Want to discuss a wedding or other ministerial service? Just drop me a line or give me a call at:
Email: michael@michael-leblanc.com     Telephone: (707) 478-4650
I look forward to working with you, Michael

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I have found over the years that many couples have the same questions about me and my role at the wedding. Here are some of the most common questions.

1. Where do I get my wedding license?
2. How do I get a copy of my license after the wedding?
3. What do you wear?
4. Are you a real minister?
5. How long have you been doing weddings?
6. What denomination are you ordained in?

7. Do you require premarital counseling?
8. Is this your full time job?
9. What do you charge?
10. Will you attend the reception?
11. Are you married?

1. Where do I get my wedding license?

It can be obtained at any county court house in one visit. It is good for 90 days and you can be married in a county other than where it was issued.
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2. How do I get a copy of my license after the wedding?

When you get your license, you should also receive a form for ordering a copy of the license after the ceremony. They are slow - you can expect a 30-60 day wait. I am required to mail the original within 10 days of the wedding date. I usually do it the day after the wedding.
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3. What do you wear?

For most occasions, I wear a suit and tie and also, during the ceremony, an embroidered stole, as you can see here. On some occasions, I will wear a white robe. Sometimes the bride and groom will request that I dress more casually, as in the photo at bottom left.
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4. Are you a real minister?

Yes, I really am a minister, and no, I did not get some certificate off the internet. I have a Master's Degree in Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1976. I also hold a Master's in Clinical Psychology. I have worked as an ordained minister and mental health professional for over 30 years.
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5. How long have you been doing weddings?

Since 1976. Don't believe me? Check out my retro duds in this picture from early in my career. Since then, I have updated my wardrobe and married hundreds of couples in the Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest.
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6. What denomination are you ordained in?

I am ordained in the United Church of Christ, a Protestant denomination similar to Presbyterian. I graduated from a Presbyterian seminary and was ordained in 1976.
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7. Do you require premarital counseling?

No, I do not.
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8. Is this your full time job?

I also work as a Chaplain for Heartland Hospice Services.
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9. What do you charge?

My fees run from $250-$750 depending on the wedding location and my involvement in the rehearsal.
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10. Will you attend the reception?

I enjoy staying for at least the initial part of the reception to mingle with family and friends. Wedding etiquette suggests that the officiant and his wife be invited to the entire reception. I either accept or decline this invitation based on my schedule and other commitments.
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11. Are you married?

Yes, my wife Barbara and I have been married for 25 years. She is a nurse and an artist, and we love living in the beautiful Alexander Valley wine country region. We have one daughter, who happened to build this web site.
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