Planning for a wedding is a Herculean task! Endless details, so much to manage and cover, preparations for a wedding continue till the last moment! However, out of several arrangements, there are some things that cannot be left for the final day. One of such details is choosing an officiant!
Who is an officiant?
A wedding officiant is the one person who truly gets you married! Did you know, all the preparations, such as the venue, food, decor, dresses, and more, are just a part of the event! You actually get married in those intimate moments where you exchange vows in the presence of the officiant. Afterwards, this professional completes all the legalities and paperwork to make your marriage official.
Now that you know who an officiant is, it is crucial to make the selection very carefully. As they can make or break the entire experience. Are you getting married soon? Are you unsure of choosing the right officiant for your ceremony? If your answer is yes, then you have landed on the right page!
This blog is dedicated to guiding you on how to find a wedding officiant! So, let’s get started!
Understand What a Wedding Officiant Does
Before you begin your search, it is crucial to learn the role and responsibilities of an officiant. Here’s all that they do, including:
- Leads the ceremony
- Guides the couple through vows and promises
- Completes the marriage license to make the wedding legal
- Helps personalize the ceremony according to your preferences
Decide the Type of Officiant You Want
There are different types of marriage celebrants. Some of the most common types are:
Religious officiants– as the name suggests, priests, ministers, rabbis, or other religious leaders are recognised as religious officiants. They complete the ceremony as per the traditions, rites, and rules of the couple’s respective faiths.
Civil officiants– if you are having a small and simple ceremony, civil officiants might makeideal choice. Judges, justices of the peace, or government-authorized officiants are called civil officiants. They formally complete a function without any religious elements.
Professional officiants– for those who want a perfect combination of religious as well as secular elements, professionals make a great choice. With them, you can personalize the vows and ceremony exactly how you want it to be!
Professional officiants are often preferred, because of the flexibility and individualization they offer. After all, a wedding is a celebration of a unique love story, and every couple wants it to be all about their unique journey. And it must truly reflect who they are, their values and what they mean to each other.
Start Your Search Early
Finding a marriage officiant shouldn’t be the last thing on your list! As a matter of fact, they should be booked weeks or months before the big day. When you start early, you get to discuss your vision and ask questions and to have input into the vows and ceremony.
Where to find a wedding officiant
Often, couples struggle with “where to find a wedding officiant.”? Here are some of the easiest and hassle-free ways:
- Ask for recommendations from recently married friends or family members. They will give you first-hand information regarding their experience.
- You may ask your wedding planner to suggest some trusted names.
- Check with the officials of the venue. It’s because some of them maintain a list of officiants with whom they work regularly.
- Another efficient way is to conduct online research. You may discuss your unique requirements with different providers and select the perfect one as per your preferences.
Meet and greet
Once you have shortlisted a few compatible names, it’s time to meet them in person. During the meeting, pay attention to the following details, such as:
- Personality- ensure you are comfortable with them!
- Experience- do ask about their experience. Have they performed similar weddings to yours?
- Flexibility- to make the most of the opportunity with them, do ask whether they are ready to accommodate your unique priorities, like custom vows, readings, or rituals?
Review Fees and Contracts
Do not forget to talk about the charges for their services. The fees on the officiant depend upon the following factors, including:
- The type of the ceremony
- Experience of the professional
- Location of the venue
- Services they provide
Rehearse, prepare, and be ready for action
There are no retakes in a live function! It is always advisable to rehearse before the big day to feel confident and put your best foot forward. That said, when you are with a skilled and seasoned officiant, you may rest assured that they will guide you through the process and the ceremony flow flawlessly.
Also, Check Vow Renewal- A Meaningful Pause in Your Marriage Journey
Conclusion!
Do not underestimate the power and value of a wedding officiant! It might feel like a smart part of the celebration, but it is very important.
Mary Barneby, is one of the most trusted and respected officiants! She is known for creating heartfelt and personalised ceremonies! Connect with her to make your day more special and bring your vision to life!