Frequently Asked Questions
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Where do I get a marriage license?
In Jackson County you can obtain a marriage license online here, or pick one up at the County Clerk’s Office. You will need to show your current photo ID and pay for the license at the physical office. ($55)
You can be officially married 3 days after receiving your marriage license. The license is valid and must be signed then returned within 60 days.
Jackson County Clerk
10 S. Oakdale Avenue, Room 114
Medford, OR 97501What happens to the marriage license after the ceremony?
After the ceremony we’ll sign the marriage license and I will file the license for you by returning the license to the County Clerk’s Office. You may keep any copies for display or your records.
What are your fees?
All fees and add ons can be found on the booking page, I am very transparent about the costs, and travel fees (if any).
What types of payment do you take?I take most types of payments! Card, Cash, Paypal, Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, etc. Even Affirm if you need to pay-as-you-go.
Non-refundable retainer is due upon event booking. Half of the ceremony fee. Remaining half is due before, or the day of the ceremony.
Travel fees may apply outside of Jackson County.
Do you charge travel fees?
Yes, travel fees outside Medford may apply, contact me for a quote!
Additionally, if you have selected a venue that does not offer free parking you are responsible for either validating or paying for the parking. For destination weddings and weddings outside my service area, overnight accommodations may also be required.
What areas do you serve?
I serve all of Southern Oregon, and Northern California! (Travel fees may apply.)
Do you have an office location?
No, my services are mobile. I travel to you at your choice of location. Some examples are your home, work, coffee shop, etc. Or we can meet virtually, or over the phone!
Does the ceremony have to be religious?
I work with you to create a ceremony that is authentic to you and your beliefs, whatever they may be. I am a non-denominational minister.
Do you accept LGBTQIA+ couples?
Yes! I work with LGBTQIA+ couples and am happy to marry anyone who wants to tie the knot.
Will you be able to create a personalized ceremony?
Definitely! Based on the ceremony package you choose I can take the time to create and write a personalized ceremony for you and your partner—and some will use a generic template. If you want a ceremony that fits more of your personality, be sure to ask!
Will you be available for the wedding rehearsal?
Yes, for an additional fee, provided I am available.
Do you stay for the reception?
Each of my couples choose whether to invite me and my spouse to the reception, it is certainly not required. If you would like to invite me to the reception, please extend a formal invitation to me directly and I will let you know if it’s possible for me to stay.
We tip other wedding vendors, but what about the officiant?
Gratuities are never expected, but are always appreciated.
What do you wear when you officiate weddings?
For me it’s important that I don’t stand out; this is your moment! This is why I always wear formal black attire. Also, I recognize that I will be in some of your photos and have always found that black is professional, reserved and timeless.
However! I also understand some of my couples have non-traditional weddings and am willing to change my attire to the theme. (Ex: Lord of the Rings theme? Sure, I’ll dress as a Hobbit or Shield Maiden.)
How do you handle a noisy guest, or an unplugged ceremony?
If a guest is being rowdy, I’ll typically pause, wait, and stare at them. Body language and energy is important.
For unplugged weddings (no cell phones out) I can make an announcement before the ceremony begins asking all guests to silence and put their phones away, that professionals have been hired, and are doing their job.
Do you have a Preferred Vendors list?
Yes, you can find my preferred vendors list here.
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What are your fees?
All fees and add ons can be found on the booking page, I am very transparent about the costs, and travel fees (if any).
Do you charge travel fees?
Yes, travel fees outside Medford may apply, contact me for a quote!
Additionally, if you have selected a venue that does not offer free parking you are responsible for either validating or paying for the parking.
What areas do you serve?
I serve all of Southern Oregon, and Northern California! (Travel fees may apply.)
Do you have an office location?
No, my services are mobile. I travel to you at your choice of location. Some examples are your home, work, coffee shop, hospital, care facilities, etc.
What is a Mobile Notary Public?
