The Role of Ordained Ministers in Wedding Ceremonies

Hernandez Weddings Wedding Officiants
Hernandez Weddings Ordained Ministers

An ordained minister leads your wedding ceremony, guides you and your partner through your vows and ring exchange, and, in California, completes the legal paperwork that makes your marriage official. Below is what an ordained minister actually does at a wedding, who is legally allowed to perform one in California, and how to check that the person you hire can sign your license.

I’m Gabriel Hernandez, a wedding officiant based in San Dimas with 19 years of experience and 300+ ceremonies performed. Questions about your ceremony? Call (626) 675-9904 (8am to 9pm) for a free consultation.

What Is an Ordained Minister?

An ordained minister is a person who has been ordained or invested by a religious denomination to lead religious rites, including weddings. In California, that ordination is what gives a minister the authority to solemnize a marriage. Some people are ordained through a congregation or seminary, and others through online ordination. Either way, the couple’s marriage license is only valid if the person who signs it is legally authorized to perform the ceremony.

What Does an Ordained Minister Do at a Wedding?

  • Leads the ceremony: the processional, welcome, readings, vows, ring exchange and pronouncement.
  • Personalizes it: a good minister works with you on the tone, readings and vows so the ceremony reflects your story, whether it is religious, spiritual or non-religious.
  • Guides the day: cues the wedding party, keeps the timing on track and handles the unexpected so you can stay present.
  • Handles the legal side: reviews your marriage license before the ceremony, signs it afterward, and makes sure it is returned to the county recorder within 10 days.

Some ministers also offer premarital conversations or counseling. Ask what is included before you book.

Who Can Legally Perform a Wedding in California?

California Family Code sections 400 to 402 set out who may solemnize a marriage. That includes a priest, minister, rabbi or authorized person of any religious denomination who is 18 or older, certain judges and other public officials, and anyone a county clerk appoints as a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages for a day. A deputized commissioner can perform your wedding anywhere in the state, but the program varies by county and is not offered everywhere, so ask your county clerk.

Two details surprise many couples. First, the state does not keep a registry of clergy or require officiants to file their credentials. According to the California Department of Public Health, authority comes from the officiant’s ordination or investiture by a denomination, and checking it is left to the couple. Second, ministers from other states can officiate in California if they qualify under the same law.

Online ordination is common, but the state’s officiant guidance does not address it directly. If your officiant was ordained online, or you plan to have a friend do it, confirm with your county clerk before the wedding. For more on this question, read can ordained ministers legally perform a wedding ceremony.

Ordained Minister vs. Other Types of Officiants

  • Religious clergy follow the traditions of a faith and often require a connection to their congregation.
  • Secular or non-denominational officiants write a ceremony around your values and story, without religious content unless you want it.
  • Civil officiants, such as judges or county clerk staff, perform short legal ceremonies, usually at a courthouse or clerk’s office.

A custom, non-denominational ceremony sits between civil and religious: personal and flexible, and legally valid when the license is completed correctly. See how to choose a wedding officiant for questions to ask before you book.

How to Check That Your Minister Can Sign Your License

  • Ask who ordained them and how they will sign the license.
  • Ask whether they review the license with you before the ceremony. California requires the officiant to do this.
  • Ask who returns the signed license to the county and when. It is due within 10 days of the ceremony.
  • Confirm any details that depend on your county with the county clerk. Fees and procedures vary.

For the full step-by-step, see our California marriage license guide.

Working With Hernandez Weddings

I perform custom, non-denominational ceremonies for couples within 50 miles of San Dimas, with travel included and a small fee beyond that. Packages are $400 (Simply The Ceremony), $500 (The Royal Wedding, which also includes working with your witnesses and delivering the signed marriage certificate on your behalf) and $300 for anniversaries and vow renewals. I regularly work with couples in Covina, Azusa and Rancho Cucamonga, and I perform same-sex ceremonies (see our LGBTQ+ wedding officiant page). Compare prices in our Southern California pricing guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an ordained minister perform a wedding in California?

Yes, if they are a priest, minister or rabbi of a religious denomination as described in California law. Confirm any online ordination with your county clerk.

Does the minister have to register with the state?

No. California does not keep a registry of clergy, so it is up to you to confirm your officiant is qualified.

Who returns the marriage license?

