Selecting a Wedding Officiant

10 Things to Consider When Selecting an Officiant for Your Ceremony

1.       Officiant's Background

Do you like the Officiant? Do you have confidence in their background and experience? Do you like their speaking voice?  Are they articulate?  Are you excited by their enthusiasm and commitment to your ceremony? Is the Officiant open to your ideas and will they co-create and customize the ceremony with you?

2.  Religious/Spiritual Considerations

Will the Officiant represent couples who are from different religious, spiritual and/or cultural backgrounds?  Will they perform your ceremony, your way, without interjecting their personal views?  Will they perform ceremonies of any denomination?
3.  Writing and Customizing Your Ceremony

How will your ceremony be created and written? Are you confident in the skills of your chosen Officiant to deliver your ceremony the way you way you’ve always pictured it? Does the Officiant have sample ceremonies/vows for your review?  Do you have a sense of humor?  Do you want this reflected in your ceremony, or is this a “somber” occasion?

4.       Rehearsal

Is the Officiant available for a rehearsal if you feel you need one?  What options does the Officiant provide for a rehearsal?  What are the additional costs associated with a rehearsal?

5.       Availability Prior to Your Ceremony

Is the Officiant available before your ceremony for questions and advice?  Can you call or email the officiant as often as you like, or are you limited to a certain number of contacts per your contract?

6.       References

Can the officiant offer you references or testimonials from other couples who were satisfied with their services?

7.       Arrival Time and Departure

What time will your Officiant arrive at your ceremony and how long will they stay afterwards?  Will your Officiant stay for your reception to offer a benediction before dinner, and what are the extra costs associated with the extra time required?

8.       Travel

How far is the Officiant willing to travel to your wedding location?  Is there an associated mileage charge for weddings that require the Officiant to travel a much greater distance?  Will you be required to provide lodging for the officiant if your wedding is far away and you require them for a rehearsal the day before?

9.       Fees/Contracts

What does the Officiant charge for the ceremony and exactly what does this include? Does the Officiant offer a professional contract for services, to insure that your date and time are agreed to on paper?  Does the Officiant require a deposit?

10.   In Case of Emergency

Does the Officiant have a plan in case there is an emergency?