A Mobile Notary is a Notary Public that travels to you to perform Acts of service. Here is a great description from the National Notary Association: A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by state government — typically by the secretary of state — to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents.
What does a Notary Public do?
Essentially Through the process of notarization, Notaries deter fraud and establish that the signer knows what document they're signing and that they're a willing participant in the transaction. Here is a more thorough description from the NNA; A Notary's duty is to screen the signers of important documents for their true identity, their willingness to sign without duress or intimidation, and their awareness of the contents of the document or transaction. Some notarizations also require the Notary to put the signer under an oath, declaring under penalty of perjury that the information contained in a document is true and correct. Property deeds, wills and powers of attorney are examples of documents that commonly require a Notary.
What is a signing agent?
A signing agent is a public notary who is an expert in loan closing documents. A lender, title company, or escrow service may hire a signing agent to handle getting documents delivered, signed, or processed efficiently and on time.
What type of ID is acceptable?
An identifying document or card must be current, or expired not more than three years before the notarization. A passport, driver's license, government-issued non-driver identification card, or other form of government identification is acceptable. The ID must contain the signature or photograph of the individual.
Why do I have to be present for a notarization?
As per Oregon State law, the principal signer must personally appear before the Notary at the time of the notarization. The Notary and the signer must be face-to-face when the notarization takes place. This is for fraud prevention.
How do you determine willingness and awareness?
Notaries are required by law to determine if a person is signing a document willingly and not being forced or coerced into signing something they don't want to. A notary may ask to talk to the signer alone or may simply ask if they agree with what they are signing, or ask if they are signing of their own free will.
In the general conversation, the notary will determine the signers awareness. If a patient is in a medical setting, a notary may need to consult with the signer's doctor for a professional opinion.
Special note for foreign language signers: There should always be direct communication between notary and signer. The notary cannot rely on a translator. If a notary and signer cannot directly communicate, then a notary cannot determine willingness and awareness of the signer.
What is the difference between an oath and an affirmation?
An oath is a solemn promise to God and an affirmation is a solemn promise on one's own personal honor. If your notarial act requires an oath or affirmation, the notary will ask you to choose one of these.
What is RON (remote online notarization) and how does it work?
If you would like a quick video overview of how RON works, watch this short video from the National Notary Association.
May a notary give legal advice or draft legal documents?
NO! I am not an attorney. All states prohibit non-attorneys from practicing law. A Notary can be held liable for any damages resulting from an incorrectly chosen certificate or notarization.
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What are your fees?
All fees and add ons can be found on the booking page, I am very transparent about the costs, and travel fees (if any).
Do you charge travel fees?
Yes, travel fees outside Medford may apply, contact me for a quote!
Additionally, if you have selected a venue that does not offer free parking you are responsible for either validating or paying for the parking.
What areas do you serve?
I serve all of Southern Oregon, and Northern California! (Travel fees may apply.)
Do you have an office location?
No, my services are mobile. I travel to you at your choice of location. Some examples are your home, work, coffee shop, etc. Or we can meet virtually, or over the phone.
What is a end-of-life celebrant?
End-of-life celebrants are professionals who create and officiate end-of-life celebrations and memorial services. Sometimes known as funeral officiants, we prefer the term “celebrant” because our #1 goal is to celebrate the life of the loved one, and create meaningful farewells that help bring healing and closure to the family and community.
Does the ceremony have to be religious?
I work with you to create a ceremony that is authentic to you and your beliefs, whatever they may be. I am a non-denominational celebrant.
Do you offer virtual memorials?
Yes! I can craft a custom ceremony and officiate at a virtual memorial that someone else is facilitating, or I can facilitate the entire event (via Zoom).
Virtual memorials can include many of the same elements as in-person memorials, like photo slideshows, eulogists, live music, open mic sharing, and more.
Can you write or help write eulogies?
Yes! Whether you need support from start to finish or just need feedback and editing support, I can help! I also have prewritten scripts to choose from.