The Out Officiant

Serves Davis, CA

35244

Hired 3 times

3 employees

5 years in business

$350

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Venmo, and Zelle.

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Credentials

Background Check

Ernesto Umana
Completed on 10/1/2024

Introduction

Hola, I'm Ernesto (He/Him/Él), and I'm The Out Officiant. My journey as a wedding officiant began in 2019 when I was honored to officiate my friends' wedding. Since then, I've had the privilege of solemnizing many more weddings and I'd be more than happy to help with yours. I'm ordained by the Universal Life Church, and having gone through my own wedding planning in 2023, I understand firsthand the stress and excitement of preparing for such a special day. My goal is to alleviate some of that stress for you, ensuring that your ceremony is a joyous and memorable occasion. As a gay Latino, I know how challenging it can be to find identity-affirming and LGBTQ+ friendly wedding professionals. I lead with my heart on my sleeve, bringing authenticity, compassion, and understanding to every ceremony I officiate. My first officiated wedding was a queer marriage, and I've since had the pleasure of performing bilingual (Spanish and English), interfaith, and multicultural weddings. At The Out Officiant, inclusivity and personal connection are at the core of my services. I’m here to support you and your partner, making sure your ceremony reflects your unique love story. Let’s work together to create a beautiful, stress-free wedding day that you’ll cherish forever. To ensure transparency in pricing, please take a moment to check out my FAQs—my fee is based on the distance from El Cerrito, not a flat rate! DM me here or on IG @theoutofficiant with any questions. Looking forward to celebrating your love together!

Q&A

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

As The Out Officiant, I strive to offer fair and transparent pricing that reflects the personalized service you’ll receive. My fees are based on the location of the ceremony and the time commitment from my home office in El Cerrito, CA. I offer a 25% teacher discount because as a former teacher I know how teachers are overworked and underpaid. Ceremony Only (No Rehearsal) Within 25 miles: $250 25-50 miles: $350 50+ miles: Starting at $500 Ceremony + Rehearsal Within 25 miles: $300 25-50 miles: $400 50+ miles: Starting at $550

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

We’ll start with a free consultation (via phone, Zoom, or in person) to get to know each other. During this conversation, we’ll discuss your vision for the ceremony, any special requests, and my services. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask any questions about the process. After our consultation, I’ll send you a proposal outlining the services we discussed and a formal agreement to confirm all the details. This will include pricing, the ceremony structure, and any additional services like attending the rehearsal or travel considerations.

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

In addition to being ordained by the Universal Life Church, my background as a teacher and school leader has provided me with extensive experience in public speaking and guiding large groups. For over a decade, I’ve led classrooms, facilitated workshops, and presented to diverse audiences, which has made me comfortable speaking confidently and clearly in front of people. As a school leader, I often had to bring teams together and ensure everyone was aligned—skills that directly translate to officiating weddings, where I ensure your ceremony runs smoothly and feels personal. This experience allows me to create a calm and engaging atmosphere during your ceremony, keeping everyone present and focused on the love and celebration at hand. My professional background, combined with my personal commitment to inclusive and meaningful ceremonies, ensures that your special day will be one to remember.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

It all started in Vegas—no, really! In 2018, some close friends asked me to officiate their wedding and I couldn’t say no. The rest is history!

What types of customers have you worked with?

I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of couples, each with their own unique story and vision for their big day. I specialize in LGBTQ+ weddings, ensuring that queer couples feel fully seen and celebrated in their ceremonies. I’ve also worked with bilingual (Spanish-English) couples, incorporating both languages into their vows and readings, as well as interfaith and multicultural couples who wanted a ceremony that reflects their shared traditions. No matter the background or type of celebration, my focus is always on creating a ceremony that’s authentic to each couple’s love story, making sure it’s meaningful, inclusive, and stress-free.

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

One of my recent projects that I'm particularly excited about is the launch of my real estate business. As I embark on this new journey, I see it as a wonderful opportunity to help couples not only celebrate their love through personalized ceremonies but also to assist them in finding the perfect home where they can begin their happily ever after. The process of starting my real estate business has taken several months of planning and development, and I'm thrilled to integrate this passion into my officiant work. I believe that the joy of marrying someone is just the beginning of a beautiful journey together, and finding the right home can be a significant part of that adventure. I love the idea of helping couples envision their future, whether it’s crafting a meaningful ceremony or guiding them through the exciting process of home buying. It’s about building a life together that reflects their dreams, and I’m here to support them every step of the way!

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

When hiring an officiant, it’s important to find someone who not only aligns with your values but also makes you feel comfortable and supported. Look for someone who is willing to personalize the ceremony to reflect your unique relationship rather than offering a cookie-cutter approach. Make sure they’re open to any cultural, spiritual, or personal elements you want to include. Additionally, communication is key. Your officiant should be responsive and attentive throughout the planning process, ensuring everything runs smoothly on the big day. Don’t be afraid to ask about their experience with public speaking, handling unexpected moments, or working with diverse couples—these can all be crucial in making your ceremony a beautiful, stress-free experience. Lastly, trust your gut. Choose someone you feel confident will bring your love story to life and make your ceremony something unforgettable.

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

Before reaching out to an officiant, it's helpful to reflect on a few key questions to ensure you find the right fit for your ceremony: 1) What is my vision for the ceremony? Consider what style you want—traditional, modern, or something completely unique—and any specific elements you want to include, such as readings, rituals, or cultural traditions. 2) What are my priorities? Think about what's most important to you for the ceremony. Is it the officiant's experience, their approach to personalization, or their ability to create a relaxed atmosphere? 3) What is my budget? Determine how much you're willing to spend on an officiant. This will help narrow down your options and set realistic expectations. 4) Do I have any specific requirements? If you’re planning a bilingual ceremony, interfaith wedding, or something that requires special accommodations, make sure to identify these needs. 5) What’s the timeline for my wedding? Knowing your date and any important deadlines can help the officiant understand their availability and how to plan the ceremony effectively. 6) How do I want to feel during the ceremony? Reflect on the emotions you want to experience and evoke in your guests. This can help guide your choice of officiant and the overall tone of the ceremony. Taking the time to think through these questions will help you have a more productive conversation with potential officiants and ensure that your ceremony reflects your love story beautifully.