The Ultimate Guide for Wedding Officiants

Written By B Rad

It is a true honor to be asked to officiate a wedding. Yes, a wedding celebration has a lot of focus on the party side of the day (reception). Buttttttt the reason friends and family gather is because of the unity of two people, which begins with the most important part of the day, the ceremony.

First and foremost, officiants need to understand the wants and needs of the couple. Having a meeting with them to understand what they like vs. what they don't like in a wedding ceremony is quite important. We are a tad bit traditional around here and always love when the officiant pulls together the ceremony script themselves. We prefer that the Bride and Groom are surprised! 

Below is a list of tips/tricks and helpful hints for officiants!

Planning Meeting: Let's get started! The below questions are important items to know before putting "pen to paper"

  • How long do you envision the ceremony?

  • Do you want any religion incorporated?

  • Do you want to pay respects to anyone? 

  • Will there be any readings from other individuals?

  • Do you want to do a unity ceremony?

  • Will you read your own vows?

Preparing the wedding script: A ceremony flow is as follows (remember, you can customize! but this is a great starting point).

  • The processional 

  • The  opening and welcome

  • Any readings, songs, prayers, etc.

  • Expression of intent (the “I dos”)

  • Vows 

  • Ring exchange 

  • Pronouncement 

  • The kiss 

  • The recessional

Wedding Rehearsal: Practice makes perfect...

  • If there is not a coordinator/planner present you should take the lead on rehearsal. The group needs to practice walking in and where they will stand and then the officiant should go through the sections of the script it order. No need to read word for word but it is good to know "this happens before this"

  • Practice handing the rings from the best man to the couple

  • Practice the first kiss!

  • If the couple is doing their own vows, who will have the vow books? Will you hand to them? Who is going first? 

  • Have the witnesses sign the marriage certificate after you rehearse... One less thing to think about post ceremony is a good idea.

Wedding Day: Let's do this thing!

  • Arrive early! At least 1 hour before the ceremony and check in with the coordinator, and DJ. The DJ will want to do a sound check with you

  • Remember, you are the only one who knows what you prepared! If you skip a sentence NO ONE WILL KNOW

  • Step out of the way BEFORE you tell the couple to kiss 

  • Don't disappear after the ceremony, grab a picture with the couple!

  • **If you forgot to have the witnesses sign the license at the rehearsal, you need to ensure that happens. PLUS, YOU the officiant need to sign so the marriage is official! YAY!

Post Wedding: Congrats you did it!

  • Send the marriage certificate into the county clerk (instructions will be with the licences)

B Rad
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