The Altar State of Mind

Serves , WA

35244

Hired 103 times

1 employee

8 years in business

$250

4.9

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

Next Service

Credentials

Background Check

Sharon Reyna Marquez
Completed on 1/26/2022

Introduction

Hello! I’m Sharon, an adventure seeker, a storyteller, a yogi and wedding officiant. I have been officiating weddings since 2017. I began officiating weddings by serendipity when a friend of mine couldn't find a bilingual wedding officiant. I enjoy public speaking and I’m honored to have been a guest speaker and event host for a multitude of events. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I searched how to become ordained, when through the process and officiated my first wedding! Officiating weddings was not something I intended to do long term or as a business. However, through word of mouth, I began officiating more and more weddings. Last year I officiated over 60 weddings. Performing ceremonies gave me an opportunity to write scripts for my couples and create something romantic and memorable. Creating and personalizing every wedding is important to me, as I want to ensure the couple's essence can be felt through my words. During the initial introduction call, I get to learn about the couple, how they met, got engaged, and the quirky things about their relationship. I get to learn about their vision for their dream wedding/ceremony. If they decide to move forward, we work as a team to gather all the important information and begin drafting the script. Once this is completed, we make changes as needed and wait for the big day. On wedding day, I get to see brides walk down the aisle; I get to see tears of joy and many smiles. I have been fortunate enough to have been the first one to know about a pregnancy (minutes before starting the ceremony!) or hold the hand of a nervous bride. I have tied many ties, and have given out many tissues. As a professional, my goal is to ensure your wedding is as magical as you envision it. I want you to be comfortable, and assist in any way I can, sort of like a stand-in sister. I have officiated weddings in English, Spanish and bilingual. LGBTQIA+ customers welcome. Serving the entire state of Washington. I look forward to meeting you and your fiancé and helping you create the wedding you have always wished and dream of.

Q&A

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

My pricing includes all meetings, planning, rehearsing and the wedding. While I can officiate a wedding anywhere in the state of Washington, for wedding that are more than 10 miles away from Richland, a slight price increase may be asked for the additional traveling expense. However, this will be discussed prior to ensure you are comfortable with this.

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

My typical process for working with new customers starts with a quick phone call, Facetime or Zoom meeting to see if we are a good fit for each other. If so, customer sends half the payment amount as a deposit via Apple Pay or Venmo. Once the customer has answered a few questions, I like to set up a 30 min meeting either in-person or online to go over the expectations and to begin crafting their wedding script. I not only officiate your wedding, but I also ensure that you are cool, calm and collected during your big day. It is important to me that you have a great time and that I can be the best officiant you can have.

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

I have been officiating weddings since 2017. Writing and poetry have been a passion of mine that helps me craft a personalized wedding script just for you. I am an Ordained Minister through the Universal Life Church since 2017.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I got started in this type of work by serendipity when a friend of mine couldn't find a wedding officiant in the area who spoke English and Spanish. I fell in love with this type of work after witnessing the importance of my role.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I have worked with interracial couples, LGBTQIA+ couples, Spanish speaking couples and couples who want to incorporate both English and Spanish into their ceremony.

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

Every project is a project I am fond of. One of my favorite things is learning how the couple fell in love, their goals and dreams after their wedding and what they love about one another.

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

Make sure you connect with the wedding officiant; it will make things 10 times better.

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

If I were a customer, I would ask someone like me: why do you officiate weddings? and what can I expect from you?