I admit, choosing an officiant for your wedding is like choosing your DJ, photographer, florist, baker… It's TOUGH. There are so many great vendors in all of these categories, and, if you're like me, you don't really know how to choose the person that's just right for you and your beloved. What makes them different, other than price? How do you know if that person can help make your dream wedding come true?
Well, Reverend Mary Riley, a local officiant, sent out a helpful email newsletter with some key questions to ask a wedding officiant. We thought it was so great that you might want to know these, so, with her permission, we're posting them here!
Key questions to ask when selecting your wedding officiant/minister | |
 | |
1. Is the officiant/minister available on your wedding day?
2. Can the officiant/minister travel to your chosen wedding site?
3. If you don't have a site/venue, can the officiant/minister suggest one?
4. What are the officiant/minister fees, what does it include, does the officiant/minister charge for a rehearsal, travel time or a Unity, Rose or Sand ceremony to be added to your ceremony?
5. How long has the officiant/minister been preforming weddings? Why does he/she do them?
6. Does the officiant have sample wording, readings or vows to show you?
7. Will the officiant/minister let you specify ceremony detail such as music, readings and vows? Can you include religious touches if desired?
8. Is the officiant/minister available for ceremony rehearsal?
9. Does the officiant make you comfortable? Does he or she seem genuinely interested in you as a couple?
10. Be sure you like and respect your officiant/minister and that the feeling is mutual. | |
These are helpful tips to keep in mind when you meet with possible wedding officiants. We also recommend evaluating them based on personality–for example, if you are a funny couple and want your guests to be entertained during the ceremony, then pick someone who is outgoing and can crack jokes. If you are looking for a more serious ceremony, then choose someone more solemn. We always recommend meeting with three possible officiants to see if you're compatible!
Thanks, again, to Reverend Mary Riley for sharing these helpful tips! She's available in the Phoenix area and travels all over Arizona to perform wedding ceremonies.
