s still available, we’re definitely having him renew our vows. We couldn’t be any happier with his services or recommend more. Thank you, Rev. Jim & Rev. Susan Best, Yvon & Tim Anson

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 Yvon and Tim for the kind words. It is easy when the people with whom one works are equally as kind. You two are definitely that!

Wedding Officiant

Dina F.

Nov 17, 2021

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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

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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

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.