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Selecting A Wedding Officiant

The ideal wedding officiant will be your expert on the entire ceremony procedure. He/she will be able to guide you or provide you with sample ceremonies and help adapt the ceremony to fit your specific needs.

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He/she will be able to offer you suggestions on how to include step-parents, siblings and children in your wedding service. The ideal officiant will conduct your rehearsal and guide your entire wedding party through the actual ceremony from start to finish.

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Finally, a good officiant will manage guest control and keep your ceremony running on time. With so much at stake, be sure to choose your officiant carefully and early.

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Here are some key pointers to keep in mind when choosing your wedding officiant or minister:

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  • Do you want a man or a woman to perform your ceremony?

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  • Do you want a civil or a religious service?

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  • Is the officiant available for the date and time you have selected?

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  • Is the officiant willing to perform your ceremony at the wedding location of your choice?

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  • What is the officiant's fee and what does that include? (i.e. are there extra charges for an office visit, rehearsal or travel?)

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  • If possible, interview several officiants in person before making your selection.

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  • Ask to see a copy of the ceremony the officiant will perform. (Both the bride and groom should review it to make sure it is what you want, i.e. verbiage, length, sacredness, etc.)

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  • Is the officiant willing to modify the ceremony to include personally written vows, inclusion of children from a previous marriage, etc?

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  • Does the officiant have any restrictions on interfaith marriages, divorced couples, or interracial couples?

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  • Does the officiant have any restrictions for the wedding photographer or videographer?

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  • Does the officiant require any form of pre-marriage counseling?

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  • Is the officiant willing to work in cooperation with your wedding planner?

 

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5 Critical Mistakes To Avoid Before Selecting Your Officiant

Vows Are Forever Wedding Photo

  • Selecting your officiant based only on price.

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  • Selecting a friend or an associate as your officiant just because they also happen to be a Notary Public.

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  • Not asking to see a printed copy of the officiant's ceremony ahead of time.

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  • Assuming that the officiant you hire is the same officiant who will perform your ceremony.

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  • Not approving the apparel your officiant will wear at your ceremony.

Vows Are Forever

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