How to Hire a Wedding Officiant

The most common question I receive is "how much do you charge". That is a good question however, it should not be the first or most important question when hiring your wedding officiant. To often Brides and Grooms plan their very detailed wedding ceremony and reception right down to the detail and want their wedding to be perfect! BUT  They think of the Officant as the person who just marry's them. Yes the officiant does marry you, but they also create and perform your entire ceremony!

Your guests are sitting there watching and listening to your entire ceremony. If your officiant is not professional, does not speak clearly and with expression, does not have the ability to put together a well organized, well flowing ceremony for you, it can be a disaster.

First and most important interview a few officiants, look at sample ceremonies, ask questions, find out what they will do for the price, are they there for you from the day you book with them until you say I DO?  Will they give you final approval of your ceremony before they get up there and start talking? You need to know what your officiant will say! Will your officiant be dressed appropriately to suit your theme? Will your officiant arrive early to make sure all of the last minute details are in place? What is included in their fee? Are they going to charge extra at the last minute for customizing your ceremony, travel expenses, filing your marriage license?

Do you feel comfortable with your officiant? Do you feel your officiant will guide you through the ceremony? Do you get a feeling your officiant is sincere in their profession or do you get the feeling it is just a job to them?

Don't get left standing at the alter by your officiant: Ask for a well written agreement. The agreement should contain the following at a very minimum: Their total cost to you. Your wedding date, time and location. It should also contain a statement that they are legal to perform weddings in your state. Does the agreement state what will happen if they do not show up or get into an accident or car trouble on the way to your wedding?

Minister: Are you looking for a minister? If so, are they a true minister with experience or did they click the mouse and become ordained with not one bit of ministery experience? Ask what church or organization they are aligned with. Don't be misled.

Cost: Regardless of cost, your officiant can be very expenisve and that does not relate to quality!  It simply means they overcharge or have you paying their office rent to have a nice "front". You may find a very cheap officiant that also does not relate to quality. Only interviewing them either by phone or in person, asking questions, asking for sampe ceremonies, asking to read their agreement/contact can you then begin to determine if they are qualified,  professional and a good match for you!

Types of Ceremonies offered: Will your officiant perform the ceremony that you desire? non-denominational, civil, secular, readings, poems, unity candle, rose, sand, handfasting for examples? Is this an additional charge or included in the fee?

You and your Officiant can have a wonderful experience, or you may be left very disappointed. I have heard guests, DJ's, caterers, talk about a wonderful ceremony and disasterous ceremonies. Don't let this happen to you.