Long Island Wedding Chapel
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do your services cost?
We offer several complete wedding/renewal packages. We can also customize a package just for you (call for pricing).
We require a non-refundable deposit of 50% of total costs to reserve a date. However, all fees paid at the time of booking are non-refundable because once we secure your date and time, we turn everyone else away.
What if I need to cancel after booking and securing my date with payment?
All fees paid to secure your ceremony date are non-refundable no matter what the reason is, however fees paid may be used toward a reschedule date for up to 90 days with a paid $25 change fee.
What is a change fee?
A change fee is a $25 fee that is charged if any couple changes their ceremony date, ceremony time, or ceremony location after securing their date, time, and location, with payment.
Why are all deposit fees non-refundable?
All fees paid are non-refundable because once your date is secure for a certain date and time, we turn everyone else away that requests an officiant for your time slot within two hours of your ceremony time so that all energy is focused on you. Also, once you book your date with us, we send you all of our ceremony customization options that are exclusively reserved for our booking clients.
Is a contract issued for all services booked?
Absolutely! An invoice detailing the services is emailed to you via PayPal booking your date.
May we write our own wedding vows?
Absolutely! The vows that you say may be your own words or you may use any or all of the completed ceremonies that we will provide.
Are you available to meet with us before the ceremony?
Yes, you may always call us to set up a meeting with an officiant. We will help you plan your ceremony service.
Will you attend the wedding rehearsal?
Yes, a rehearsal date may always be added at a later date. The fee to add a rehearsal is $125 within a 10 mile radius of our office location. A mileage fee is required for all mileage outside of a 10 mile radius. The fee required is $20.00 minimum once the 10 mile grace has been applied. Should the officiate be required to pay for tolls, ferry costs, etc those fees will be added.
What kind of wedding ceremonies do you perform?
We offer civil, non-faith based and faith based ceremonies, where the main focus is the love that is shared between the two people. Additionally, we perform commitment ceremonies and same-sex marriages. The only ceremony officiated without a license is a renewal of vows ceremony.
What other kinds of ceremonies do you perform?
Renewal of Vows and public nuptials for couples that have already been privately married. And yes, we will accommodate the couple by not revealing that they were already privately married!
Are you an Ordained Minister?
Yes. All of our officiants are ordained and able to perform any type of legally accepted ceremony.
How much advance notice do you need in order to book a wedding?
If we have an officiant available, we’ll perform your wedding the same day you call, so we really don’t need too much notice. However, our availability changes very frequently as we book new weddings. We try to be flexible in accommodating you.
How long is the ceremony?
Once our officiate works with you to create or customize your ceremony, we will be able to give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of time, however, usually a ceremony lasts between 10-15 minutes.
What do the officiants wear?
For many weddings, our officiants wear a robe or appropriate wedding attire.
Do I have to have witnesses?
In the state of New York, it is required that you have at least one witness. If you do not have any witnesses, we can provide them to you at an additional cost of $30 per witness. If you need to utilize this service, please let us know at least three days in advance so that we can make the necessary preparations to accommodate you.
Are there any other additional charges?
The only extra charge you might incur is if your ceremony does not start on time. We offer a (10) ten minute grace period and then we charge for each 15-minute increment of time that your ceremony is delayed ($25 for each 15 minutes or portion thereof). We also charge an extra fee for extenuating circumstances that might occur for our officiant to reach your ceremony site. These relate to circumstances where the officiant may be required to hike a mountain trail, ski lift or shuttle to your mountain location, or if there is an entrance fee to access your ceremony site (such as at a national or state park), or any parking charges that are required to get to your rehearsal or ceremony site..
Can I make some minor adjustments to the package that I select?
If you want to add anything to, or delete anything from your ceremony package, please contact us for any necessary pricing adjustments.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Paypal. Paying via the aforementioned ensures that you will be placed on our calendar right away. You may also pay in cash but remember that your date is not guaranteed until your payment is received.
Do you stay for the reception?
No, we do not stay for the reception. The reception is an intimate time for friends and family to enjoy the newlyweds.
What's the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
The marriage license is obtained from the town clerk and must be obtained a minimum of 24 hours before your wedding. Having a marriage license does not mean that you are married. It is a license to get married. The marriage certificate is obtained after the wedding from the town clerk. The marriage certificate is the legal proof of your married status.