What to Look for in a Celebrant/Wedding Officiant

When I first talk to a prospective client either on the phone or in person, I feel it’s important to explain to the couple (among many other things) exactly what my services encompass and, as a Celebrant, what sets me apart from other wedding officiants. So here’s my advice on questions to ask and what to look for when choosing your wedding officiant.

First, are some obvious questions
-- is the officiant available on your scheduled wedding date and if you want a rehearsal, is the officiant available for the rehearsal
--will the officiant travel to your event location
-- how much experience does the officiant have with the type of ceremony you are looking for
--does the officiant offer an initial consultation at no charge, or is there a fee for their time
--besides the charge for writing/ presiding over the ceremony, are there any additional fees for travel, filing the required legal paperwork, etc.
--will the officiant bring sample ceremonies to the initial consultation
--does the officiant provide a back-up in the event of an emergency, and if so, whom??
--how do you “book” the officiant – is a deposit and a signed contract required.
--will you be able to write your own vows, or use your own readings, music or rituals
--how much can you be involved with planning the ceremony rituals, reading the ceremony draft, and editing if you feel necessary


If possible, I think it’s always best to meet the officiant. There’s no substitute for a meeting in the flesh. Ask the officiant to bring his/her credentials to the meeting so you’ll know if they are legal to perform marriages.

After the consultation, ask yourself the following:
--did you feel comfortable with the person,
--did they have a nice manner and speaking voice
--did they listen to your needs and respond appropriately.

In summary, is this someone with whom you would like to work with, someone you feel confident would create a ceremony that would represent you as a couple on your wedding day? In the end, you’ll want to choose someone who will conduct your ceremony in a way that’s comfortable to you, and your partner or family.