Rev. Layne Kulwin, Officiant

Civil Union, Interfaith Ceremony, Non-religious Ceremony, Single Religion Ceremony

Agnostic, Buddhist, Christian (no denomination), Christian - Baptist, Christian - Catholic, Christian - Episcopalian, Christian - Lutheran, Christian - Methodist, Christian - Mormon, Christian - Orthodox, Christian - Presbyterian, Christian - Quaker, Evangelical, Hindu, Islam, Jainism, Jewish, Muslim, Shinto, Sikhism, Taoist

No

Most definitely... I've done weddings in parks, at the beach, in a garden or on the street. Hotels and clubs, restaurants and homes. Tell me what you want and to your chosen venue I will roam!

It varies according to your wedding style. For religious ceremonies usually I will wear a "Roman collar" ministerial shirt with robe and stole, or a cassock with a stole; for civil/secular and sometimes for spiritual ceremonies I will wear a business suit with a judicial robe (stole optional). I can accommodate theme wedding with appropriate attire, too. But - PLEASE - don't ask me to go "al naturelle" (..and yes, I have been asked - long story - TMI).

I feel it is important to let the couple pick and choose the style and language of the ceremony that best reflects on them. While I do maintain "editorial control" to ensure that what is going to be said is appropriate and that certain aspects of the vows meet the requirement of the county or State, I have no preconceived or expected wording.

Yes - of course. I can even help you with that, if need be.

MUST choose - no. But, yes... I do have a list of material that can be used in the ceremony including biblical readings, passages and poems. I even have some wonderful readings from Winnie the Pooh and Dr.Seuss!

I have a goal to keep most ceremonies within 15 -20 minutes. If it's too short people wonder what happened - did they miss something? If it's too long then they get restless - when's the food coming, I want a drink, hey - this is cutting into the party-time! That can be disastrous, too. As much as I hate to say this... the bride will be absolutely beautiful and the groom stunningly handsome - but the guests are not going to remember the food, or the cake or sometimes even the music. But, they will remember the ceremony - and it better be good (and mine are and I am).

I have a degree in pastoral counseling and could provide this service if requested. However, it is not a prerequisite of mine that you go through premarital counseling. It can be quite beneficial and given careful consideration should be given to this subject by the wedding couple. But, it is certainly not a requirement for my weddings.

Yes - I can accommodate rehearsals and often do.

At this time I do not. As a professional speaker... I can project my voice quite nicely. I have not had a problem in the past and in those situation where the venue necessitated a sound system, the local facility or the DJ often supplied the equipment.

Before You Book The Wedding


Here are 10 questions that any officiant should be able to answer for you.


1. Are you registered to perform weddings in my location?

Yes, I am able to perform weddings in most locations in the United States.
2. How long have you officiated weddings?

Ordained in 2002, I have been performing weddings on a regular basis since 2008.
3. About how many weddings you do per year?

As a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages in Santa Clara county I performed approximately 25 - 30 weddings per month specifically for the county. I now provide services independent of the county and conduct numerous ceremonies several times throughout the year.
4. What training have you had?

I have an undergraduate degree in religious studies (SDSU) and have earned a Master’s degree from Washington Theological Union in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis on Pastoral Counseling. At the conclusion of my seminary studies, I received my ordination from a non-denominational religious institution recognized throughout the country for providing quality services for the general public. As a seminarian and as an ordained minister, I have officiated or assisted at many life-event ceremonies.

5. Will you go to my location to do a ceremony?

I provide services throughout northern California including the entire San Francisco Bay area, South Bay, North Bay, East Bay, Sacramento, Costal areas... from Santa Barbara to Santa Rosa - Tahoe to Monterey.

6. What type of ceremonies will you perform?

Many of my clientele prefer a civil ceremony, totally secular in venue without any religious overtones. Those who are not affiliated with a church or have no real religious leanings will often choose a non-denominational service.
Please check the Ceremonies page on my website for details.

7. What are your rules as to photography?

If your photographer is a professional who does this for a living, I will work in concert with him/her to ensure we both get our jobs done. Ditto for videographers. If you are asking a friend or relative to do the photography/video for your event, I will make suggestions to them that will provide them ample opportunity to get the shots you’d want for your wedding album while keeping the integrity of your ceremony of the utmost concern.
8. Is pre-marital counseling required?

While this is highly recommended, there is no requirement on my part for pre-marital counseling. Any concerns will often come out during the initial consultation or subsequent interaction with couple and I will help them to move through those issues.
9. Do you have ceremony samples?

I have ample samples of ceremonies that you may select from. Additionally, should you wish to write your vows or the ceremony itself, I will be happy to guide you through that endeavor.

10. What are the fees charged?

I have a flat fee schedule that is based solely on the physical location of your wedding. This is determined by the distance from my San Jose location to the physical site of the event. I am most happy to discuss my fees with you personally during our initial consultation meeting.

Additionally, my fees will be spelled out completely in the services agreement that we will jointly approve so that you know exactly what you will be getting and how much it will cost.

I realize that weddings are expensive and have prepared a very competitive fee schedule. Spend your money on your family and friends. I will provide you with a quality service that will not “break the bank!”


Call me for a no cost or obligation consultation!


✞ ☩ ☯ ✡

Rev. Layne Kulwin, MA

Officiant - Presider - Minister

408-256-0761