How to Hire the Best Wedding Officiant

Most couples feel generally unprepared when meeting with me for the first time because they aren't sure what questions they should be asking.

If you're like me, you want to know you're making the best decision, especially for an event as special as your wedding day.

Here is a great list of questions you can have on-hand so you can feel prepared when you're interviewing for your wedding officiant and confident when you make your decision.

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The Officiant

Photography by Kamo Velandia

• Are you available on my wedding date?
• How many weddings have you officiated? 
• What made you want to become a wedding officiant?
• Will you perform a non-denominational wedding ceremony or a religious wedding ceremony?
  
• Do you perform same-sex marriages?
• Do you have a written contract?
  • Do you require a deposit?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
• What is your fee?
  • What services are included (customizations, rehearsal, unity ceremony)?
  • Will you charge extra for travel expenses or the wedding rehearsal?
  • Do you offer any discounts (military, etc.)?
• Have you ever been late to or missed a wedding?
• What’s the backup plan if you get sick?
• What is your official attire for the wedding day?
• If the wedding is out of town, are you willing to travel?
• Will you attend the wedding rehearsal?
• Do you require any pre-marital counseling or a religious class?
• How many pre-wedding meetings will we have with you?
• Are you available for questions if we have any leading up to the wedding day?

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Your Ceremony

Photography by Kamo Velandia

• Typically, how long does the ceremony last?
• For interfaith marriages: Can another officiant of the other faith participate in the service?
• Can we see a copy of the wedding ceremony script prior to the wedding?
• Will you incorporate some light-hearted humor if we request it?
• Can you do personalized rituals within the ceremony, such as a Handfasting Ceremony, Rose Ceremony, Unity Candle Ceremony, or Sand Ceremony?
• Can you provide unity ceremony scripts?
• Do you know where we could purchase handfasting cords?
• May we write our own vows? If so, will you offer guidance?
• Can family members/friends participate in the service (readings, prayers, songs, etc.)?
• Do you have any suggestions for how we can incorporate our children/stepchildren into the ceremony?

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After the Ceremony

Photography by Kamo Velandia

• When and where will we sign the marriage license?
• How many witnesses do we need to sign the marriage license, if any?
  • Are there any requirements regarding who can be a witness?
• After the ceremony, who will be responsible for returning the license to the county?
• How will we get the marriage certificate after the license is returned?

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