Weddings By Dawn FAQ

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CHECK MY AVAILABILITY

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Decorative Certificate

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FAQ

CONTACT ME

Dawn Muench-Pace

Wedding Officiant
& Notary Public

305-365-2494
(10 am–6 pm, 7 days)

wedbydawn@gmail.com

Complete the form to
Check My Availability

BASICS FAQ

What is your qualification to perform legal marriage ceremonies?
I am a Notary Public for the State of Florida. This means that I can peform a marriage ceremony anywhere within Florida, and these marriages are valid world-wide.

What are Non-demonimational ceremonies? Do you perform religious ceremonies?
As a Notary Public, I perform civil, non-religious ceremonies. However, I can include some religious elements if you like. For example, we can include the phrase "in the presence of God" in the greeting, or you can have a family member say a prayer or recite a passage from scripture. We can also incorporate the Lighting of the Unity Candle or Breaking of the Glass.

Can we meet with you before we book your sevices?
We can discuss the same things by phone or email as we can in person, but some couples prefer a face-to-face meeting. If you would like to meet with me, just let me know and we will set a date. I request that you come to my home in Key Biscayne to meet.

Can you send us some references?
If requested, I will put you in contact with 2-3 of my most recent couples. On the web site, you may also view some Testimonials that have been provided about me by couples. They are on the bottom of most of the pages.

Can you help me find a ceremony location? How about other wedding vendors?
Although I am not a wedding planner, I can give some recommendations for vendors or locations that I am familar with. My Suggested Locations section has a list of the best ceremony locations I've seen. (There are also many fantastic hotels, but too numerous to list here.) My Suggested Vendors section includes some vendors that have been recommended by past couples.

How far do you travel for weddings and rehearsals?
I travel anywhere in Miami-Dade or Broward Counties. There is a travel fee for locations in Broward, or remote areas of Miami-Dade. I sometimes travel to southernmost Palm Beach County, please check with me.

How do we get our marriage license?
Please see my Marriage License section for information. To be married in Florida, you can get your license at any Florida marriage license bureau. If you will be arriving from out-of-town and do not have time to visit an office, you can always get your license in advance by mail (sufficient time required).

Do you perform Commitment Ceremonies? How about Vow Renewals?
I also perform vows renewals, commitment ceremonies, and commitment ceremonies for gay/lesbian couples. The State of Florida does not legally recognize these unions, but I can perform them in an unofficial capacity.

CEREMONY FAQ

I am clueless about ceremony traditions and activities, can you help?
I can advise you on all of the aspects of the ceremony. Once you have secured my services, you can feel free to call or email me as often as needed with questions or concerns.

What is the usual length for a wedding ceremony?
If you select one of my examples from each of the ceremony parts (see Personalized Vows section), the ceremony will last 10-15 minutes. If you wish to make the ceremony a bit longer, we can include Readings, Joining Ceremonies, or songs/musical selections (by a talented friend or family member).

Can we include our children in the ceremony?
There are many options for including children from previous marriages. See the Family Vows section for some possibilities.

What happens to our marriage license after the ceremony?
I have 2 witnesses sign (optional), and then complete the marriage certificate portion. On the next business day, I mail it to the county clerk's office where it was issued. I also keep a copy just in case. After it is processed, the clerk's office will send you a certified copy in the mail. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks.

REHEARSAL FAQ

Do we need a rehearsal?
As a guideline, if you have more than four people in your processional, it makes good sense to have a rehearsal. It is very easy for attendants to be confused about when/how to walk and where to stand. If you have children in the bridal party or are having parents seated, a rehearsal is even more important.

What happens at the rehearsal?
If you choose Package 4, I will attend the rehearsal and walk everyone through the processional, ceremony, and recessional two times. I give many tips and ideas about how to make sure it all flows smoothly for the real event. The rehearsal takes about 45 minutes.

Do you have to attend the rehearsal yourself?
Not necessarily. If you prefer to direct your own rehearsal but need some input from me, you can choose Package 3. I work with you to write up a rehearsal worksheet showing when everyone in your bridal party will walk and where they will stand. A will also give you a document with instructions on directing your own rehearsal. If you read it carefully, you will learn all of the tips and guidelines that I would give if I were there in person.

BOOKING FAQ

Do you provide a contract?
Yes. It makes sense to ensure that all parties feel secure and have some fine print to refer to in the unlikely case of a disagreement. Therefore, I ask all couples to read and sign an agreement when sending their deposit.

How do I book you to perform my ceremony?
First, please use the form to Check My Availability. I will let you know whether I am available for your date, and will also mail you my brochure, agreement form, and business card. This brochure gives my mailing address for sending a 50% deposit. Once I receive the deposit, I place your wedding date on my calendar.

What types of payment do you accept, and when?
The 50% deposit can be made by check, money order, or credit card (via PayPal). The balance is due on or before the wedding date. If you would like to pay by credit card, let me know and I will email you a PayPal invoice.