Creating Meaningful Wedding Ceremonies
Professional, heartfelt officiant services in the San Gabriel Valley
A Customized Experience
Hernandez Weddings is a family owned wedding officiant business founded in 2007. Since that time, we have performed various types of non-denominational (traditional, same-sex, and Spanish) wedding ceremonies. Hernandez Weddings ceremonies are customized to meet your needs.
Experience that Matters
We understand that each of our clients brings with them a special uniqueness. Which is why they are treated with the utmost respect. From the our first phone call till the day of your wedding ceremony, you’ll experience first hand what many refer to as the “Hernandez Wedding Experience”.
A Win-Win Savings
What separates Hernandez Weddings from the rest? Simply put, quality and customer service. Feel free to look over the many wonderful reviews our clients were happy to share. Click on this box to read our Yelp reviews. Time after time, Hernandez Weddings has proven to be the happiest choice.
Wedding Ceremony Packages
Simply The Ceremony
- (No wedding license needed)
- Customized wedding vows Attend all meetings via in person/ phone / email Assistance with obtaining wedding application Romantic, custom wedding ceremony performed by a professional wedding officiant at the location of your choice
- *Nonrefundable deposit ($200) to secure date/time of ceremony.
The Royal Wedding
- Customized wedding vows
- Attend all meetings via in person/ phone / email Assistance with obtaining wedding application Romantic, custom wedding ceremony performed by a professional wedding officiant at the location of your choice Work with witnesses on the big day for signatures Delivering the signed wedding certificate on your behalf
- *Nonrefundable deposit ($250) to secure date/time of ceremony.
Anniversaries / Vow Renewals
- Customized ceremony
- Attend all meetings in person / via phone/email Romantic, custom wedding ceremony performed by a professional wedding officiant at the location of your choice
- *Nonrefundable deposit ($150) to secure date/time of ceremony.
Our Customers In Their Own Words
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should we book our wedding officiant?
Most couples book 3-6 months in advance, especially for popular wedding dates (Saturdays from May through October). However, I can sometimes accommodate last-minute requests depending on availability. Contact me as soon as you’ve set your date to check availability.
Do you perform ceremonies outside the San Gabriel Valley?
Yes! While I’m based in San Dimas, I serve all of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Travel is included in my standard pricing for ceremonies within 50 miles of San Dimas. For destinations further away, a small travel fee may apply. Call to confirm your specific location.
How long does a typical wedding ceremony last?
Most ceremonies run 25-30 minutes, depending on how much customization and how many special elements you include. A simple, traditional ceremony might be 20 minutes. A ceremony with multiple readings, cultural traditions, and personal vows might be 25-30 minutes. We’ll discuss your preferences during planning.
Do we need to provide our own marriage license?
Yes, California requires couples to obtain their marriage license from the County Clerk’s office before the ceremony. I provide detailed guidance on this process, including which documents you need, where to go, and how to fill everything out correctly. With my Royal Wedding package ($500), I handle filing your completed certificate after the ceremony.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check, Venmo, and Zelle. A deposit is required to secure your wedding date, with the remaining balance due one week before your ceremony.
Can you help us write our vows?
Absolutely! I provide vow-writing guidance and support. Whether you want to write completely custom vows or adapt traditional ones, I’ll help you express your feelings authentically. Not sure where to start? I can provide prompts, examples, and structure to help you articulate your promises to each other.
Will you attend our rehearsal?
Rehearsal attendance is available for an additional fee if you’d like me there to walk through timing and positioning. However, many couples skip formal rehearsal with the officiant since I provide clear written instructions beforehand and arrive early on wedding day to guide everyone.
Can you incorporate Hispanic/Latino cultural traditions into our ceremony?
Absolutely! I’m experienced with Hispanic wedding traditions including:
- Lazo ceremony (wedding lasso or rope)
- Arras (13 coins representing prosperity)
- El velo y cordón (veil and cord ceremony)
- Padrinos/Madrinas (godparents’ participation)
I can explain these traditions in English, so your guests understand their significance.
Do you perform same-sex weddings?
Absolutely. I’ve been officiating LGBTQ+ weddings since before California legalized marriage equality in 2013. All couples are welcome and celebrated at Hernandez Weddings, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Your love is your love, and I’m honored to be part of celebrating it.
What if we want to write our own ceremony from scratch?
I fully support that! While I typically provide ceremony structure and wording that we customize together, if you want to write your own ceremony completely, I’m happy to guide you through the legal requirements and help ensure the ceremony flows well. Many couples do a hybrid, keeping traditional structure but personalizing key sections.
What areas do you serve?
Hernandez Weddings serves San Dimas, Glendora, Covina, Azusa, and all of Southern California including the greater San Gabriel Valley. We travel to your venue of choice.
How do I get started?
Simply call or text us at (626) 675-9904 or fill out our contact form to book your free consultation. We’ll take it from there and guide you through every step.
What is included in a free consultation?
During your free consultation, we discuss your ceremony vision, answer your questions, review package options, and begin personalizing your ceremony experience. There is no obligation to book.
What's included in your pricing?
My packages range from $300-$500 depending on the services included:
Anniversary/Vow Renewal ($300): Customized renewal ceremony
Simply The Ceremony ($400): Perfect for intimate ceremonies, includes customized ceremony script and professional officiant services
The Royal Wedding ($500) – Most Popular: Full-service package including unlimited consultation meetings, customized vows, marriage license assistance, witness coordination, and certificate filing
All packages include a personalized ceremony and my professional service on your wedding day. No hidden fees.
Is the deposit refundable?
