Frequently Asked Questions – Content
- What do I need in order to get married? You will need to get a marriage license from the town clerk/city hall where you intend to have the ceremony. So if the ceremony will be in Hamden, you must go to Hamden Town Clerk. Connecticut law requires that you present a photo ID such as a driver's license or a passport. You will also need to know your social security number, your mother's maiden name, your parent's birthplaces, date and location of your wedding, name and contact in for your wedding officiant.
- What do we have to do for same sex marriages? As of November 12, 2008, same sex marriages have been ruled legal in Connecticut. Any two persons who meet all the other requirements may be married. They have the same requirements as opposite sex marriages.
- If we have a civil union, is it no longer valid? Civil union were established n 2005 but effective October 1, 2010 those unions were converted into marriages that provides same sex couples all the benefits granted to spouses in a marriage.
- Do we need witnesses for the ceremony? Witnesses are not required by Connecticut state law. If you choose to have a religious ceremony check with the religious entity as they may require witnesses.
- What types of wedding ceremonies do you provide? I provide customized ceremonies for each couple. I speak both Spanish and English fluently but work with the couple if they need me speak any other languages. I do same sex weddings, non denominational, interfaith or long religious ceremonies. If you need a quick wedding or are planning months ahead, I can work to meet your needs.
- Where in Connecticut do you perform wedding? Although my main region is New Haven County, I will travel all over Connecticut to perform weddings. Please note that for very far locations a travel fee may be incurred.
- How do we arrange a meeting with you? You can contact me either via phone (860) 796-0996 or via email at mcanalesctjp@gmail.com to schedule a meeting.
- How do we reserve your wedding services? You can contact me either via phone (860) 796-0996 or via email at mcanalesctjp@gmail.com to confirm my availability. I am usually available evening and weekends for ceremonies. A $50 retainer fee is required to hold the date for your wedding.
- How long is the wedding ceremony? Most standard ceremonies last about 15-20 minutes. The long religious ceremonies last longer because of all the reading involved.
- What are your service fees? The fees are based on what the couples want included in their ceremony. Because ceremonies are customized, you will need to contact me with more details on what you would like to include in your ideal wedding ceremony.
- Is the retainer fee to reserve the wedding date included in the total fee? Yes. The retainer fee will be deducted from the total cost of the officiating fees and the remainder of the balance will be due on or before the date of the wedding. The retainer fee is nonrefundable.
- Do you provide a rehearsal? We can conduct a rehearsal a day or so before the actual ceremony. There will be a $75 rehearsal fee for this service.
- What is your cancellation policy? Wedding plans can sometimes change due to the unexpected. If you need to change the date of the wedding due to something out of your control then the $50 retainer fee will be applied to hold the new date. Yet if you cancel the wedding services, then the fee will not be refunded.
- What happens if you are sick the day of our wedding? I have an alternate officiant who is available to step in for such emergency cases.
- What do I do with the marriage license? The marriage license must be provided to the officiant in order to be completed and returned to the town clerk.
- How is payment made? Cash, Cash App, Zelle or Venmo are accepted. A non-refundable retainer fee of $50 must be made at time of booking in order to hold the date. The complete balance is due by the day of the wedding ceremony before the actual vows are exchanges.