To find a wedding officiant who is perfect for your big day can be a very involved process. Your wedding ceremony is one of the most important events of your life and a day that you will remember forever. Needless to say, you will want to find someone who will oversee and perform the wedding exactly to your specifications. There are several different options available to you.
A Justice of the Peace can be contacted by calling the county clerk’s office in the location where your marriage license will be obtained. They will provide you with a list you can choose from. Make sure that the Justice of the Peace that you choose is legally certified to perform a wedding. Call a few and engage them in conversation. Try to find out if they have a personality that is suited for the type of wedding you want them to perform.
For people wanting to get married quickly without a lot of fanfare, getting married at City Hall could be a viable option. It will be necessary to call ahead and make an appointment. The ceremony will most likely only be a few minutes, so if you want to savor the moment of being married, this option is not for you.
The Universal Life Church offers a wonderful alternative to these options. They help people get ordained online for free every day. It is a very quick and easy process. Conan O’Brien even got ordained on his show using the Universal Life Church. They service all organized religions, so no matter what your faith is, you will be able to get ordained online. The ability to get ordained online will allow the couple the ultimate customization of having a friend or family member perform the wedding ceremony legally. A friend or family member can get ordained online in a matter of minutes. What could be better than having a loved one be your wedding officiant?
The laws regarding wedding officiants can vary widely from state to state, so it is advisable to search online or call the county clerk to find out exactly what is required in your state to make your marriage legal. Also, when trying to find a wedding officiant, you should prepare a list of questions to ask prospects. Since you are possibly going to hire one of these people, there is nothing wrong with interviewing them, so don’t be afraid to do so.
In general there are some important issues you should discuss with who ever you choose. For example, are they willing to add music or jokes to the ceremony? What about extended vows or poems? If the wedding is to be performed in a church or synagogue, are flash cameras allowed to be used? Are you allowed to record video? In these situations, it is always better to ask, instead of assuming the answer will be yes. Of course, you will also need to discuss the fee. Some officiants have a set fee in mind, while others prefer to negotiate.
Your wedding day is a moment to treasure forever. For an event as important as this, you want to find a wedding officiant who is truly special. With the power to make an informed decision, your wedding is sure to be a magnificent occasion.