The person who performs the ceremony must return it to the county recorder within 10 days. With The Royal Wedding package, I deliver the signed marriage certificate on your behalf.

Ready to book? Call (626) 675-9904 for a free consultation, or see the packages and prices on the homepage.

The Ultimate Guide to Macy’s Wedding Guest Dresses

Guest wedding dresses
Guest wedding dresses

Macy’s is a popular department store that offers a wide range of clothing options for wedding guests. When it comes to finding the perfect dress for a wedding, Macy’s has plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we will explore the different styles of Macy’s wedding guest dresses, how to choose the right one for your body type, and how to accessorize it to create a polished look.

Macy’s Wedding Guest Dresses: A Wide Range of Styles

Macy’s offers a wide range of wedding guest dresses to choose from. You’ll find dresses that fit all wedding dress codes, from formal to casual. Macy’s wedding guest dresses come in different styles, including A-line, mermaid, ballgown, and cocktail dresses. You can also choose from different lengths, including knee-length, midi, and long dresses.

Guest Dresses for Formal Weddings

If you’re attending a formal wedding, Macy’s has a wide selection of formal wedding guest dresses. A long gown is a perfect choice for a formal wedding, and Macy’s has a variety of styles to choose from. You can opt for a classic A-line or mermaid dress to create a dramatic look. Macy’s also offers ballgown dresses that are perfect for formal weddings. These dresses are perfect for creating a fairy-tale look.

Guest Dresses for Semi-Formal Weddings

Semi-formal weddings allow for a wider range of dress options. Macy’s has plenty of semi-formal dresses to choose from. Cocktail dresses are a great option for semi-formal weddings. Macy’s offers a wide range of cocktail dresses in different styles and lengths. You can choose from knee-length dresses, midi dresses, or even long dresses if you want to create a formal look.

Guest Dresses for Casual Weddings

For casual weddings, you can opt for a more relaxed style of dress. Macy’s has a variety of casual wedding guest dresses to choose from. A summer dress is a perfect option for a casual wedding. Macy’s offers a wide range of summer dresses in different styles and lengths. You can choose from short, midi, or even long dresses if you want to create a more formal look.

Guest Dresses for Plus Size Women

Macy’s offers a wide range of wedding guest dresses for plus-size women. These dresses come in different styles and lengths, and they are designed to flatter the curvier figure. A-line dresses are perfect for plus-size women as they create a flattering silhouette. Macy’s also offers mermaid and ballgown dresses that are perfect for formal weddings.

How to Choose the Right Macy’s Wedding Guest Dress for Your Body Type

Choosing the right dress for your body type is essential to create a polished look. If you have an hourglass figure, choose a dress that accentuates your waist. A-line dresses are perfect for hourglass figures. Choose a dress that flares out at the bottom if you have a pear-shaped figure. A-line dresses are perfect for pear-shaped figures. If you have a rectangle-shaped figure, choose a dress that creates an illusion of curves. A-line dresses and dresses with a cinched waist are perfect for rectangle-shaped figures. If you have an apple-shaped figure, choose a dress that creates an illusion of a waist. A-line dresses and dresses with a cinched waist are perfect for apple-shaped figures.

How to Accessorize Your Macy’s Wedding Guest Dress

Accessories are essential to creating a polished look. You can accessorize your Macy’s wedding guest dress with a pair of elegant heels, a clutch, and a piece of jewelry. When choosing jewelry, it’s important to keep it simple and elegant. A pair of statement earrings or a necklace is perfect for a Macy’s wedding guest dress. You can also add a belt to cinch your waist and create a flattering silhouette. Choose a pair of elegant heels that complement your dress when it comes to shoes. Avoid wearing flats, as they can make your dress look less formal.

Conclusion

Macy’s is an excellent place to shop for wedding guest dresses. With a wide range of styles, lengths, and sizes, you’re sure to find the perfect dress for any wedding. Macy’s offers a variety of formal, semi-formal, and casual wedding guest dresses to choose from. When selecting a dress, it’s essential to consider your body type and choose a dress that flatters your figure. Long dresses are perfect for creating a dramatic look, while knee-length dresses are perfect for creating a polished look.

When accessorizing your Macy’s wedding guest dress, keep it simple and elegant with a pair of statement earrings, a necklace, and a clutch. Always check the dress code on the wedding invitation before choosing a dress. Some weddings may have a specific dress code, and you don’t want to show up in the wrong attire.

