Having Father Jerry perform our wedding was the best choice we made and after everything was said and done everyone who attended our wedding couldn’t say enough about how well he did. He was simply amazing! Many years ago, Father Jerry performed my cousin’s marriage. I was so impressed that I made sure that he would be a part of our special day. Father Jerry is one of a kind. He is charming and charismatic and speaks to the heart of everyone in attendance. He is a rare talent in knowing how a wedding should flow. His loving and kindness really shows as he cleverly weaves in profound words of wisdom perfectly punctuated with humor that makes everyone laugh. The end result is an unforgettable heartfelt ceremony that everyone enjoys. Our wedding was one of those effected by Covid-19 which drastically changed the style and scope of our marriage. Lucky for us we had Father Jerry on our side with a wealth of ideas of how to make the most wonderful beach ceremony ever. In short, things could not have gone better and he is the main reason why. He really took the time to listen to us and get a clear idea of who we were as individuals and how we wanted our wedding to be. He was also very fun to talk to with his lighthearted humor and upbeat personality. His attention to detail is unmatched and with all his experience, he is full of countless amazing ideas as he infused love and creativity into both the planning and the performance of the marriage. Father Jerry is a professional of the highest caliber, he loves what he does and it truly shows. I always felt that our wedding was as important to him as it was to us and it’s that level of commitment that made our marriage the most magical day ever. Thank you Father Jerry. You’re the best!
Sent on 09/02/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Jalal and Setareh: that beach in Orange County was a perfect setting. All of those wonderful things that you shared are only a reflection of how great the two of you are and your love for each other. I just tried to reflect back to you how wonderful the two of you are and will be. Forever, Father Jerry
Desiree K.
· Getting married on 04/11/2022
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Perfectly intimate & personal!
Father Jerry was recommended to us by our photographer & then I went on Wedding Wire to read reviews & they all said the same thing; he was exactly what they wanted! I'd like to preface this review with saying my husband & I eloped; no family, no friends. We appreciated the time Father Jerry took to tailor our ceremony prior, asked our opinions about certain things, & even had suggestions. Once wedding time came everything went smooth, all according to plan. We got married on a beach bluff at sunset & one thing we especially loved was Father Jerry suggesting us to take a moment to take in the scenery & the beauty of what was around us because, although we would have photographs later, he wanted us to really remember this moment in time. And it was BEAUTIFUL! Father Jerry was extremely easy to work with & very kind!
Sent on 12/14/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Desiree and Mike: You are right. Everything was so beautiful. Even though the hundreds of friends and family could not be present, everyone was really "there". You were able to focus on each other. There will be a time to share photos and memories. Please come back to Santa Barbara often, even though it is far from where you live. SB is now your town. Father Jerry
Jasmin Z.
· Getting married on 02/09/2022
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Grateful! highly recommend Father Jerry.
We couldn’t thank Father Jerry enough for being a big part of our special day. My husband and I didn’t know where to begin. He was our guide, a mentor, and coordinator. He took time to get to know us and made sure we would be happy the day of . He was a great help throughout the whole process. Father Jerry made our ceremony memorable. It was heartfelt and our guests also loved his sense of humor. Also, a big plus he is bilingual!. We received so many compliments on our ceremony. Thank you Father Jerry!. You wont regret having Father Jerry as your officiant.
Sent on 11/14/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Jasmin and David: I have celebrated many weddings in Agua Dulce, but you made the Sweetwater Ranch come alive with your celebration. You had so many wonderful ideas for your ceremony, It was great to meet both of you. We have to stay in contact with each other. Father Jerry
Alex
· Getting married on 12/25/2021
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Father Jerry is amazing
Father Jerry was what we wanted and more. He made it exciting and fun, joked and didn’t allow it to be awkward, and that is especially hard since that’s me naturally😂. We had guest comment how amazing he was. He made the whole event fun and even added some special features to the event. I couldn’t have been more impressed and thankful. I loved it !!!
Sent on 05/07/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Alex and Armando, it was wonderful to work with the both of you to help plan and celebrate your wedding. It was so nice to see your family members who I have known for more than 40 years, celebrating weddings, Baptisms, funerals, dinners, prayers, and many parties. Please stay in touch. Father Jerry
Connolly S.
