California Coastal Weddings
Welcome to California Costal Weddings, specializing in providing personalized wedding officiant services for couples seeking a beautiful and memorable ceremony.
GraceAnn Stewart, an experienced wedding officiant, works closely with each couple to craft a unique ceremony that reflects their love story and values.
Whether you envision an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, you'll have guidance through every step to ensure your special day is filled with joy, romance, and the stunning natural backdrop of the California coast!
SERVICES PROVIDED
Services provided include the following:
- Meeting and discussion of the wedding and ceremony
- Customized design of wedding ceremony and revisions
- Rehearsal facilitation
- Officiating the wedding
- Marriage certificate county filing
- Premarital relationship discussion
Ceremonies are performed in many venues from Pescadero to Pacifica and beyond. Local coastal areas include Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach, and Montara.
NEXT STEPS
Let's talk or meet in person to go over ceremony ideas, discuss vows, and review other wedding details. Working intimately with California Coastal Weddings brings you support throughout your entire wedding planning process.
Locations for a ceremony, lodging, rehearsal dinner, and vendor recommendations such as photographers, musicians, florists, and anything else that comes to mind makes the process simple, stress-free, and enjoyable!
There is also a 100% money back promise. If the wedding is cancelled for any reason, your money is refunded in full without stress. This has happened one time.
About GraceAnn Stewart
As an ordained non-denominational fourth generation minister, I am dedicated to bringing love and joy into your day and would be honored to perform your spiritual, civil, or non-denominational ceremony. Let’s work together to make your wedding ceremony beautiful, legal, fun, and memorable!
For locations outside of the Half Moon Bay coastal area, please reach out with your request. I have traveled from walnut orchards in rural California to private residences in New York and have written ceremonies that have been translated into other languages as well as LBGTQ+ ceremonies.
Please contact me for availability and if you do not work with me, I am still happy to assist with recommendations!
PREMARITAL DISCUSSION
PRENUPTUAL DISCUSSION
Couples are encouraged to work with me through my specialized premarital question and answer process adapted throughout the years to help couples start their marriage knowing what's ahead.
INCLUDED IN SERVICES
This service is included in my flat fee for new clients; however, it must be completed when we first meet. It is absolutely optional, but 100% recommended! Please allocate at least 90 minutes after we discuss the ceremony and wedding. This could be one of the most important relationship discussions you will ever have!
IS THIS REALLY NECESSARY?
Love is grand and fun. But you don't know what you don't know. I will present a series of situations and examples (that have happened in real life) to help couples create boundaries to protect their relationship and plan for a responsible future together.
WHAT IS DISCUSSED?
Family, friends, finance, health, traditions, employment, external relationships, and so much more relating to marriage.
HOW LONG WILL THIS REALLY TAKE?
There is a lot to discuss and it will depend on your knowledge of what you and your partner have experienced in your relationship. If we are working together on your wedding details, this adds approximately 90 minutes to what will be a one hour conversation and on this day, I will stay as long as you need me to, so you can be free to ask questions and continue our discussion.
CAN I PAY FOR THE PREMARITAL DISCUSSION IF WE DO NOT WORK TOGETHER?
Absolutely and this so very highly recommended. The rate for this service is $200 for two hours. You can also gift this to other individuals, even if they are already married!
WHAT IF WE NEED MORE TIME AND I AM NOT A CLIENT?
My hourly rate for additional time (after the first two hour special for $200) is $125 per hour.
SPECIAL CEREMONY TYPES
ELOPING?
Last minute services are available for eloping couples!
SECRET, PRIVATE, OR CONFIDENTIAL WEDDING?
Many coastal areas can work with us on confidentiality! Please contact California Coastal Weddings ASAP regarding obtaining a confidential marriage license.
SECOND, THIRD, FOURTH, OR FIFTH WEDDING?
Experienced and ready to try again? Let’s make it wonderful.
RENEWING VOWS?
Falling in love all over again and making it official is exciting for all relationships.
PREGNANT BRIDE?
Care and respect for bride, baby, belly, and family!
FAST MOVERS?
Love at first sight and can’t wait? Let’s move quickly and make it beautiful, fun, and official.
SPECIAL CEREMONY?
Any celebration can be customized and performed.
YOU WANT SOMEONE TO WRITE THE CEREMONY AND SOMEONE ELSE TO OFFICIATE?
I can absolutely do this too, and train the person who will officiate.
