Who is Your Officiant?

Your officiant is a very important choice in wedding planning. Photo by Magical Moments Photography.

One of the most important decisions you will make when you are planning your wedding is who will officiate at the ceremony.  After all, the ceremony is the main event and the officiant is a key participant.  So, what are your options and how do you decide?

If you’re getting married in a religious institution, the officiant probably comes with the location.  That is one way to make the decision easy.  When the wedding is at the synagogue where you are a member, the rabbi is going to be there.  When the wedding is at a church you think will be a great backdrop for your photos, the services of the local pastor or priest are probably offered, as well.

But what if you are getting married on the beach or in a back yard or at a cultural institution?  Then there are lots of other options.  You could ask the pastor of your church or your rabbi to officiate, or you could find a local religious institution that can send an officiant.  You can hire an officiant or celebrant who specializes in weddings.  You can ask a friend to get credentials and officiate at your wedding.

Each of these options has both advantages and drawbacks.  Hiring someone for the occasion gives you a lot of flexibility and generally ensures professionalism, but it means you are working with someone who doesn’t know you.  Asking a friend can make for a very personal wedding, but you  have to also trust that the friend will do a good job.  As with everything else in wedding planning, there are options and there are trade-offs.  Think about what works best for you.  And ask your planner or coordinator if you need help.