· Getting married on 11/02/2021
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Perfectly personalized same-sex wedding!
As a same-sex, non-religious couple with Catholic parents, we struggled to figure out a ceremony and officiant that would make everyone happy. We did so much research but still had no idea what to actually say and do in our ceremony. The first time we met with Father Jerry, we knew we had found the perfect compromise. As a retired Catholic priest, he lent the gravity and seriousness our parents wanted, and as a marriage equality supporter, he made us feel comfortable and valued. He helped us personalize portions of the ceremony so that our relationship was always at the center, but kept the framework traditional so it felt like a "real" wedding. He was also willing to help us find that perfect balance of a nod to Catholicism without making us uncomfortable since we're non-religious. Father Jerry is hilarious and kind, and charmed everyone he spoke to. We heard from many guests that it was the best wedding ceremony they'd ever attended. We are so happy with how everything turned out and would absolutely recommend Father Jerry to other couples!
Sent on 05/19/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Connolly and Sacha, you are right. Your family members and guests came from many different religious backgrounds. What pulled all of them together was your love for each other. Both of you touched something very deep within each person there. You will forever know that you have awakened something very deep within each person at your ceremony. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of us could promise to love each other for the rest or our lives? What makes a person "holy" is determined by how loving he or she is. That is how one imitates Christ. Thank you for sharing your lives with all of us. Father Jerry
Ambar V.
· Getting married on 08/10/2021
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Fun and easy to work with
Father Jerry was very thorough and thoughtful in helping us plan every detail of our wedding ceremony. He laid out clear instructions, offered helpful suggestions, and gave us the freedom to incorporate our own words and traditions. We appreciated his flexibility in delivering a bilingual ceremony and also taking the time to get to know our history as a couple. We fully recommend Father Jerry to anyone looking for an officiant!
Sent on 11/08/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Amber and Julian, it was certainly great meeting, working and celebrating with you. Your family members were also great. Sylvia and Raphael did great on the readings. I will also remember the wonderful 1952 Chevy Pickup Truck your dad drove to your wedding. What a celebration. Father Jerry
Troy Q.
· Getting married on 07/05/2021
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Fr. Jerry is the best in the business!!!
My wife and I got married on May 31st in Beverly Hills and we were looking for the ideal priest who would bring a religious aspect to the ceremony, as I am Catholic, but also balance our multicultural and inter-religious needs as my wife's family is Pakistani Christians. Fr. Jerry couldn't be more kind, genuine, or knowledgeable about the entire process. He worked with us in detail regarding the whole ceremonial process and was a true professional, listening to our needs and wanting to make this the perfect day that it should be. Do not waste your time looking for anyone else, Fr. Jerry is the best in the business!
Sent on 11/08/2019
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Troy, it was a great joy to plan and celebrate with both of you and your families. What I try to do is be a good mirror of my couples. So your kind words above are a reflection of your values and personalities, as was your ceremony. I try to accurately reflect all of the goodness in the ceremony. Come to Santa Barbara for a visit or concert. Father Jerry
Nadia O.
· Married on 02/13/2021
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
100% recommend
I am so glad I booked Fr. Jerry as an officiant for my wedding. He is easy to talk to, organized, and has a great sense of humor. During our wedding preparation meeting, Fr. Jerry put me and my husband at ease. Fr. Jerry had many great ideas of what to incorporate into a wedding ceremony. He also provided great advice on how to ensure all parts flow together well. He was extremely flexible, and worked with us on every detail to create the wedding we both envisioned. Our wedding was bilingual, and incorporated Catholic and Mesoamerican based traditions. Fr. Jerry is bilingual. He spoke in Spanish at parts of the ceremony, which made my grandmother (who speaks little English) feel included in our celebration. Fr. Jerry’s years of experience planning, and officiating weddings helped to calm our nerves and carry out a day I will never forget.
Sent on 03/03/2021
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Nadia, it was so wonderful to meet both of you and plan your ceremony. In spite of COVID-19, everything came together at your parent's house. It was beautifully decorated. Your grandmother was so cute. I saw her making certain that everything was perfectly in order and clean for you, your family members and your guests. It was especially wonderful when your family member included the Chumash blessing to honor those who have gone before us. Blessings.
