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The Basics

What's included, and what costs extra?

Every package includes a styled ceremony space, an ordained officiant, background music, your paperwork filed for you, and a champagne and cider toast. Pop-In gives you more guests and more time. Pop-Up adds candles and ambient lighting, a mini cutting cake with cupcakes for guests, and late-night time slots. Optional add-ons (extra guests, cake or photography) are listed under each package so there are no surprises.

Are there any fees beyond the package price?

Nope. Our prices are all-inclusive, with no taxes or hidden fees at checkout. The only extras are ones you choose: additional guests ($25 each on Pop-In and Pop-Up), a mini cutting cake with cupcakes for guests ($75 on Pop-In), photography (from $69), or a $100 fee if you reschedule. One cost that isn't ours: the county charges for your marriage license.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes! We offer Buy Now, Pay Later through Klarna so you can split your purchase into easy installments with no hidden fees.

Where does the ceremony take place?

Our ceremonies take place in The Fern Room inside Nine3One, 931 10th St in downtown Modesto.

Can we see the space before we book?

Absolutely. We would be happy to show you the space! Book a Tour

Booking & Changes

Can I book everything online?

Absolutely — it’s literally our thing.

Choose your package, pick your date, pay online, and you’re done. After you book your date you will be sent a link to customize your package with planning details and upgrades (if applicable).

How far in advance should we book?

Dates become available 90 days ahead so if your date is more than 90 days away check back to see if it becomes available. We ask that all bookings be made at least 72 hours before your date. Beyond that, it's completely up to you. Some couples plan a few weeks out, and others book on a bit of a whim when a date feels right. We sometimes have last-minute openings too, so if your perfect date is coming up soon, it's always worth a look. Just one thing to keep in mind as you plan: if yours is a legal ceremony, you'll need a California marriage license first. You will have to book an appointment to apply for a marriage license at a county clerk's office, it's valid for 90 days, and there's no waiting period, so even a short timeline leaves plenty of room to make it official.

What happens after I book?

You’ll instantly receive a confirmation email with a link to add any upgrades and to fill out planning details for your wedding

Then you’ll get reminders 7 days, 3 days, and 1 day before your celebration.

Can we reschedule or cancel?

You can reschedule once, as long as you let us know at least 7 days before your original date. A $100 fee applies, and your new date needs to fall within 90 days and be open on our calendar. Inside 7 days we can't move your date, and all sales are final. That includes travel hiccups, so if you're coming from out of town, give yourself some cushion. Details are in our Booking & Cancellation Policy.

Can I add more time to my celebration?

Each package has a specific amount of time included that can not be increased.

Marriage License & Legal

Do I need a marriage license before I book?

You can book first, but you'll need your marriage license in hand before your ceremony. Licenses are issued by appointment, so book yours with the Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder as soon as you pick your date. They're just steps from our front door. Vow renewals and symbolic ceremonies don't require a license.

Step-by-step marriage license guide

Where do we get our marriage license?

From a county clerk. Ours is the Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder, just steps from our front door. Complete the application and book your appointment here. You'll both go in person with photo ID. The county's fee is $76 for a public license or $81 for a confidential one, paid by cash, check, or money order. Your license is valid for 90 days. Coming from out of town? You can get your license from any California county clerk.

Step-by-step marriage license guide

What does "paperwork filed for you" include?

After your ceremony, your officiant signs your marriage license and returns it to the Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder for you. Got your license from another California county? We'll mail it back to that county. It doesn't include the license itself, the county's license fee, or certified copies of your marriage certificate. The county doesn't send a copy automatically, so you'll order those afterward ($19 each).

Do we need witnesses?

For a public license, you need one witness (two are okay).

For a confidential license, witnesses are not required.

Do vow renewals require a license?

Nope — vow renewals are symbolic. No license or paperwork needed.

Guests

Can I bring guests?

