Officiants
A wedding officiant service for couples who want their ceremony to feel like theirs — written from their own story, delivered with warmth, and grounded in someone who has spent more than three decades doing this work. Paul Richards (“Paully”) is a retired pastor of 30+ years with a 5.0-star average and a 100% recommendation rate, and has officiated weddings in Salinas, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Cruz, and Paso Robles for 24+ years.
As a best wedding officiant recognized two years running for excellence in personalized ceremonies, Paully writes every script from scratch — never a template. Each ceremony begins with an initial visit, in person or by Zoom, where he gets to know how you met, what you adore about each other, and the tone you want the ceremony to set. He then assigns a short “homework” exercise — in his own words, “this will be the most important part of your ceremony” — that becomes the raw material for a script written entirely for the two of you.
Couples regularly describe the result as personalized, surprising, and deeply moving (recent reviewers: “he took the time to surprise us with personalized vows,” “a great listener, incredibly thoughtful,” “made our day exactly what we wanted”). As a wedding ceremony officiant Paully’s craft shows in the small choices: a story carefully placed, a reading that lands, vows that feel real rather than recited.
What’s Included With This Package
- Initial getting-to-know-you visit (in person or Zoom) so Paully understands your story, your families, and the tone you want
- Custom “homework” assignment the couple completes between sessions — the heart of how the ceremony stays personal
- Fully custom ceremony script — greeting, story, readings if requested, vows, ring exchange, declaration of marriage; no templates
- Optional religious, interfaith, non-religious, civil, or spiritual elements (Paully officiates Christian, Orthodox, Protestant, Quaker, Interfaith, Secular, and Spiritual ceremonies as well as non-religious civil unions and commitments)
- Personalized vows coaching and writing support if you’re writing your own vows
- Unlimited email and phone exchanges leading up to the wedding day
- Pre-ceremony coordination with your planner, venue contact, and photographer
- Officiating the ceremony itself — typical run-time is under 30 minutes unless you want it longer
- Marriage license signing on the day and submission to the county clerk on your behalf
- Backup officiant arrangement — associate officiant Gina P. is on the team for unforeseen emergencies
- Optional ceremony rehearsal the day before is available as a $120 add-on; confirm at the initial visit
Service Area and Travel
Travel within Monterey County is included. Ceremonies in Paso Robles and Santa Cruz are welcomed and quoted with a transparent travel adjustment during the initial visit; there are no broad travel restrictions for elsewhere on the Central Coast. The booking confirmation spells out any travel adjustment in writing before the deposit is collected.
Add-Ons Available at the Initial Visit
- Rehearsal attendance the day before — $120
- Premarital counseling sessions — from $70 per session, or upgrade to the Bliss Package which bundles four counseling sessions with the ceremony
- Unity rituals (sand, candle, ring warming, hand-fasting, wine) coordinated as part of the script
- Vow renewal or second-wedding adaptations — the same craft, retuned for the season of life
Ideal For
Couples eloping or hosting a full celebration. As an interfaith wedding officiant Paully blends traditions thoughtfully when families come from different faith backgrounds, and as a non religious wedding officiant he writes secular ceremonies that still feel meaningful and rooted. Equally suited to backyard weddings, vineyard weddings in Paso Robles, beach ceremonies on the Monterey Bay, winery and barn ceremonies, and weddings at hotels, restaurants, and private estates across the region.
Lead Time and Booking
Most couples book the initial visit 90 to 180 days before the wedding; that lead time lets the homework breathe and the script settle. Paully typically responds within 24 hours and confirms availability after the first conversation. After the initial visit Paully sends the contract, deposit instructions, and the planning workback — so you know exactly what’s expected at each milestone leading up to the wedding day.