Cecilia C.
· Married on 11/07/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Perfectly Unique!
Father Bellamy performed the most beautiful and unique ceremony for myself and my husband to be. Meeting with him prior to our elopement give us peace of mind that he knew what we wanted for our ceremony. He always promptly followed up with questions or answers to our questions. He made our day so beautiful and gave us a secular blessing even though we were out in open nature. He gave us such a beautiful moment in time that was also echoed by him having also performed the wedding of my fiancé’s son’s marriage as well. He had us write impromptu letters to each other the day before our wedding that he read. I especially love this because my groom had such a hard time putting down words to paper. And I of course overwrote but nothing we wrote was off-limits. And I will forever be the bride that had father Jeremy say asshole in her wedding ceremony. I love him for that. I will always recommend him. And so will my groom!
Sent on 11/17/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Cecilia and Rick: Thank you for your comments and reflections. What a beautiful evening we had Ellwood Bluffs in Goleta. The cliff over looking the ocean was spectacular. Because of the Covid19 our plans jumped from your wedding being in Temecula to Seaside and finally Goleta, at the cliffs. Your ceremony was beautiful and a reflection of your love for each other. Thank you for inviting me to participate. Happy Thanksgiving. Father Jerry
Norma A.
· Married on 10/24/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Very happy and impressed with Father Jerry
Father Jerry was the the perfect wedding officiant for us and we were so happy to have found him. He was personable, funny, detail oriented and very organized. He asked the right questions, took notes, gave his ideas on what he envisioned our wedding ceremony would look like. His expertise and experience showed when he provided guidance at our in-person meeting and at the wedding. We loved his idea of him reading our letters to each other. My husband and I as well as our guests loved and enjoyed the ceremony very much.
Highly recommended!
Sent on 11/13/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Norma and David - your did a great job on planning your wedding ceremony. The Chart House staff in Dana Point really did wonderful work to make your day a true celebration. Be sure to visit Santa Barbara again, soon. Father Jerry Bellamy
Miguel T.
· Married on 10/10/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
The Best Officiant Ever!!
Father Bellamy had everything planned out perfectly! If something needed to change he was incredibly flexible as well. He really understands that some people want to discuss God in the ceremony and some people don’t and he asks that up front and is incredibly respectful! Father Bellamy also told me he stopped counting how many weddings he has done after 5000! He’s amazing! The ceremony was fun, respectful, spiritual, and very interactive. I had multiple people coming up and asking me who the officiant was because he was funny and absolutely made the experience enjoyable for everyone. I would get married again simply so I can use Father Bellamy again:)
Sent on 11/03/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Miguel and Tara - both of you did such a great job in planning every little detail for yourselves, family and friends. Yes, I drove more than 8.5 hours to get to your wedding location, about 40 miles North of Lake Tahoe and Donner Pass, what a beautiful wedding location in the middle of a serene meadow, on the Kinship Ranch. We have to stay in touch. REALLY - GET MARRIED AGAIN ? OK, it will be a renewal of vows in 10 years . . . .
Loretta P.
· Married on 08/23/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Top-Notch Service
Father Jerry Bellamy provided us with top-notch service for our money. He is very experienced, professional and friendly. He offers planning and advice that works! He is genuine and it shows in his way of tailoring the ceremony to the couple. By getting to know us through excellent communication skills, he “finds” the ceremony. We enjoyed having Father Jerry show us how a meaningful ceremonial plan helps with knowing what our expectations will be before the big day. The ceremony went perfectly as we had imagined it would be!
Sent on 10/30/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Loretta and Brian: Thank you for your comments. Both of you had a dream that we made into a reality. Boy, was it ever hot in Redlands that day for your wedding but nobody noticed it. Blessings in your lives and let's stay in contact. Father Jerry.
Daniel
· Married on 08/03/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Father Jerry made our ceremony just perfect!
He was just exactly what we were dreaming of: funny, sacred, modern yet ancient. All the starts for father Jerry, he is a truly humble spiritual soul. By the way, all our wedding pictures in which he appears are incredibly fun!
