All You Ever Wanted to Know About Wedding Officiants

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Wedding Officiants

You can often get an idea of the flavor, preparedness, flexibility and even appearance of a popular local officiant.When should you book an officiant?Some officiants book early. If you're really particular about whom you want to do the service and can't budge on the date, try to book more than six months in advance. Some couples book a year ahead.How much do officiants charge?A minister at your own church may not charge anything at all, but may accept donations. In that case, a $100-200 donation is about average. Ask the minister yourself if there's any doubt.An officiant you engage yourself will set his or her own rates. Rates generally range from $250-600, but some well-known officiants may charge more.Do we send an invitation?By custom, you invite your officiant to your rehearsal dinner as a guest. You also invite the officiant and his or her spouse to your reception with a formal invitation, just like other guests. Unless the officiant is an old family friend, he or she may decline to stay, but an invitation is proper. You aren't expected to invite the officiant's children.Can you use a friend as an officiant?It's done all the time, and can make weddings very personal. A father, mother, or the friend who introduced you can make for an amazing event. Be sure to pick someone comfortable speaking in front of large crowds, and brush up on your state's laws and licensing requirements. Here's a good site to begin your research:www.northernway.org/marriagelaws.htmlYour chosen friend or family member can become ordained "instantly and online" at the Universal Life Church, which in some areas will enable them to perform legal weddings. Again, be sure of your state's laws. Many times, ministers ordained by ULC will also have to register in their state and obtain a license before they can practice. Call your local county clerk for clarification.Universal Life Church: www.ulc.orgDo I meet with the officiant before or after booking, and what should I expect at the meeting?Ideally, an officiant will allow a "getting to