Ceremonies and Celebrations Officiant and Minister Irene Kane

I provide choices in the wording of your ceremonies, suggest poetic readings or simple rituals involving family or guests, giving your ceremony a distinctive personal touch. I will listen to what is important to you and together create an expression of your lifetime pledge.

Weddings

Preparing for your wedding can be an enjoyable time. I have over 20 years experience organizing various aspects of the day; I can help you design your ceremony with minimum stress and some guaranteed laughs. Whether you tell the fascinating story of how you met, describe each other’s attributes, express the  unique qualities of your bond, or select a standard ceremony, your vows will be uniquely yours. Suitable rituals can be incorporated, such as the unity candle, breaking the glass, or jumping the broom.

Over the years I have worked with many couples who choose to honor both of their cultures or nationalities. I support this tradition and work with you to acknowledge each other and your families appropriately. Some of the combined cultures have included: Jewish/Iranian; Chinese/Irish; African American/Korean; Philipino/Scottish.

From the simple to the sublime, it will be your wedding, your way.

Visit my blog:  http://web.mac.com/irenemkane

Same Sex Marriages

The current status of same sex marriages in on hold pending the overturning of Proposition 8.

I had the great pleasure of officiating many same sex marriages both in 2004 at San Francisco City Hall and in 2008 throughout California. I was honored to participate with couples who expressed their love and commitment legally, having been together for seven, nineteen or thirty years and longer. The support and enthusiasm of attending grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and children was heartwarming and memorable.

I look forward to Marriage Equality, but in the meantime will gladly perform symbolic ceremonies. I support the right to chose a mate based on love and a desire to enjoy life together. All couples deserve to share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities and commitments of marriage. (See below for recommendations of venues, hotels etc.)

I can help you select a picturesque location in one of our many parks or areas with well-known backdrops. Alternately, I can come to your hotel suite or suggest a restaurant to have a private ceremony for you and your guests. Having lived in San Francisco for over 30 years I know some famous and lesser known sights to make your commitment a joyous occasion.

Elopement Packages

Often couples chose to have a “destination wedding” while visiting the San Francisco Bay Area. Our picturesque region offers many indoor and outdoor venues to arrange a ceremony for a couple alone or with a small gathering of guests.

I offer an option with a ceremony and photo session or just the ceremony alone. I’m happy to recommend locations, hotels and other appropriate vendors.

I can help you select a picturesque location in one of our many parks or areas with well-known backdrops. Alternately, I can come to your hotel suite or suggest a restaurant to have a private ceremony for you and your guests. Having lived in San Francisco for over 30 years I know some famous and lesser known sights to make your ceremony a joyous occasion.

A confidential marriage license requires no witnesses; a public license requires at least one witness. Either can be obtained through the County Clerk’s office at San Francisco City Hall (link)

Reaffirmation of Vows

This custom is honored at any appropriate time. Whether it is 5 years or 50, couples acknowledge their original commitment and celebrate their years shared together.

Some choose to share the vows of their wedding day while others create new wording based on their life experiences together. The event can be intimate and private or a grand celebration with children, grandchildren and extended family and friends.