Ceremonies by Carrie Madarang

Serves Belmont, CA

35244

Hired 22 times

1 employee

20 years in business

$400

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Hours

Sun 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mon Closed

Tues Closed

Wed Closed

Thurs Closed

Fri 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sat 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Carrie Madarang
Completed on 8/19/2022

Introduction

Weddings: I take pride in creating a very personal ceremony for my couples. I believe your wedding ceremony should reflect your individual personalities and celebrate your love for one another. Specializing in non-denominational celebrations, I will incorporate your cultural traditions upon request. I will help craft a ceremony that your guests will remember as personal, unique, and fun. I’m an LGBTQ+ ally. Funerals/Celebrations of life: I will lovingly officiate the start of the funeral to graveside service. I will help you write a eulogy and coach those who may want to speak , or I can speak on behalf of your family/extended family if the time comes and it’s too difficult. I will meet with designated members of your family to learn everything I can about your loved one who has passed. I will honor your cultural traditions or create a non-denominational celebration to honor and respect your loved ones. Pricing varies depending on your needs.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

-$400 Custom ceremony base price -$250 Standard non-custom ceremony -Prices include consultation and 2 hours on the wedding day -50% payment due upon hire (non-refundable), balance due on wedding day Additional charges: -$100 per hour to attend rehearsal or added hours on the wedding day -TBD Additional charge for mileage +20 mile radius outside Alameda.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

We can correspond either in person or virtually, I want to get to know my clients in order to weave a very personal ceremony that they, and their guests, will never forget.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Ordained as a Reverend to perform Marriage Ceremonies in California through Universal Life Church. I’ve also officiated in Oregon and Massachusetts.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

In 2005, I was asked by friends to officiate their wedding. Everyone I know, including family, who got married since then has asked me to officiate. I’ve done 20+weddings, and 4 funerals. I’d never charged for my services, it’s turned out to be a labor of love for me. This year I finally decided to try to make a living doing what I love.

What types of customers have you worked with?

All sorts! I’ve incorporated various ceremonial traditions such as the unity candle, sand pouring, hand fasting, even locking a bottle of whiskey in a box until their 10th anniversary. We can use old traditions or make up new ones!

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I recently did a ceremony for a couple who isn’t married, and are not interested in getting married. They had been together for 18 years, have 2 children together, and wanted a hand washing ceremony to usher in a new phase of their lives together. Learning about this ancient tradition and building a special ceremony around it was very special to me. The amount of time it takes writing ceremonies is hard to track. My process is very organic. I am humbled and honored to be a part of things like this.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Look for someone who is passionate about creating a unique experience for you and your guests.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Do you want a ceremony centered around your shared religious beliefs, or personalized to you as a couple? Or a combination of both? I can help weave in your spirituality at any level.