What to consider when hiring an officiant

We emailed a few officiants in the city we are getting married in so we didn't have to pay for mileage fees. They all emailed back and were available on our date but the one we chose was the only one that asked us to tell her about ourselves. So it seemed like she was actually interested in us.

For us it was mainly price, and then also make sure they don't have any catches like milage fees. Oh, and yes you have to make sure they will "look right". For us we wanted a male officiant that was older so he looked like he knew what he was doing

Plus we wanted somebody who could do a quick ceremony and won't drag it out.

Congratulations!

For us it came down to a final 2, that we met for coffee. A few things swayed our decision.

Personality was a big thing, both were qualified with great reviews and same price. So when we met, it was really about how we "vibed" with them and if we felt comfortable etc. The first one we met was quite "bossy" and dominated the conversation, the second asked us questions and generally chatted to us. However I will add that the first officiant did appear more confident in what she does (while sounding bossy) and the second seemed to be a bit nervous. I think we chalked it up to years of experience.

FH and I want a not so legalize rigid traditional ceremony, we want it to be light hearted and full of our love story. (Obviously you have to do the standard legal things but) so the first officiant had been doing weddings for 25+ years, had her standard template for ceremonies and wasn't willing to budge on how it went down because what she did worked for her. Fair enough. The second officiant was flexible, asked us our vision for the ceremony and also writes a little love story to open with based on a few questions regarding our relationship answered beforehand! That immediately won us over.

So ultimately we went with someone willing to be more flexible and adaptable over years of experience and a set agenda.

How you get along with them personality-wise.. and gut feeling. What we've done with most of our vendors, including officiants, is to look for the ones with a lot of reviews and recommendations, and fits our budget. Then we meet them for coffee and a chat to see how we get along with our vision of the wedding. There's always someone who will stand out based on your gut feeling

For us personality was a big thing. When we first met our officiant we could not stop laughing, and he was just a genuine down to earth guy.

This is very important as they have the most important role on your wedding day. You want to make sure its someone that you can connect with on some level, have the same beliefs and will make the ceremony what you want!

Religious or non-religious wording/phrasing in the service you want to have.

There are many choices given as to a reading that can be read and vows if being written or going with one chosen of the packages.

This is all based on how FH and yourself comfortable too with the Officiant too. It will matter since you want to be able to communicate by email or phone if needed for any other information inquired. Also ask the marriage license to be handed beforehand or at the venue to that Officiant.

I would want to meet them to see if you click with them personality wise, if they have same views or are willing to do it the way you would like (no religion or with religion), if there is anything special you want said, your budget, what there fee's include- will the come to rehearsal night before, will they go over what they are saying with you prior and tell you what to expect etc.