7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Your Wedding Officiant
Your Wedding Officiant plays a crucial role in one of the most important moments of your life—your ceremony. They set the tone, guide you through your vows, and ensure your marriage is legally recognized.
Yet, many couples make avoidable mistakes when choosing an officiant, leading to unnecessary stress and last-minute regrets.
To help you find the right person for the job, here are seven mistakes you should avoid when hiring your Wedding Officiant.
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute
Wedding Officiants book up fast—especially experienced professionals with great reviews. If you wait until the last minute, you might be left with limited options, or worse, scrambling to find someone who can legally marry you. Book your officiant early, preferably 6–12 months in advance, to secure the person you want.
2. Not Checking Reviews or Experience
Just because someone says they can officiate a wedding doesn’t mean they should officiate your wedding. Look at online reviews, testimonials, and their experience level.
A skilled officiant knows how to create a meaningful, engaging ceremony, handle unexpected situations, and ensure your marriage license is properly processed so that you can obtain your Certified Marriage Certificate.
3. Asking Inappropriate or Personal Questions
Wedding Officiants are professionals, and just like you wouldn’t ask a caterer about their religious beliefs or a photographer about their sexuality, certain questions are off-limits.
Asking personal or intrusive questions—such as “What is your sexuality?” or “What are your personal views on marriage?”—is highly inappropriate and unprofessional.
Instead, focus on questions that matter: Do they have experience with your type of ceremony? Can they personalize your vows? Are they legally registered to officiate in your state?
4. Not Discussing Ceremony Expectations
Some couples assume the officiant will just “figure it out,” only to realize too late that their vision doesn’t align. Do you want a traditional ceremony or something unique? Do you want religious elements or a completely secular script?
Be clear about your expectations upfront to ensure your officiant is a good fit for your style and preferences.
5. Choosing the Cheapest Option Over Quality
Your Wedding Officiant isn’t just someone reading a script—they create the moment that binds you and your partner in marriage.
Opting for the cheapest person available can result in a lackluster ceremony. While budget is important, consider the officiant’s professionalism, experience, and ability to create a memorable ceremony before making a decision based on cost alone.
6. Forgetting to Ask About Legal Requirements
Before hiring your Wedding Officiant, confirm that they have the proper credentials to make your marriage legally binding.
For example, in New York City, officiants must be registered with the City Clerk’s Office to legally perform weddings in the five boroughs.
Just because someone is ordained doesn’t automatically mean they can legally marry you in every location. Each state—and sometimes even specific counties or cities—may have different requirements.
Additionally, clarify who will be responsible for filing the marriage license after the ceremony. Some officiants take care of this for you, while others may require you to handle it yourself. The last thing you want is a paperwork mistake delaying the legality of your marriage!
7. Not Meeting/Speaking with Your Officiant Beforehand
Would you hire a DJ without hearing them play or book a photographer without seeing their portfolio? Your wedding officiant is no different.
A consultation—whether in person, over the phone, or via video call—allows you to gauge their personality, professionalism, and ability to bring your vision to life.
Finding the right Wedding Officiant is an essential part of your wedding planning. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your ceremony is seamless and legally sound.
Choose someone who is professional, experienced, and aligned with your vision—without crossing personal boundaries.
If you're looking for a seasoned, professional Wedding Officiant who will make your elopement or wedding ceremony unforgettable, let’s chat! I’d love to help bring your wedding vision to life.
