We know your list of things to do for your wedding is long, but this decision is one of the most important. It can really make or break your big day and it sets the tone for the rest of your wedding.
A professional wedding officiant can help you feel more confident and comfortable on your wedding day. They can provide guidance on the flow of the ceremony, cue you when to enter and exit, and help you handle unexpected situations that may arise. When you hire the right person, you can relax and enjoy your wedding day knowing that the ceremony is in capable hands. You won't have to worry about last-minute changes or mistakes that could detract from the joy of the occasion.
Decide what kind of ceremony you’d like. Do you see it being traditional or modern? Religious or secular? (Secular means non-religious) How long would you like it to be?
A professional wedding officiant has the knowledge and experience to create a personalized ceremony that reflects your values, beliefs, and preferences. They can guide you through the process of selecting meaningful readings, vows, and rituals that are appropriate for your ceremony.
Speaking of types of ceremonies, you may be wondering the difference between an ordained minister at a church and a professional wedding officiant. An ordained minister at a church typically attends a seminary school and leads a church congregation. A professional wedding officiant is ordained through a legal organization (and is titled as an ordained minister), registered with the state (if required), and is generally non-denominational. They will make sure your marriage is legally recognized and that all necessary paperwork is completed and submitted correctly.
All these questions (and more) should be discussed with your potential officiant. An in person or video chat is essential to get to know your officiant. It’s important to find out if you like their tone of voice, their presence, and their demeanor. Are they willing to take the time to learn about you and your fiancé? They should.
Some important questions to ask:
Do you write a custom, personalized ceremony for us?
How long will the ceremony be?
How many times prior to the ceremony will we talk?
What time do you arrive at the ceremony venue?
Do you recommend and/or run our rehearsal? Is there an extra charge?
What will you wear?
How many ceremonies have you officiated?
Are you registered with the state (if applicable)?
Will you move out of the way for our first kiss? (they should)
You can find potential officiants online (in local wedding groups or on Instagram), by referrals, or on a trusted wedding site. Even if the officiant is recommended by a friend or another wedding pro, you still need to take the time to speak with them to make sure they’re a good fit for you and your partner.
Contact Perfectly Celebrated if you're looking for a meaningful, custom ceremony executed with flawless grace.
