If you are looking for a wedding
officiant to serve at your wedding ceremony,
ask yourself these ten important questions to assist you in your wedding planning search:
- Will you hold a religious or
secular ceremony?
If your ceremony is more spiritually centered, you might want to go with
ordained clergy person of your same faith or denomination. If you have no
religious or spiritual preferences, you can always contact officials such
as justices of the peace, or others who are legally able to marry you in
your state. - Have you budgeted for a
wedding officiant?
Depending on whom you choose to
perform the wedding ceremony,
fees may apply. Just like with other wedding vendors, you should ask what
the fees include and if you’re required to pay a deposit. - Is experience an important
factor in selecting a wedding officiant?
Will it matter to you if your officiant has only performed a handful of
services, or do you desire someone a bit more seasoned? - What are your expectations
of the wedding officiant?
What will your require of your
selected officiant? If using a clergy person, will you want them to wear
traditional vestments? Are there certain scriptures you would prefer read
during the wedding ceremony
You should discuss any expectations you have of your officiant prior to
the wedding rehearsal. - Will you follow a
traditional order of service according to your faith or create your own
ceremony service?
Some members of clergy strictly follow traditional orders of service
specific to their faith. Perhaps you want to write your own vows or
perhaps you want both your mother and father to escort you down the aisle.
These are things you and your groom should discuss with your officiant to
gauge his or her comfort level with your wedding wishes. - Will your wedding venue play
a role in an officiant's availability?
If your wedding reception and
ceremony will take place at the same location (one where alcohol will be
served) ask your officiant if he is comfortable performing your wedding ceremony
in an environment of that kind. - Will you be required to
attend premarital counseling?
With some faiths, couples are required to participate in premarital
counseling. This may be something you will have to consider if your heart
is set on an officiant who follows this tradition. - What happens if the
officiant cancels at the last minute?
Will your officiant have a
selected backup or would you need to find an alternate yourselves? Ask the
vendor about his or her cancellation/rescheduling policy to protect you in
case of an unforeseen emergency.
- Will the officiant perform
your ceremony if you are not married in his/her church?
Is it mandatory that you’re
married at their home church? If so, are there any exceptions to this
rule?
- Will your wedding day affect
the availability of certain officiants?
Some couples may choose to have
their wedding ceremony on an off day (a day other than the ever-popular
Saturday). If your wedding day is one that the officiant holds worship
services on, or is on the day of a religious observance, you’ll want to
sort out any scheduling issues that may arise.
These questions are designed to set the standard for what you want in a
wedding officiant. Especially since he or she will important part in your wedding ceremony.
Ideally, you should look for someone who best reflects your ideals and
beliefs, and can also beautifully articulate your feelings while allowing
your love to shine through for all to see.