Love Celebrations by Gaye

Serves Simi Valley, CA

35244

Hired 20 times

1 employee

4 years in business

$500

5.0

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

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Credentials

Background Check

Gaye Walton-Price
Completed on 5/2/2021

Introduction

I am a non-denominational officiant ordained by the Universal Life Church, and offer creative, inclusive and compassionate sacred and/or non-religious ceremonies taking into account the clients' ideals, wishes, and desires. Love Celebrations by Gaye are designed to suit the clients' belief system, welcoming clients' creative input, and with as much or as little of traditional ceremonies as you desire. It is our aim to please and astound you and your guests with memorable celebrations of life's most precious moments. I require a 50% retainer fee up front for initiating preparation of your preliminary script. When you hire me as your officiant, the other half of your fee is due 15 days prior to your wedding date (if applicable). Also, please be advised that I am fully vaccinated and three times boosted, and I offer clients an initial and/or preliminary meeting via Zoom to discuss preferences, details, etc. before the actual event which can be conducted in person as the clients and guests feel comfortable and safe, observing social distancing.

Q&A

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

In general, the fee for officiating a wedding or vow renewal is $500. If there is a request to help with writing the vows, an extra $50 is required. If there is a request for the officiant to be present at the wedding rehearsal, there is an additional $50 fee.

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

I like to offer a Zoom consultation with new customers to see what type of ceremony the couple is interested in. I have a questionnaire which is sent ahead of time that the couple can respond to before the Zoom consultation. During the consultation, the couple and I get to know each other, the couple's wishes are made known, and I provide a preliminary introduction to the ceremony for the couple's perusal. We also have the opportunity to discuss small details of how they wish the ceremony to go. We agree on the cost of officiating, and we confirm time to arrive at the venue, etc.

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

First and foremost, I am an ordained minister by the Universal Life Church, also called the Monastery -- they specialize in ordaining people, and offer a wide variety of styles of ceremony -- nondenominational, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or not fitting any religious tradition, such as Wiccan. All ceremonies are specifically designed to fit the couple's wishes and beliefs. Additionally, I am a college professor with nearly two decades of teaching at the college and university levels, primarily in Northern California. I have master's degrees in the Humanities and Religious Studies, I hold a PhD in Arabic language (and speak the Egyptian dialect of Arabic), and have performed other types of ceremonies as well such as memorial services, new baby blessings and new home blessings.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

My niece asked me to officiate at her wedding 5 years ago. And I accepted her request.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I am open to working with people in Southern California from a wide variety of backgrounds. I do not discriminate when it comes to anyone who wishes to get married, renew their vows, have a blessing ceremony for the new baby (or newly adopted baby), the new home, or in the event of a loved one passing, memorial services.

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

The last wedding I officiated for was a young gay couple who reside in San Francisco. The wedding took place outdoors near the ocean on a clearing near a rural golf course. It was a lovely day, and the ceremony was quite beautiful. The ceremony itself lasted for about 20 minutes. Later, the guests went off to the reception which took place in a hotel in San Francisco.

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

Check out several providers to find one that you can relate well with. It is your special day, and you want to come away from it with happy memories.

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

What type of ceremony do you want? How many attendants are you planning? Do you want to have music? Are you planning/have a desire to write your own vows? Do you desire a mention of God in the ceremony or not? What time of day do you want the ceremony to occur? What do you want the officiant to wear, or does it matter to you?