Wedding planning is full of big decisions for couples about to get married. This includes the person you want to be with you at the altar when you exchange vows and say “I do.”
At weddings, bridesmaids and groomsmen typically stand by the couple during the ceremony. The officiant is responsible for leading the ceremony from start to finish.
When choosing a host, there are several routes couples can take.
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Couples can choose a civil wedding officiant such as a judge or magistrate, a religious officiant such as a pastor or priest, or a couple can choose a professional officiant to lead the wedding ceremony.
In the wedding industry, there is a growing trend for couples to choose close friends and family members to officiate their wedding.
A family member or friend can be ordained online and officiate the wedding. (St. Petersburg)
For couples who choose this route, there are a few steps you need to take to help friends and family perform this task.
Essential information for your wedding website
Here are some things to keep in mind when you are asked to officiate a wedding.
- Check your local government registration requirements
- receive ordination
- plan accordingly
- Brush up on your public speaking skills
- Don't forget to register your marriage
1. Check your local government registration requirements
First and foremost, it's important to check your state's requirements for officiating a wedding.
Registration requirements vary by state, so you should do your research properly beforehand to avoid problems later.
To gather basic information about your state's requirements, you can perform an online search.
When preparing to officiate your wedding, be sure to check your state's requirements. (St. Petersburg)
Please contact your city or county clerk's office for more information on the necessary steps.
2. Receive ordination
To officiate a wedding, you must first be ordained.
In many states, the ordination process is very simple, requiring just a few clicks online, with a fee and a few days to process.
Some states have one-day wedding officiant certification programs. This is perfect for family and friends who want to officiate their loved one's wedding, but don't plan on officiating anyone else in the future.
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To get ordained online, Universal Life Church and American Marriage Ministries are common places to check.
3. Plan accordingly
It is a great honor to be asked to officiate a wedding.
Make sure you are putting in the time and effort necessary to do the job.
As the officiant, you'll want to meet with the couple several times before the big day to get an idea of how they want the wedding to go.
Wedding preparations take months. This includes meeting with the couple and understanding their wishes for the day. (St. Petersburg)
4. Improve your public speaking skills
During the actual ceremony, the officiant must give a long speech in front of a large number of people.
Before the big day, brush up on your public speaking skills to make yourself as comfortable as possible.
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Do it often during the ceremony and take the opportunity to practice in front of others if possible.
5. Don't forget your marriage license
The celebrant is traditionally responsible for ensuring that the marriage license is submitted.
When a marriage license becomes valid varies by state.
For example, in Tennessee, it is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
In Massachusetts, that magic number is 60 days, while in California it's 90 days.
As an officiant, ensure that the couple obtains their wedding permit within the appropriate time frame. Additionally, make sure your license is properly filed after the ceremony. (St. Petersburg)
As a wedding officiant, look at the timeline for the state in which the couple chooses to get married to remind them that this is the thing to do.
A marriage license is a document signed by spouses, an officiant, and witnesses in a particular state that legally authorizes a couple to marry.
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The officiant is usually responsible for ensuring that this document is properly stored after the ceremony.
