No matter the type of wedding ceremony you’re having, you’re going to need to hire a wedding officiant. Here are a few notes around process, selection, and timing!

Officiant Discovery

For weddings of all sizes, from elopements to full-scale wedding experiences, officiants play an essential role. They are center stage and set the tone of your wedding ceremony. You must do your research and find someone through a credible source. You can begin your search on The Knot, Wedding Wire, or even a preferred vendor list from your venue. Once you have a couple of standouts, it’s important to connect with them and make sure you vibe. Your relationship with your officiant is very intimate, and special, so you want to be sure you are fully aligned with their approach.

What is the process for hiring an officiant?

• Consider your ceremony style and what you’re looking for in an officiant.
• Research/or get recommendations from friends and family members and contact 3-5 different vendors.
• Schedule introductory calls with those you feel would be a good fit for your special day. Ensure they have your wedding date available.
• Review proposals, and weigh the pros and cons
• Select your preferred officiant. Then sign your contract and send in your deposit.
• The best time to book an officiant is 6-12 months out, to ensure you secure the officiant you want, and that they have your date available.

What should we ask an officiant on an introductory call?

• How long have you been an officiant?
• How long is your average ceremony? This will help inform your wedding timeline.
• Do you write unique content for each of your weddings? How much of the ceremony is customizable? Will we be able to partner with you and revise together?
• Do you attend the wedding rehearsal? If not, how do you typically go about this?
• Who takes their place in case of an emergency?
• Also super important, is the marriage license! Are you able to file the marriage license for us?

Key Takeaways

Your relationship with your officiant is close and connected. You will need to have trust and be aligned on the process to get to the perfect ceremony. The ceremony should be uniquely yours, and the process to get to the final words should be enjoyable, and fun. Take your time in the journey to find the right officiant for you. 

Be sure to check back for more tips & advice on our blog in the coming weeks. Have more questions, reach out, we would love to connect!

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