Sent on 08/14/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Daniel and Anastasia, El Matador Beach in Malibu turned out to be the perfect location for your ceremony. I will always remember you and your celebration. Father Jerry
Dolores L.
· Married on 05/17/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Backyard Wedding
Thank you to Father Jerry we were still able to get married turning this crazy quarantine times. It was much smaller then we had planned. We were able to zoom with our family member in attendance . Father Jerry made everyone feel like they were a part of the ceremony.
Sent on 05/26/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
John and Dolores, yes, there were less people attending than you would have liked, but there was something very special about there being less people present. In fact, the ZOOM online streaming of your ceremony was a real gift for everyone that was not at your location. Blessings in your futures. Father Jerry
Morgan
· Married on 04/07/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Father Jerry was great!
We held our small ceremony in Paso Robles, CA in July 2020. Father Jerry booked time with us well in advance of our wedding to get to know us and really customize the ceremony how we wanted it to be. His experience with weddings really helped us decide on the perfect ceremony. Father Jerry was extremely flexible with specific requests and the ceremony went off without a hitch. I received multiple comments from family that attended the ceremony that claimed Father Jerry was great and funny -- not to mention many people teared up! 10/10 would have chosen Father Jerry again.
Sent on 01/25/2021
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Morgan and Cierra, how nice of you to send in this review. Your thoughts really warm up this very cold January day. Both of you took such good care of each other, your family and your friends. You live about 300 miles from where we celebrated your wedding but everyone showed up. They were really "there", for you, and always will be. COVID-19 did not stop your celebration. It was a great joy to meet and plan everything with you. Blessings. Remember, "Love is a Decision".
Jackie G.
· Married on 02/09/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Recommended Priest
I would recommend Father Jerry as a priest for your upcoming wedding. My wedding ceremony was perfect because I had father Jerry. He made it very comfortable as I stood there in the altar with my husband. He made it comfortable for the guests that attended the ceremony as well. I had my ceremony done in english with the reading and prayers done in Spanish. My relatives were grateful that I had some of my Spanish culture included in the ceremony because father Jerry was able to provide it for me. I had booked him a couple of weeks before the wedding since I couldn't find a priest. I was so grateful that he was able to be part of the ceremony because it turned out amazing.
Sent on 03/15/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Jackie and Armando, I have performed many weddings at the beautiful Mission Inn in Riverside. The chapel is really amazing. When I am there it reminds me of my 12 years of study in the seminary before Ordination as a Catholic Priest. I look forward to staying in touch with you. Come and visit me again in Santa Barbara. Stay healthy. Father Jerry
Ally S.
· Married on 02/09/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Father Jerry is simply the best!
Father Jerry helped design a wedding ceremony that reflected our personalities. It was heart-warming and touching while being fun. It wasn't too long and our guests loved his contagious spirit. We still hear compliments for Father Jerry from our friends and family! Highly recommend!
Sent on 11/19/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Ally and Ian - Thanks to you I will always be a fan of the Portland Winter Hawkes. Our wedding at the Rosewood Miramar was spectacular. Your wedding was over a year ago and I still remember the faces of your family and friends. Thank you for your review. Father Jerry
Daisy K.
· Married on 01/09/2020
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Definitely recommend!
We are so grateful we found Father Jerry! From the first time I spoke with him I was comfortable and excited for him to officiate our wedding this past fall (09/2019). He made everything very easy for us and our ceremony was beyond perfect. The ceremony was in english and spanish and my family really appreciated that! Thank you father for being a huge part of our wedding and providing high quality service! We highly recommend Father Jerry Bellamy :)
Sent on 04/10/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Daisy and Logan, thank you so much for your review. We had a wonderful time doing the ceremony planning and everything worked out perfectly on your day. The Live Oak Meadows in Temecula was a very good choice for your location. I hope we can stay in touch. Father Jerry
Eric
· Married on 11/22/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Professional, Unique, Warm and fun!
Jerry made the entire process enjoyable for us. He guided us throughout the wedding process, from how to acquire the marriage license itself through planning a very personal ceremony. He was informative and experienced, plus he was sensitive to interfaith issues and helped us craft our ceremony in a way that honored both of our traditions. Highly recommend!