UNIQUE SITUATIONS and FAQs
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER DID NOT SHOW UP?
This HAS happened. I bring a back up (NOT iPhone) camera, just in case!
YOU AGREED TO HAVE A FRIEND / FAMILY MEMBER OFFICIATE (TO SAVE MONEY OR FOR SOME OTHER HONORABLE REASON) AND THEY DO NOT HAVE A PROPER CEREMONY WRITTEN OR REHEARSAL PLANNED, AND NOW YOU ARE STRESSED?
An emergency replacement might be available, contact California Coastal Weddings ASAP!
FAMILY DOESN'T GET ALONG?
Understood and experienced! Plans will be put into place to ensure there are no ceremony interruptions.
YOU HAVE A THEME AND WANT ME TO DRESS UP AND BE A PART OF IT?
Sure! I have coordinated with brides and their bridal parties in the past to accommodate favorite colors and themes, This is not a problem! Otherwise I will be wearing a classic business suit.
YOUR PRIEST OR ASSIGNED RELIGIOUS OFFICIAL DOES NOT KNOW YOU, STILL CANNOT PRONOUNCE YOUR NAME, CANNOT TELL A STORY ABOUT HOW YOU MET YOUR PARTNER, AND KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT YOUR LIFE TOGETHER?
This happens often and it is awkward for everyone! I enjoy getting to know my clients.
YOU ARE STRESSED BECAUSE YOU CANNOT BREAK A GLASS (BECAUSE YOU TRIED AT HOME) WHEN STOMPING ON IT FOR A JEWISH CEREMONY ?
There are special glasses for this! Please consult the internet to purchase the appropriate glass. If you forget, we grab a small lightbulb, wrap it in a cloth napkin, and I will swap out the "glass" people will see with this wrapped bulb so you are prepared for a light crunch and don't shatter a bone or appear ridiculous chasing a rolling glass in an attempt to smash it.
WEDDING RE-DO FROM ORIGINAL DAY?
We will work to recreate and "do-over" your day!
YOUR OFFICIANT CANNOT MAKE IT OR GOT SICK OR HIGHWAY 92 OR ROUTE 1 IS CLOSED?
I will fill in if I am available! I have an online traffic group for the coastside, so I am always available to check up to the minute traffic which has become a problem in the last several years due to the rising popularity of the coastside.
YOU ARE LATE AND YOUR OFFICIANT HAS LEFT OR DISAPPEARED?
This HAS happened! Some officiants also book multiple weddings in one day and cannot stay late. I do not plan multiple weddings on the same day. I am dedicated for the entire time my services are needed and I do not depart without checking in first!
GUESTS ARE STUCK IN A TRAFFIC JAM ON HIGHWAY 92 OR ROUTE 1?
I am happy to wait and hold your ceremony until guests arrive, as long as the wedding venue manager agrees and can accommodate the time change. I will stay until the ceremony is completed and the family is no longer in need of my services.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Sometimes dogs are a part of the wedding!
FLAT FEE BENEFITS
BENEFITS OF A FLAT FEE
- All of the wedding services indicated above are provided including the premarital discussion
- I am available to help throughout the entire wedding planning process including recommending vendors and working with planners
- Last minute emergencies happen and I live on the coast if assistance is needed
- You are hiring an experienced professional officiant, public speaker, and facilitator - not your friend's brother's neighbor's aunt's cousin - so you do not have to worry about the most meaningful part of your wedding - the ceremony!
- I can write (or give) a toast if requested
- The ceremony rehearsal will be fun by design
- Flat fee = everything included! No hidden costs, no extra add on charges, and no stress about giving a tip!
FLAT FEE DETAILS
WHAT DOES THIS WEDDING OFFICIANT DO FOR THIS FLAT FEE?
FLAT FEE = $1,000
Since this is a lot of money, let's break it down into smaller time chunks and learn what I actually do.
Many wedding officiants do not disclose their fees directly on the internet. You must contact them and have a long discussion to learn their fee. Be sure to confirm they will be there for your rehearsal without additional charges such as driving time, gas expenses, additional preparation at large venues, vendor coordination, travel costs, and lodging fees.
It seems as if someone can just "cut and paste" names into a ceremony already written. Why pay more? Give it a try and see how long it really takes! Your buddy who became internet ordained right before your wedding might actually struggle. Or you might have a five minute ceremony that will be legal, but perhaps boring. Keep in mind you are also entertaining guests who put a lot of time, money, and energy into showing up on your special day.
