I understand the importance of your decision to hire a wedding officiant and want to ensure you find the perfect officiant for your wedding day.
Here are the answers to several frequently asked questions.
Q. Are you licensed to officiate ceremonies in Florida?
Florida law states "A notary public is authorized to solemnize the rites of matrimony." Thus it is legal for a Notary to perform your ceremony. The other question: Am I a current Notary Public within the state of Florida?
A: Type in my last name (Scaliatine) at the Florida state notary website: Click here
Q. Do you have Errors and Omissions insurance?
E&O policies help protect you in case of mistakes.
A: Policy number 2-BRN0935071, issued by RLI insurance (copy available by request)
Q. Do you have a business license?
Florida law, ch 205, states: Anyone providing merchandise or services to the public, even through a one-person company or home based occupation, must pay a city and/or county Business Tax to operate.
This simple law helps ensure that you are offered the best service from an officiant who is qualified, registered with the state, insured, licensed and bonded.
Many Notary Public Wedding officiants will provide services without a business license.
Would you hire any other vendor if they did business without a license?
A. Business Occupation License #999995812. Go to the State website, Click here and search for JaxNotary using the ‘Local Business Tax’ tab on the left.
Q. Do you have any experience or references?
While numbers might be impressive; service is what counts.
A. I know it is your day; not mine. Click here to see what others have said about my services.
Q. Are you a member, in good standing, with the local Better Business Bureau?
Membership costs money and involves an application process; it helps clarify the seriousness and commitment to service and excellence that a business has for it’s customers. It also gives a place (for the customer) to go if there are problems or issues.
A. Yes; go to the BBB site to find me, just click here.
Q. Will I get a chance to read or hear my ceremony before the day?
This is a simple question, considering it is YOUR ceremony.
A. Of course. See next Question & Answer.
Q. Will you, the officiant, allow me to write my own vows?
The law states a notary public must witness a ceremony. It does not say what that means. The vows are part of a ceremony. If the Officiant does not let you have a decision in this; FIND ANOTHER OFFICIANT !!
A. There are no obligations sweeter or more tender than those you are about to begin with your spouse. There are no vows more solemn than those you are about to make. Your vows are the words and promises of your hearts, not mine. I’ll give you lots of options to create your vows with an easy webpage and the options to mix-match as you see fit. www.JaxNotary.com/Vows.html
Q. Do you have a back up officiant in case of an emergency?
Things happen. What will happen if the officiant can’t make it?
A. I have 2 other officiants that act as back up in case that “thing” happens when I was scheduled to be at your wedding. I do the same for them.
Q. Will you, the officiant, attend AND participate at the rehearsal?
The rehearsal can “make or break” the wedding ceremony. Often times the rehearsal is the first time the ushers get to see who grandma is; or the first time the couple has had full access to the ceremony site. Many officiants will attend a rehearsal but not coordinate, direct or lead it. They depend on your planner, coordinator or hotel staff to do all of it and they will only stand there and pretend to read the ceremony. If they say they will participate, ask them to see their plan for a rehearsal.
A. I understand that a rehearsal is just that “A rehearsal”. It is important to do it right so that your wedding ceremony can go as beautifully as planned. At the same time, it is not a military drill and should be fun and memorable (after all; everyone needs to remember it for the ceremony). I have a clear, easy plan for conducting rehearsals, it is adjustable and always available upon request.
Q. Are there hidden charges?
Money is always a question when planning a wedding.
It is wonderful to get something inexpensively; it is not wonderful to find out it was cheap.
Everything is laid out from the beginning and agreed upon. My fees are all-inclusive (travel, time, script writing). Most Officiants request a non-refundable deposit, this is normal and it covers a small loss in the event your ceremony is canceled or moved to another date.
A.My fees are clearly set with nothing hidden. I am also human and understand that different couples have different budgets, different expectations and different needs. I will do my best to fulfill all of those. Click here to see my standard fees.
Q. If unable to perform a certain type of ceremony will you refer me to an Officiant that can?
Do you have special requirements, beliefs or needs that the officiant is unwilling or unable to meet? They should be able to refer you to another officiant.
A. I belong to a large network of other officiants that can help.
Q. Will you work well with other vendors?
Sadly, some Officiants have restrictions on your ceremony. Some do not allow flash photography or allow the photographer to position themselves close to, along side or behind them.Often times you will never know until after the ceremony begins, or after the photos come back. Be sure, if you're spending thousands on a photographer and/or videographer, that the Officiant won't restrict them or place them where they can’t perform their services. Ask them before you hire them!!!!
A. It is YOUR wedding. I place NO restrictions on any other vendor. I also have a list of vendors that I have enjoyed working with over the last few years. They will provide quality service at a fair rate.
Q. Are you planning on, or expecting to, attend the reception?
Some Officiants require that they, and in some cases their spouse, attend the reception. Remember to ask and include them in your budget planning.
A. No. I will only know two people and both of you will be busy. Plus it costs money; save that money for your honeymoon.
When selecting an Officiant it's important to remember that your ceremony and vows are the centerpiece of your event.
For 15 to 30 minutes, everyone is focused on you and your fiancé. Every move is watched, every word listened to.
Having a officiant that is experienced in writing and presenting the ceremony will be the key to the success of your glorious event or a disaster that will be "unforgettable".
Please consider our services for your happy day, but know that it is YOUR ceremony and YOUR wedding.
Michael Scaliatine
Michael@JaxNotary.com
(904) 298-5939