Sent on 12/20/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Eric and Rita - what a beautiful evening at the Dart Coffee Company in Santa Barbara. The readings you selected were "perfect". Happy Holidays.
Isabel G.
· Married on 11/11/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
We love Reverend Bellamy!
As wedding photographers, we have worked with Rev Bellamy for many years. His ceremonies are always so touching. He infuses so much of the couples' personalities into them.
Sent on 11/11/2019
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Isabel, it is always a joy to work with you. You are the best. You somehow capture great photos during the ceremony without me even being aware that you are there. Father Jerry
Christine B.
· Married on 10/26/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
The best officiant
We loved having Father Jerry as our officiant! Our wedding was at the Santa Barbara courthouse and he did a tremendous job. He helped us design a ceremony that included all the things that were important to us and put us at such ease with his wonderful sense of humor and professionalism. Our guests raved about him and were appreciative that the ceremony reflected our families’ Christian and Buddhist faiths. We are so grateful to Father Jerry for making our day so special and memorable- we cannot recommend him enough!
Sent on 01/07/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Boy, you are right. All of your guests were right there with you, regardless of any religious backgrounds. In fact, their different backgrounds made the day so perfect - all celebrating together.
Ashley P.
· Married on 10/19/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Excellent presentation
Father Jerry Bellamy officiated our wedding on October 19, 2019. He was amazing. All of our guests commented on how Father Bellamy was entertaining and light hearted but truly captured the the depth of the occasion. My husband is Hispanic and Father Bellamy did a beautiful job officiating our bilingual ceremony with a gorgeous blend of English and Spanish. The day was perfect and we owe much of that to Father Bellamy.
Sent on 05/09/2020
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Ashley and Roger, the Santa Ynez Valley was beautiful that day. Your family and guests were wonderful. I tell people how you wrote a little letter to Roger and that it was written on an ice skate shoe. I know that it sounds stupid now, but, you really had to "be there"..... Roger was a little more conventional but just as creative. Please stay in touch. Father Jerry
Karissa
· Married on 09/29/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Incredible Service!
Father Jerry Bellamy is the absolute best! From the moment we met him, we knew he was the one we had been searching for, as he was an incredible fit for our personalities. He is kind, funny, laid back and yet, a true professional. During our initial meeting, he walked us through the entire process, explaining every step of the way. He saw our vision and brought it to fruition on the day of our wedding. He was well prepared and executed his duties with ease. Many of our guests later explained how his personality made the experience feel more engaging than any other wedding they had ever attended. I highly recommend his services and know you will not regret choosing him!
Sent on 11/13/2019
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Karissa and Benny, what a great ceremony we put together. It was in English and Spanish and took place in the beautiful city of San Juan Bautista, North of Salinas. Remember to come back to Santa Barbara again for a visit.
Danny
· Married on 09/28/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Tina and Danny
Father Jerry was great!
We asked him to perform our ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse and he knew exactly what steps we needed to take and walked us through everything like a true professional and friend. We highly recommend him for your special day!
Sent on 10/24/2019
Heather M.
· Married on 09/28/2019
5.0
Quality of service:
5.0
Responsiveness:
5.0
Value:
5.0
Flexibility:
5.0
Professionalism:
5.0
Great Officiant, Personal and Professional!
Father Jerry was great from start to finish. He was very responsive and worked with our tight timeframe and busy schedules. He sat down with us in person to plan the ceremony and provided insight and great ideas that we implemented during the ceremony. He was able to incorporate all of the elements we requested and kept it in the 15 minute window that we wanted. Guests and family members came up to us after the ceremony to let us know what a great officiant he was. Both personable and professional, I would highly recommend Father Jerry to officiate your ceremony!!
Sent on 11/06/2019
Father Jerry Bellamy's reply:
Heather and Joel - thank you for taking the time to send in this review. Your ceremony fit right into your 15 minute window and yet was full of memories. Blessings in your future and I am sure I will see you again at another ceremony somewhere between San Francisco to San Diego. Father Jerry
