Hello Wedding Officiants,

I need your help!  I'm preparing a blog post that will be published next month, which will be called: 10 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Wedding Officiant.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on what those questions should be.  I'll pick the 10 best questions.  If I choose your question, I'll be sure to mention your business name and link to your website.  So, this is a great way for you to get a ton of free exposure for your business.  

Here's what I need you to do...

  1. In the discussion thread below, please share one question that engaged couples should ask when interviewing a potential wedding officiant.  You may also include a beautiful photo. 
  2. Be sure to include your business name as well as a link to your website and/or blog.

Thanks in advance for your help.  I can't wait to hear what you have to say!

Christine Dyer, Creator and Founder of BridalTweet

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This is the final question. It is the question you need to ask each other after you have met an officiant.  

Does this officiant "get us?"  Do we feel seen by them, heard by them, resonant with them, a heart connection?  If you answer "yes"  then they are the right officiant for you!

Susan Turchin

Creating and Officiating Personalized Wedding Ceremonies

212-995-0801

Celebrant.NYC

JoyousWeddings@gmail.com

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How often will we meet?

Do you want an officiant who will consult with you or simply show up to perform the ceremony? Most marrieds-to-be want the officiant to run the rehearsal. Is he or she available by phone or e-mail if you have questions? Some members of the clergy require couples to have counseling before they will marry them. If that's the case, make sure you are given a clear schedule that isn't overwhelming.

Hope MacFarland

On the Pond Marriage Services

onthepondmarriageservices@gmail.com

207-358-9838

Maine

Do I need to remember anything?
Basically, the answer is “no” unless you wish to. We understand you will be tired and nervous all at once when you finally get to the ceremony part of your celebration. Normally the officiant will feed you your lines and please remember look at each other when saying the vows, not at the officiant. 
Jacqueline Soares
Wedding Offiiciant
idotoday.com
714.625.7841

Magic Moments Weddings

Maureen A. Davis

Officiant

Do you have an officiant that has a number of different ceremonies to offer you and can the one you like be altered to how you want it to be?

Couples always want their ceremony to be unique and suited to their personalities, not a cookie cutter ceremony.

 http://www.maureendavisweddingofficiantllc.com

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These are all great!  Thank you so much and keep them coming!

"Do you keep a back-up Officiant available, just in case of an emergency? If so, how do we get in touch with them?"

A very important question to ask and used to compare, as some Officiants do not always offer a "Plan B". What if some personal emergency prevents them from performing your ceremony; who will they, the couple or your planner call? Several times in the last few years, an Officiant either cancelled or simply did not show up for a wedding in our area. Also, sometimes when "Uncle Phil" promises to get ordained online and officiate, he may suddenly get cold feet a few weeks prior (often with little or no notice to make find another Officiant).

We were often called upon with short or a moment's notice to fill-in, often under very stressful circumstances for the couple. That is because we are a large Officiant agency who always keeps at least one Officiant unassigned, but available, to step in at a moments notice. Some Officiants also have colleagues who serve as a back-up, or belong to local groups / association that will coordinate and offer the same service. Ultimately, the whole purpose behind asking if your Officiant offers a "Plan B" is so that each couple can rest assured that they WILL have a qualified Officiant to perform their ceremony on their wedding day!

Chris Eppards @ Indy Wedding Officiants

I think the most important question to ask your officiant is if that person is in compliance with Local and State laws.  There is more to it than just obtaining a Marriage License.  Every State has laws regarding who can legally perform marriages.  I would suggest that the couple obtain a copy of their State Law before interviewing an Officiant.  Many States have disallowed those who have been ordained from the internet.  There have also been several court cases were marriages were ruled void by the courts. 

Do your homework in your State before you have your interview.

Reverend Giovanni Weddings

www.revgiovanni.com

weddings@revgiovanni.com

When interviewing a prospective officiant (religious or civil), couples should ask, "May we personalize our ceremony?" 

Some couples like to include his/her/their children or pets.  Some may/may not want a prayer.  Some may/may not want to write their own vows.  Some may want to include a bit of (tasteful) humor.  Some may want to honor their parents or grandparents.  Some may want to find a way to include deceased relatives or friends. 

Look for an officiant who is willing to work with you until YOUR ceremony is "just perfect!"

NancyT@BarefootWeddings.com

Sarasota, FL

941-952-1440

The most important question I think that couples should ask a potential wedding officiant is:

Will you perform OUR ceremony, or will you perform YOUR ceremony?  

It's an important philosophical point.  I believe the best wedding ceremonies are those which reflect the couple's beliefs, thoughts, and feelings about love and about marriage.  The creation of the ceremony should not only include the couple at every turn, but involve them as well.  It's of vital importance that a couple is able to connect with their officiant, and be confident that their ceremony will not only be performed well, but be reflective of them.

Reverend Paul Costello

Creating and Performing Romantic and Spiritual Ceremonies Throughout the Philadelphia Region

Weddings by Paul

Email me anytime!

One of the most important questions to ask  a prospective Officiant would be. "Can we have our ceremony the way we want it? In other words, do you allow us to be as unconventional or as traditional as we want to be?"

I say this because, not everyone wants the "Wedding by numbers" ceremony. I have met couples whose ceremony turn tradition on it head. I advise our couples to make sure that the ceremony, including the vows; speaks to who they are as individual and as a couple. 

Donna Scott  bridegroomnotary@yahoo.com

A Bride, A Groom, A Notary LLC

The  couple   should  always  ask  will you marry us  with  your ceremony or  Our ceremony and are you legal as  some  online  Ordinations aren't  in some states

Many couples  want  to personalize and  Customize   their ceremony and  do not  want  Do you Do you you arn husband and wife  the kiss and it is ove 

(i have over  350 variations of the wedding ceremony as well as  40 yearseperience  and  I  tell my couples   this  is  your show and  My job is to make  you the stars shine. so yes  I completely customize and personalize your ceremony  to your   satisfaction ( within reason)  and  the  couple  approves  the  ceremony before  the  wedding date so they know  exactly what they are  receievieng 

and  I have  numerous  reviews on my website www.A Wedding by Bill.com

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So you just copied what I, and a few others, wrote, while adding your own advertisement?  Pretty weak.

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