How to Choose an Officiant at Your Wedding

Choose wisely ... who will be the trusted person to ask you and your partner if you "do"?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Phone Books
• Wedding Rings
• Wedding Licenses

1. Consider the traditions you would like to follow in your ceremony. Will it be a religious ceremony? An interfaith wedding? A civil ceremony?
2. Reflect upon the comfort level you want with the officiant. Will he or she judge you for past mistakes? Will he or she be supportive and enthusiastic about the pending union?
3. Interview prospective candidates. Look for someone who is flexible and receptive to your needs and priorities. Ask about his or her attitudes toward personalized vows, readings and poems.
4. Inquire about wedding requirements, restrictions and fees.
5. Factor in the location of the wedding. If you have decided on an off-site ceremony, will the officiant be able to make it?
6. Ask to see referrals from other couples.
7. Check the officiant's availability on the date of your ceremony.

Tips & Warnings

• Revisit the church or synagogue that you attended as a child.
• Ask friends, family and wedding professionals for recommendations.
• Look in the phone book under "Churches," "Weddings" or specific religions. Call your city hall or marriage license bureau for civil referrals.
• Ask a special person in your life to perform the service. He or she can obtain a minister's license by writing to the Universal Life Church. The process takes one or two days.
• Some churches might require you to join before hosting your wedding. Others will marry nonmembers or rent them space for the wedding.

Who Can Help:

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