If you want to know how to hire an officiant for a wedding, consider four tips. We will help you select through numerous officiants to help you find the best one for your wedding.
We will also guide you on what to expect from wedding officiants to help you understand their responsibilities and how to work with them for the wedding. And regarding the expenses, you can read how much to pay the wedding officiant.
How To Book An Officiant For A Wedding
Consider the type of wedding you want to have
- When hiring a wedding officiant, you want to know what type of wedding you want to have; there are secular and religious officiants, so you must select someone who can perform the kind of ceremony you will have
- Be aware of different kinds of weddings and the officiant that must perform them; the venue of the ceremony may also request a specific type of ordained person
- Please talk with your partner in case they have a specific officiant that they want to do your wedding
- Clarify the officiant you want to have if they are affiliated with specific organizations, especially if you want a secular wedding or a non-religious wedding
- Plan the appropriate officiant to hire, primarily if you and your partner have different religions
You can read what is a secular wedding if you want a non-religious ceremony.
Research and compare officiants
- Once you have the type of marriage you want to have, you can start researching and comparing the officiants who can perform the ceremony you want to have
- Ask for recommendations from family and friends; you can also ask the officiant they had in their weddings, or if you have a religious organization, you may want a specific person to perform your wedding
- Check the credentials of the various officiants you’re having; they should be licensed or ordained, and can legally conduct a union
- Your officiant should also be registered in your state to avoid issues later on
- Select officiants that you think have the same values as yours; they should be easy to work with when planning your dream ceremony
Meet with your prospective officiant
- After you shorten your list or decide on the officiant you want to conduct your wedding, set a meeting to talk with them and ask your questions
- Confirm with the officiant if they have the same outlook regarding marriage and weddings
- Check if the officiant is someone who can speak clearly and you can imagine will perform the ceremony with confidence and some levity
- Please get to know your wedding officiant on a more personal level to work with them more comfortably
- Discuss the requirements and planning obligations you must accomplish, such as pre-marital counseling, and training sessions, to name a few
Discuss expectations with your officiant
- Before getting married, be aware of the questions you must ask your officiant to ensure a smooth relationship
- Ask if they can perform your wedding in your venue and if they’re available on your date and time
- Clarify the events you want to incorporate in your wedding ceremony and learn if they have restrictions; you may also work with your officiant and personalize the ceremony
- Consider asking about the officiant’s experience with weddings and their expectations regarding the type you’re having; share your expectations as well
- Discuss the contract and fees with the officiant; the fee varies with every officiant and while some might not ask for any fee, consider donating instead
Can Anyone Officiate A Wedding?
When choosing wedding officiants and selecting who to hire, understand that the person you choose should be legally allowed to perform the ceremony.
People who are ordained
Anyone can officiate a wedding if they are ordained, and the state where you’re getting married can grant permission to the person you choose. In addition, you can have an adult relative or friend deputized by the state or the governor, depending on the state.
Most states in the US also recognize people ordained through the Internet by nondenominational and interfaith groups. But of course, accomplish the requirements and fee to ensure that the union performed by the person will be valid.
However, note that some places may not recognize marriages if it’s not by an officiant from a religious group or a public official. To avoid issues, check with your local country clerk to know the jurisdiction.
Religious and non-religious officiants
If you don’t want to go through paperwork and various processes to get someone ordained or don’t want to feel uncertain, then find a religious or non-religious officiant to perform your ceremony. If you wish to have a non-religious or secular wedding, you can check with a judge, Justice of Peace, depending on who’s allowed to officiate in your state.
But if you and your partner have the same religion, you can talk with your minister, priest, or rabbi. And if you’re interested or guiding a relative or friend to officiate your wedding, read how to be a wedding officiant as it’s not only about getting ordained.
Conclusion
And that’s it! You just learned how to hire an officiant for a wedding in four tips.
First, know the type of wedding you’re having and research the proper officiants for it. Then, meet with your chosen officiant and discuss the expectations.
To ensure a valid and legal union, check with the laws in your state.