Questions? We have the answers!
Why are you much more affordable than other companies?
I have been often asked about the reason behind my lower pricing compared to other companies. My journey in the wedding industry began in 2007, during a time when our economy was facing a downturn. While I no longer worked as a real estate loan closer, I had a notary stamp at my disposal. On Valentine's Day, I started providing complimentary wedding ceremonies, which made me realize my passion for this line of work. The events were such a success, Fox News aired the segment on the news about events along with several other media outlets. The News Press - Section Cape Life North featured my business in an article Woman Wedded To Her Work. The article focused on building a successful business during a recession, and my drive to help couples with free weddings and affordable rates. Since then, my business flourished.
Besides my commitment to the wedding industry, I also hold a deep appreciation for the elderly members of our community. When the COVID pandemic struck, I returned to the healthcare field after an interval of 20 years. I served as a full-time care coordinator for a local home health company.
After the COVID-19 situation stabilized, I made the decision to return to the wedding industry, focusing exclusively on officiating ceremonies. This is when "Say I Do With Deb" was established. My initial goal was to create a small wedding company dedicated solely to officiating services. However, I soon realized that I wanted to offer complete wedding setups, but at more affordable rates. Why? Simply because I am driven by my love for weddings and the opportunity to assist others during challenging times. ❤️
In my belief, every individual deserves a beautiful wedding ceremony. I genuinely feel fulfilled by the work I do!
Click Here for Marriage License Information
We have decided on a location for our wedding - what do we do now?
If you wish to book one of our packages, you will need to let us know the date and the time to make sure we are available to accommodate your wedding. Remember for outdoor weddings weekends and sunset times are the first to fill so we recommend early booking. Once we have established if we are able to accommodate your wedding on that date we will email you an agreement form for you to print out and send back to us - which also states the required deposit amount to secure your date (usually 50% of total cost down). If your location requires a permit, we can email you the permit application form that will need to be signed by either the bride and groom and mailed back with any fees due at that time to the city where event is being held. We accept deposits by credit card or check. Balance is due at time indicated on agreement form and must be paid by check or credit card.
Do we pick our own location?
Yes. We can accommodate your wedding in most SW Florida areas. Every beach/park has it's own regulations and some require additional permit fees that will be added on in addition to our package prices. You may obtain the permit on your own. We also designed the package prices without permit fees option in case the location you want does not require permit. For permit and beach/park regulations for different cities - see our locations page. If you have another location not mentioned on this page (i.e. hotel, home) please let us know and we can most likely go to that location. You would need to check with any hotel or venue for permission to use their facility before booking with us.
Are the beaches and parks public?
Yes the beaches and parks we use are public. Although some areas can be reserved, we cannot restrict the public from being on the beach nearby. Generally, later in the afternoon (when most of our weddings take place) sunbathers and swimmers have left and beaches empty out pretty quickly.
What if we have to cancel or change our wedding date?
In the event of a cancellation - all deposits are non-refundable, however if you do need to reschedule, we will try our best to accommodate your wedding on another date providing we do not have a wedding at that time and date already booked. We ask that you please give us at least 48 hours notice prior to date you want to change to. If you have a location permit you will need to contact the city where the permit was obtained to approve any change of date/time. It will be up to the city to approve the permit time/date change and any cancellations are usually non-refundable. Any changes of permit time or date are the responsibility of the couple. *Please note - if your wedding requires chairs or arch we will need at least 2 weeks reschedule notice for new wedding date to be able to accommodate you.
Do you have an alternate wedding location in the event of inclement weather?
We cannot control the weather and it is the responsibility of the couple to have an alternate location for the ceremony. Some beaches/parks have a covered picnic area where we could do the ceremony if available. Small weddings can be rescheduled if it is raining heavily to another date.
Do you use real flowers in your ceremony set ups?
We utilize artificial floral arrangements in our setups. This approach not only helps maintain cost efficiency for our packages but also ensures that the arrangements remain vibrant in Florida's heat. Should you prefer to incorporate real floral elements into our setups, we are happy to accommodate any floral company you choose to enhance the decor.
What if we do not add on chairs?
We have done hundreds of beach and park weddings over the years, and a lot of them were done without any chairs. Most ceremonies are fairly short - 15 to 20 minutes and guests are usually ok with standing for this short period of time. Most of the guests are caught up with the surroundings of the event, the views and each other to not be too uncomfortable. However, if you do have elderly or guests that have trouble standing for any period of time, please let them know they can bring their own folding chair to sit in.
Do you also do renewal of vows?
Yes and we enjoy doing them!
Do you do rehearsals?
Rehearsals are not necessary with smaller weddings, however if you do need us to be at a rehearsal, it is a $200.00 additional charge. After reservation I can email you a rehearsal direction sheet that explains the traditional process.
Do you provide the marriage license?
No. The couple will need to appear in person at a Florida county clerk office to obtain their license prior to the date of the wedding. There is also an option to do this online and I have provided the link above. In person licenses are issued the same day and we recommend you do this at least a few days prior to date of wedding as there is a 3 day waiting period for Florida residents who choose not to take the pre-marital counselling. You will need to provide this on the day of your wedding so it can be given to the officiant to sign and deliver to county clerk after ceremony.
If you do not see a package that fits your needs, please contact us and we will be happy to give you a custom quote!
Contact us at:
Say I Do With Deb
239-243-2067