We were lucky to catch up with Elaine Chaney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Elaine, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I wish I could go back and tell that little girl who always got in trouble for talking that her gift of gab would one day open doors she never imagined. Back when I graduated high school, the career options presented to us felt limited—doctor, lawyer, accountant, architect, business. All respectable paths, but to me, they sounded dull. Creative pursuits were dismissed as hobbies, not careers that could actually pay the bills. If I had known then how many opportunities existed in public speaking and the paths it could lead to, I would have embraced it much earlier.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always been a talker, and what once got me in trouble as a kid has grown into a career I love. Today, I’m a wedding officiant, tour guide, YouTube creator, and podcast host—but officiating weddings is where my heart is.

As an officiant, I help couples create ceremonies that feel personal, meaningful, and stress-free. I work with them to design something that reflects their unique story—whether that’s romantic, lighthearted, spiritual, or secular—and deliver it in a way that makes both the couple and their guests feel connected and present.

My experience in other public speaking roles, from leading tours to hosting online content, has sharpened my ability to engage audiences and set the right tone. What sets me apart is the personal touch: I don’t just recite words, I create an atmosphere that feels warm, genuine, and memorable.

What I’m most proud of is hearing couples say their ceremony was the highlight of their day and that it felt like I’d known them for years. That’s what I want people to know about my work—it’s about connection, celebration, and creating moments that truly last.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

A book that really shifted my entrepreneurial mindset is Crush It by Gary Vee. The way he talks about embracing your creativity, using social media, and just letting your “freak flag” fly hit me like nothing else had before. It made me realize there are so many business opportunities out there now that used to take a ton of money to even get started. What stuck with me most, though, is his message that it’s never too late to pivot your life or career. That reminder has shaped the way I approach both my work and the risks I’m willing to take.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I made a big pivot when both of my daughters started school. Back in 2003, I began working from home as an editor for a private investigation company while freelancing as a writer on the side. By the time my youngest started kindergarten in 2016, I realized I’d spent 13 years at home with very little social interaction—most of my conversations were with my dog. My creativity and social skills had taken a hit, and I felt like I was on autopilot, living for weekends that were often filled with nothing but chores.

I knew something had to change. I sat down and asked myself: What’s something I love and wouldn’t mind doing every single day? The word “tour guide” popped into my head. On a whim, I searched Craigslist—and that’s how I found a position at Hearst Castle that completely shifted my career path.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pismobeachweddingofficiants.com
• Instagram: pismo_beach_weddings
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pismobeachweddings
• Other: Tiktok: pismo.beach.weddings

Image Credits

Patrick Ang Photography (#4 picture)