Our initial meeting could be 2-3 hours or more if you need extra time. My prep time before we meet is about 1-2 hours. Writing a ceremony takes time, at least 3-4 hours depending on what will be included. I print everything right before the wedding, allowing for last minute changes. There are no computer glitches to worry about during the ceremony and pages are placed in plastic just in case wet weather arrives. I also create a schedule for the rehearsal and wedding day. Everything is detailed, documented, and distributed, which is necessary for a smooth celebration. The rehearsal prep for me is at least one hour and the rehearsal itself is also about one hour and I make it really enjoyable and fun for all!
On the wedding day, I arrive at least 90 minutes prior to the ceremony to check in and learn if there are any last minute changes and obtain the marriage license. I offer an extra hand to help if needed. I speak with the wedding party, parents, and anyone who might read something during the ceremony or participate in some way. If children are involved, I also meet with them to discuss their role and practice if necessary. If pets are part of the ceremony, I confirm the handler is prepared to walk away if the animal starts making noise during the ceremony. I work with anxious brides and grooms to calm them down. I will escort anyone down the aisle who might need assistance and direct a youngster if they forget their way. We are going to have fun together, I am not your typical boring wedding officiant, I take this job very seriously!
I bring extra copies of everything. I prepare the ceremony area and I check in with all of the vendors. I test microphones if one will be used - whether a clipped body mic with a battery pack installed around my waist - or a stand up wired microphone - both are fine. I work with your music vendor so they are aware of what to play and when, and know their cue from me to stop and start again! I speak with the photographer and photo assistants so they are aware of what I write into the ceremony and times to be ready for special photos! I make sure videographers have the proper sound set up and test the equipment. I also instruct vendors to not stand behind me during the ceremony so they are not in your photos!
After the ceremony, we will relocate to a private area to sign the marriage license and take a few pictures together! I am happy help create a wedding hashtag and post a few beautiful photos to your social media environment if desired! Privacy is also respected.
After I depart, I complete the rest of the marriage license and mail it to the county clerk via USPS Priority Mail. I keep a copy and I track it so it arrives and is processed. Your official marriage license will typically be ready within 2-3 weeks at your county clerk's office. I recommend purchasing 3-4 copies for future use.
I hope this breakdown, including all of the behind the scenes work, helps you understand the time and work involved. Please reach out with any questions!
UNUSUAL Background
Grace has a wide range of personal wedding experience! She has said “I do” four times - twice to her first spouse and twice to her current husband. Each in a different state and in a different venue: courthouse, church, country club, and cruise ship - married by a Rabbi, Pastor, Judge, and Ship Captain! What a perfect combination of direct experience of what it is like to be married in different environments and to understand the feelings people have on their wedding day!
Payment Information
Cash, check, and Zelle are acceptable for payment. We can discuss the best payment method and schedule to fit into your wedding budget before we meet.
CONFIDENTIAL MARRIAGE License
CONFIDENTIAL MARRIAGE LICENSE BENEFITS
- Copies of a confidential marriage license cannot be released without a court order
- No witnesses needed
- No press or media interference
- Get married anywhere in California
Privacy is the typical reason for obtaining a confidential marriage license, valued by celebrities, politicians, and others.
A confidential marriage license can be beneficial if you do not want family, ex-partners, or employers to know.
Wedding SCHOOL
Welcome to WEDDING SCHOOL!
WEDDING SCHOOL FLAT FEE = $1,000
Are you interested in working as a wedding officiant or being involved in the wedding business? I am here to successfully train you! I teach when you are ready to learn! Being a wedding officiant is a business and can only be operated successfully with the right attitude, proper skills, incredible adaptability, and top notch training.
We review every aspect of weddings and ceremonies, how to start a legal business, how to legally become a wedding officiant, how to write and perform a ceremony, how to market and price your services, and all of the tasks completed by a wedding officiant. Throughout the years, I have come up with unique ceremonies and I am happy to share my secrets for a fun and memorable time with someone wishing to embark on this exciting career.
The Wedding School FLAT FEE of $1,000 includes ten hours of customized wedding officiant training and business start up assistance. You will learn everything you need to know to facilitate a great time for everyone! We meet in person, talk on the phone, or have a video conference.
WHAT IF I NEED MORE HELP?
My hourly rate is $125 or you can buy a block of ten hours at the discounted rate of $1,000.
Are you READY?
Are you excited to embark on a 1-1 journey? Contact me to schedule a consultation!