Choosing a Wedding Officiant that reflects you and your needs as a couple is very important. If you belong to an organized religion, getting someone to conduct your ceremony can be as easy as meeting with your clergy. If you want a civil ceremony many city halls have clerks and witnesses that can marry you. Most couples I have met in the past ten years want a ceremony that uniquely reflects them and their love. I provide officiant services for couples of all genders and orientations.
When choosing an officiant don’t be afraid to ask them questions. You will need to know: Do we have to attend any pre-counselling sessions? Do you have any restrictions regarding music, readings, location or photography? How long is their typical ceremony? What is your fee? and does it include a rehearsal? Are there taxes? What do you charge for travelling outside the city? Ask for testimonials from couples they have married.
What I do at Pond Side Ministries is shortly after you contact me, we get together to discuss what type of wedding you would like, the size of wedding party etc. During COVID, I have been meeting couples over Zoom, Messenger, FaceTime or Phone and it has worked quite well. This consultation is free to see if we are a good fit. When safe to do so, I meet in person.
I provide resources should you like extra information to create a unique and personal ceremony. I get a deposit which firmly books your wedding date and time. I go over the legal requirements for the ceremony as well as provide a typical ceremony that we make truly yours. We then meet about a month before the wedding and finalize plans and then I conduct a rehearsal (included in price, and recommended for parties of more than one attendant each).
Many wedding officiants are booked well in advance. 2021 will be particularly challenging as there will be not only couples who originally decided to get married in 2021, but those that cancelled in 2020. This will not only effect officiants, but venues, photographers, dj’s, caterers etc.
While your ceremony is typically 20 minutes, it is important that you get the right officiant so that your day can be as memorable as possible.