Deposits are non-refundable as they reserve your date and compensate me for the time I spend preparing your ceremony. However, if you need to reschedule (rather than cancel), I’ll apply your deposit to your new date if I’m available.
Do you perform bilingual (Spanish) ceremonies?
Yes. We perform traditional, same-sex, and Spanish-language ceremonies. All ceremonies are fully customized to reflect your culture, values, and vision.
Can you perform religious ceremonies?
Hernandez Weddings specializes in non-denominational ceremonies that can be customized to include spiritual or religious elements if desired. I can incorporate prayers, religious readings, or blessings from various faith traditions. However, if you’re looking for a ceremony specifically tied to one religion (Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, etc.), a clergy member from that faith might be a better fit.
How long have you been performing wedding ceremonies?
Gabriel Hernandez has been a professional wedding officiant since 2007 — over 18 years of experience performing meaningful, memorable ceremonies across Southern California.
Can we include readings or performances by family/friends?
Absolutely! Including loved ones in your ceremony makes it more meaningful. Whether it’s a reading, a poem, a song, or a blessing, I’ll help you incorporate these elements smoothly. We’ll discuss timing, who speaks when, and how to keep the ceremony flowing naturally.
What happens if there's bad weather and we're planning an outdoor ceremony?
I arrive prepared for any weather. If it looks like rain, we’ll discuss backup plans during our meetings. Most venues have indoor alternatives. If weather forces a last-minute change, I adapt seamlessly to keep your ceremony beautiful no matter where it happens.
How do you handle ceremony language for same-sex couples?
I never default to “bride and groom” or other heteronormative terms. We’ll work together to choose language that feels authentic to your relationship—whether that’s “partners,” “spouses,” “brides,” “grooms,” or simply your names. Your ceremony reflects you, not outdated traditions.
Are you familiar with LGBTQ+ family dynamics?
Yes. I understand that LGBTQ+ couples often navigate unique family situations—from varying levels of acceptance to chosen family playing important roles. I create a welcoming environment where everyone feels respected and valued, and I can help you navigate who participates and how to handle any potential tension with grace.
Do you allow pets in the ceremony?
Yes! If your dog (or cat, or other pet) is part of your family, they’re welcome at your ceremony. I’ve officiated ceremonies with ring-bearing dogs, flower-girl puppies, and pets standing alongside the couple. Just make sure your venue allows it and you have someone to manage your pet during the ceremony.
What should we wear to our ceremony?
Whatever makes you feel comfortable and reflects your style! Whether that’s a formal gown and tuxedo, casual beach attire, traditional cultural dress, or anything in between, your ceremony, your choice. I’ll dress appropriately to match the formality of your event.
How early do you arrive on the wedding day?
I typically arrive 30-45 minutes before the ceremony start time. This gives me time to check in with your wedding coordinator (if you have one), confirm any last-minute details, and ensure everything is set up properly before your guests arrive.
What if someone objects during the ceremony?
In my 18 years and 500+ ceremonies, this has never actually happened! The “speak now or forever hold your peace” phrase is optional and many couples skip it entirely. If someone did object, I would pause, assess the situation, and handle it with the couple’s wishes in mind—but honestly, this is a movie trope more than a real-life occurrence.
Can you provide references or reviews?
Absolutely! I have 24 Google reviews (4.8-star average) and 55+ total reviews across all platforms. You can read them at:
- Google: https://g.page/r/CTbqtnkYNG_9EAI/review
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hernandez-weddings-wedding-officiant-rancho-cucamonga?uid=lvtJaeSLOiBx63L0XzYigg&utm_source=ishare
I’m also happy to connect you with past couples who’ve given me permission to share their contact information.
Do you offer virtual/Zoom ceremonies?
Yes! If you’re having a destination wedding, eloping remotely, or have circumstances that require a virtual ceremony, I can officiate via Zoom or other video platforms. The legal requirements are the same, you’ll still need a valid California marriage license and witnesses present (virtually is fine).
Are you legally authorized to perform weddings in California?
Yes. I’m a registered non-denominational minister authorized to perform weddings in California. I handle all the legal paperwork, including signing and filing your marriage certificate with the county after the ceremony.
Do we need witnesses?
California requires at least one witness (18 years or older) to sign your marriage license. Most couples have two witnesses, parents, best friends, or members of the wedding party. I can also serve as one of your witnesses if needed.
How long does it take to get our official marriage
After I file your signed marriage certificate with the County Clerk’s office (typically within 3-5 business days after your ceremony), the county processes it and mails your official certificate to you. This usually takes 2-3 weeks depending on the county’s processing time. You’ll receive it at the mailing address you provided on your marriage license application.
Can you perform a ceremony if we already legally got married?
Yes! Many couples have a small legal ceremony at the courthouse or city hall, then have a larger celebration ceremony later. These are sometimes called “renewal ceremonies” or “celebration ceremonies,” and I’m happy to create a beautiful ceremony that celebrates your marriage even if the legal paperwork is already complete.
What if one of us isn't a U.S. citizen?
No problem! California allows anyone to get married here regardless of citizenship or immigration status. You’ll both need government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.) to obtain your marriage license, but citizenship is not required.
What are some good wedding venues in the San Gabriel Valley?
I’ve officiated at dozens of venues throughout the area. Some popular local options include:
- Parks: Bonelli Regional Park, Gladstone Park, Big Dalton Wilderness Park
- Historic venues: Kellogg House in Pomona, Padua Hills Theatre in Claremont
- Vineyards: San Antonio Winery
- Private estates and backyards
I’m happy to recommend venues based on your vision and budget, or officiate wherever you choose!
Ready to Celebrate Your Love?
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your vision and create a ceremony that’s uniquely yours.