Lastly, remember to have fun and enjoy the wedding festivities. A well-chosen Macy’s wedding guest dress will make you feel confident and beautiful, so make sure to select a dress that makes you feel great!

Mastering Elegance: The Ultimate Guide to Black Wedding Dresses

Black wedding dress

The wedding season is here, and you have received an invitation to attend a black-tie wedding. Now, the question arises: what should you wear? Black wedding dresses are a great option for formal occasions, but you should consider a few things before choosing one.

In this article, we will explore the different styles of black wedding dresses, how to choose the right one for your body type, and how to accessorize it to create a polished look.

Classic Black Wedding Dresses

The classic black dress is a timeless piece that never goes out of style. A little black dress is perfect for a wedding as it is formal and sophisticated. A classic black dress is perfect for a black-tie wedding, but you must ensure it’s not too short or revealing. A knee-length or midi dress is ideal for a wedding, and you can pair it with a pair of elegant heels.

Long Black Wedding Dresses

Long black wedding dresses are perfect for formal weddings. A long dress is a great way to create a dramatic look, and you can choose from different styles, including A-line, mermaid, and ballgown. A-line dresses are perfect for all body types and are flattering. Mermaid dresses are fitted at the top and flare out at the bottom, creating a beautiful silhouette. Ballgown dresses are perfect for formal weddings and are perfect for creating a fairy-tale look.

Black Lace Dresses

Black lace dresses are elegant and sophisticated, making them perfect for a wedding. Lace dresses come in different styles and lengths; you can choose the one that suits your body type. A knee-length dress is perfect for a wedding, and you can pair it with a pair of high heels. You can also opt for a long lace dress if you want to create a dramatic look.

Black Cocktail Dresses

Black cocktail dresses are a great option for a black-tie wedding. Cocktail dresses come in different styles and lengths; you can choose the one that suits your body type. A knee-length cocktail dress is perfect for a wedding, and you can pair it with a pair of elegant heels. You can also opt for a long cocktail dress if you want to create a formal look.

Black Sequin Dresses

Black sequin dresses are perfect for creating a glamorous look. Sequin dresses are perfect for a black-tie wedding, and you can choose from different styles, including A-line, mermaid, and sheath. A-line dresses are perfect for all body types, and they are flattering. Mermaid dresses are fitted at the top and flare out at the bottom, creating a beautiful silhouette. Sheath dresses are perfect for creating a sleek look.

How to Choose the Right Black Wedding Dress for Your Body Type

Choosing the right black wedding dress for your body type is essential to create a polished look. If you have an hourglass figure, choose a dress that accentuates your waist. A-line dresses are perfect for hourglass figures. Choose a dress that flares out at the bottom if you have a pear-shaped figure. A-line dresses are perfect for pear-shaped figures. If you have a rectangle-shaped figure, choose a dress that creates an illusion of curves. A-line dresses and dresses with a cinched waist are perfect for rectangle-shaped figures. If you have an apple-shaped figure, choose a dress that creates an illusion of a waist. A-line dresses and dresses with a cinched waist are perfect for apple-shaped figures.

How to Accessorize Your Black Wedding Dress

Accessories are essential to creating a polished look. You can accessorize your black wedding dress with a pair of elegant heels, a clutch, and a piece of jewelry. When choosing jewelry, it’s important to keep it simple and elegant. A pair of statement earrings or a necklace is perfect for a black dress. You can also add a belt to cinch your waist and create a flattering silhouette. Choose a pair of elegant heels that complement your dress when it comes to shoes. Avoid wearing flats, as they can make your dress look less formal.

Conclusion

Black wedding dresses are a great option for formal occasions. When choosing a black dress for a wedding, it’s important to consider your body type and choose a dress that flatters your figure. Long dresses are perfect for creating a dramatic look, while knee-length dresses are perfect for creating a polished look. Lace, cocktail, and sequin dresses are great options for a black-tie wedding. When accessorizing your dress, keep it simple and elegant with a pair of statement earrings, a necklace, and a clutch.

Remember to always check the dress code on the wedding invitation before choosing a black dress. Some weddings may have a specific dress code, and you don’t want to show up in the wrong attire. Lastly, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the wedding festivities!