A wedding officiant can make or break your ceremony. An uncaring or unprofessional officiant can sometimes spoil the whole day. Even so, when it comes to finding an officiant, most couples simply focus on two things:
– Are you available on our date?
– How much is your fee?
So, if I may, I would like to suggest an approach to choosing an officiant.
Spend some time talking with your prospective officiant. Does he/she sound nice? Easy to work with? Does he/she have a pleasant speaking voice? Is there a photo of the person that you can view – perhaps online? Is the officiant focused on pleasing you, or will you be expected to “do as you’re told?” Does the officiant have any objections to your location, music plans, plans for pictures or video, etc. What experience does this person have, and can you get references if you want them? Some officiants are basically traditional Christian ministers – others like myself are interfaith ministers, that perform the ceremony of your choosing. It’s not a matter of one being better than the other – but only of matching where you’re coming from with your officiant’s style, and the ceremony offered.
Regardless of background the words she/he will speak over you are lifetime words and need to fit for the two of you. The ceremonies she/he offers should be words you want spoken over you. The ceremony fitting your life style, having freedom to add things that make this day special for the two of you.
I hope this helps. Choosing the officiant is a big decision with important consequences.
Your officiant and your ceremony are the two key components in your entire day, and the least expensive of all.
I’d like to say one thing about the issue of price. Keep your perspective. Think about the total cost of your wedding ... if you save $100. on your officiant by shopping around, how significant will that be in five or ten years? Remember, it’s not like renting a car. You need to invest some time in the interview process – but in the end, you’ll be glad you did. Not all officiants are created equal. Good luck and best wishes for your big day! If I can help you, please call me.
Here's an example of part of my ceremony:
Real love is something beyond the warmth and glow, the excitement and romance of being deeply in love. It is caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about your own. But real love is not total absorption in each other; it is looking outward in the same direction – together. Love makes burdens lighter, because you divide them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger so you can reach out and become involved with life in ways you dared not risk alone.
When we speak of love we are not speaking of love, as this world knows it, that love is selfish and often subject to change. The love we want in this union is not based on feelings but rather on a decision to see one another and treat one another as valuable and precious all the days of your lives. May this love be the law by which your marriage is conducted and fulfilled.
