10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Ceremony Officiant

Before the big day, you will meet with your ceremony officiant or potential officiants to discuss the ceremony and any pre-ceremony requirements - and ultimately decide if the three of you want to work together. It’s best to come prepared with some questions to help you determine whether s/he is open to your ideas. Here are 10 must-ask questions to help you get started:

1) Are there any pre-wedding requirements, such as counseling?
2) What is the ceremony fee?
3) Is the officiant open to any personal ideas for ceremony? For instance, is he or she open to non-secular wedding vows, wedding ceremony readings or wedding songs?
4) Will the officiant give a sermon or a speech?
5) Will you have input in the ceremony, and will you be allowed to review the sermon or speech beforehand?
6) Are there any ceremony site restrictions such as flash photography, videography, music, dress code, decor, tossing items?
7) What items does the ceremony site/officiant provide, and what must you bring yourself? (pews, isle runners, microphone, etc.)
8) What will officiant wear?
9) What time will he/she be available for rehearsal?
10) Should you bring your marriage license to the ceremony, or will you sign it beforehand?

Looking for advice to help you plan your ceremony? This complete wedding ceremony guide has everything you need to know - from suggestions for unique ceremony sites, to creative ways to personalize your ceremony.