When most couples think of their wedding day they often focus on the
reception. We all tend to get caught up in that part of the day, but don’t
forget about the actual ceremony, that’s the reason we are celebrating! I
have always believed that wedding ceremonies should not be something to
endure before the party starts, but instead be enjoyable and meaningful for
all involved.
I personally like to structure ceremonies in a way that will not just hold the
attention of the guests, but also allow the couple to have fun. You should
never be bored at your own wedding! I take the time to discover what
matters most to my couples, guiding them through the process, to deliver a
ceremony that represents their personalities, wants, and needs. But
regardless of the type of wedding ceremony you envision, you’re going to
need to hire a wedding officiant. This can look different depending on what
route you’re heading towards, but here are a few key things to know before
you choose!
Whether you are planning an elopement or a full-scale wedding
experience, officiants play a vital role. Most couples having a church
ceremony will have their officiant provided by the church, making the
process a little bit easier. However, if you don’t have someone in mind, it’s
important to do your research and find someone through a credible source.
Your venue will typically have a preferred vendor list they can provide you.
But even if recommended, make sure to have a meeting to ensure they are
the right fit for you.
Research and/or get recommendations from friends and family members
who have gotten married to help find your match. Ask your married friends
where they found their officiant and what they thought of her/him. Friends
often have tons of honest insight when it comes to the overall process of
finding an officiant. Aside from industry pros, your closest married friends
are often your best resource when planning your big day.
Consider your ceremony style, and what you are looking for in an officiant.
You might not know where to begin, and that’s okay, a competent officiant
will be able to give you suggestions and guidance. Are you good with a
simple 1 Corinthians "Love is patient, Love is kind" kind-of thing? Or do you
want a completely personalized script tailored to your love story? Read
online reviews and talk to the officiant to get an idea of how much
personalization they do, or do not, offer. Ask to run through the process
with how they’ve done ceremonies in the past. This will give you some
good insight if they are a good match. Whether you're obsessed with the
ceremony, or simply want to get it over with so you can move on to cocktail
hour, it's important you choose an officiant you click with above all else.
Remember, this person will be a part of your love story forever, and it's
their responsibility to set the overall tone for your event. Your officiant may
only have one fairly quick job, but in so many ways it's the most important
job of the entire day.
Make sure to ask questions! You may have questions that are important to
you, or the type of ceremony you are looking to create. Don’t be afraid to
ask as many as you need! A good officiant will gladly answer all your
questions... even some you never knew you had! Some of the questions I
recommend asking are...
How long have they been an officiant?
What are their fees?
Is there a travel charge to the chosen venue?
How long is the typical ceremony? Is it customizable?
Do I have to include religion?
Do they run a rehearsal? Is it recommended to have one?
Who takes their place in case of emergency?
Are they licensed to solemnize weddings in the province of Ontario?
This is very important! Make sure they are able to, and that they will file your
marriage license following the ceremony.
Choosing an officiant is just like working with any other wedding vendor.
Having a good relationship and trusting them is key! I can't put enough
emphasis on the importance of taking the time to find a wedding officiant
who's right for you. You’ll be glad you did!
Rev. Maureen McLellan
Wedding Officiant at iMARRYu.ca
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