Yes! Each package has its own guest limit. Make It Official welcomes 4 guests. Pop-In welcomes 10, and you can add up to 10 more at $25 each. Pop-Up welcomes 20, and you can add up to 10 more at $25 each.

Are kids allowed?

Yes! Children count toward the guest total.

Can we bring pets?

Yes — as long as they’re friendly, leashed, and supervised.

(Some couples want a ring dog. We support that energy.)

Is the space accessible for guests with limited mobility?

Yes. The route from parking and our gate to the Fern Room is step-free and ADA accessible. The closest parking is the lot directly behind our building. If someone in your group needs extra help, tell us on your planning form and we'll plan for it.

Your Ceremony

Can someone walk me down the aisle?

Yes, with any package! Even with a tiny guest list, you can have a classic entrance with a parent or loved one by your side. Background music is included, or bring a speaker to play your own song.

Is there a private place to wait before the ceremony?

Yes! One of you can tuck away in our private Cactus Room until it's time, so your first look happens at the aisle.

Can we write our own vows?

Yes! You can use our short-and-sweet vows, choose religious or non-religious vows, or add your own custom vows.

You’ll choose after you book once you fill out your planning questionnaire.

Can we play our own music?

Yes! You can bring in your speaker to be in full control of the vibes.

Can we customize the décor?

The Fern Room comes styled and ready. Our Photos page shows the look, though styling can change with the seasons, so we can't promise a specific setup. Want to add a personal touch? Ask us about bringing simple décor.

What should we wear?

Whatever feels like “you.” From simple to glam — we’ve seen it all.

Just be comfortable and confident.

Photos & Vendors

Do you offer professional photography?

Yes, as an add-on! Our preferred photographer, Cherish Dior Photography, can capture your ceremony for $69 with Make It Official, $129 with Pop-In, or $239 with Pop-Up. Request it after you book and we'll confirm her availability before you pay. Prefer your own photographer? Bring them along. Either way, our team will happily snap a few photos on your phone.

Can I bring my own photographer/bouquet/officiant?

Yes! Outside vendors are welcome. Just tell us who's joining you on your planning form.

Do you share photos on social media?

Sometimes! If you prefer privacy, just let us know in your form.

Cake, Food, and Drinks

Can I add a cake or champagne?

Every package includes a champagne and cider toast. Pop-Up includes a mini cutting cake with cupcakes for your guests, and Pop-In couples can add the same for $75. Prefer your own? You're welcome to bring a dessert.

Can we bring our own desserts or food?

Yes! You’re welcome to bring your own dessert or food. You’ll need to bring anything required to serve it (plates, napkins, flatware), and everything must be set up, enjoyed, and cleaned up within your booked time slot.

Do you allow alcohol?

No, outside alcohol is not permitted. Every VowPop package includes a champagne (and cider) toast, and that’s the only alcohol that can be enjoyed in the space.

Day Of

How early can we arrive?

You two can arrive up to 15 minutes before your booked time. Guests should arrive right at your booked time, when the doors open. Ceremonies run back to back, so we can't welcome anyone earlier. Use the call box at the gate and we'll come get you.

Is there parking?

Yes — parking is easy and close to the venue.

Plan a few minutes to park so you reach the gate right at your booked time.

For detailed directions and parking tips, you can also view our full parking guide here: vowpop.com/parking-info

You and your guests can choose from several convenient options:

- Parking lot directly behind our building: just a quick walk to the ceremony space and perfect for guests who want the closest access.

- 11th Street Parking Garage: a spacious multi-level garage located on 11th & J, only a short stroll from our entrance. Ideal for larger groups.

- Street parking on our block: there is typically plenty of metered and non-metered parking along 10th Street and the surrounding area, especially during evenings and weekends.

What if we’re running late?

We’ll do our best to accommodate, but due to back-to-back celebrations, late arrivals may shorten your ceremony time. Events cannot extend past the scheduled window.