“Only one person will  have the privilege of proclaiming you Husband and Wife. I would love to be that person.” – Christina McInerney

Deciding on a ceremony celebrant for your big day might be a challenging task. When you are getting married within your religious organization or synagogue, your decision is easy.–you take whatever they provide you with, usually. However possibly you do not participate in a church yet need a heartfelt ceremony which expresses your individual beliefs. If you’re like lots of brides- and grooms-to-be, you would like innovative other options to a traditional cookie-cutter wedding ceremony.

You deserve to have your wedding ceremony be like no other and to create a comfortable and personal relationship with your officiant. With the rise in popularity of out-of-church-weddings, lots of people are hanging out their shingles calling themselves “wedding officiants”. Be warned, for you don’t want a beginner handling this aspect of your big day. If the floral designer or photographer does not come, it is unlucky, however the day can go on. If your celebrant does not show–you’ve got Big problems. Ask a number of your recently married friends for advice. Or, type in the name of your state or city followed by wedding celebrant (e.g. Minnesota marriage officiant) into a google search and you will get a lot of strikes. Look for someone with an established presence, who issues agreements and has a reasonably innovative website. These are excellent clues that the person or organization is secure and is going to be around for your wedding ceremony. After that follow these recommendations when you meet with a potential celebrant.

Once you meet with them (or converse on the telephone) do they exude a relaxing presence? Will their vitality fit in with what you are seeking for your ceremony? Do they come across as being enthusiastic about executing wedding ceremonies? Are they enthusiastic about finding out your own story? If you realise you are smiling, or nodding in agreement as the officiant speaks to you, what a very good sign that your marriage ceremony will be one that you will contentedly remember for many years.

Will he or she assist you to craft a ceremony with no restrictions–including all of your thoughts?

Could they be thorough and simple to know in explaining the ceremony-writing procedure to you? Have you been clear on how it all works, the reservation process, the number of meetings you will have with each other, timeframes, etc? You will want an celebrant who describes things easily and clearly so there won’t be any confusion on your wedding day.

Does the celebrant view your wedding ceremony as the heart of the wedding day–a celebration instead of just a approved ritual?

Does the officiant honor all spiritual beliefs (or lack thereof) as well as look at their primary role as that of facilitator of your ceremony?

Is he or she daring of spirit and willing to try non-traditional things? Ask them to recount an example or two of creative details they’ve integrated into ceremonies.

Is he or she a proficient writer and a dynamic speaker? Is their speaking voice attractive to the ear and free from pauses, “ums” and annoying terms such as “you know,” “like,” and “OK.”

Is the officiant a one-man/woman show or is she or he part of an organization? If they are alone, do they have a back-up in case of a crisis?

Do they provide more than one level of service so that they can provide your requirements and budget or is it “one size fits all?”

Do they have a wealth of written options for you to use in your ceremony?

What exactly are their pre-marital counselling requirements, if any?

Is their charge in writing? What extra costs, if any, might apply over and above the initial fee? Are the settlement terms reasonable to you?

Possibly there is pressure to upgrade to some more pricey level of service (perhaps including items you have no need for)? Do they attempt to have you book on the spot, hinting that they probably are not available for your date if you don’t book instantly? Or will they give you the opportunity to return home, talk about it and get back to them?

Is he or she a specialist wedding ceremony celebrant, or is officiating ceremonies his or her part time business? Are they wedding ceremony professionals or will they divert their focus to additional wedding services? You don’t want your officiant also serving as your DJ or your bartender, do you?

Just how long have they been in business? Have they got an itemized contract? Which are the agreement terms?

Is he or she willing to provide you with the benefit of his or her experience with what has worked and not worked previously, and then leave a final decision up to you?

Are they knowledgeable about their state’s marriage license procedures and will they advise you on the process of acquiring your permit?

Primarily, what does your instinct tell you whenever you talk with this person? If it feels correct, then you’ve probably found the best fit for you.