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 couple years want a ceremony that uniquely reflects them and their love. 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? Do I write my own vows? Can I include our children? How long is their typical ceremony? What is your fee? and does it include a rehearsal? 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 who you are as a couple, perhaps where you met, your engagement story etc.. If you live a distance from London, I have found that Face Time, phone calls and emails work well too. I also provide time for you to get to know me as an officiant and as a person. After all, if you choose Pond Side Ministries, I will be an important part of your wedding day. We then discuss what type of wedding you would like, the size of wedding party etc. I go over the legal requirements for the ceremony as well as provide a typical ceremony that we make truly yours. I provide some resources should you like extra information to create a unique and personal ceremony. I have been officiating weddings for 6 joy filled seasons. When you decide on Pond Side Ministries, I get a deposit which firmly books your wedding date and time. We then meet about a month before the wedding and finalize plans and then I conduct a rehearsal (included in price along with taxes and recommended for parties of more than one attendant each). I take care of the legal parts of getting married, by sending in your signed Marriage License and record your ceremony in my books as well.
Many wedding officiants are booked well in advance. Checking out the Officiant early is a great idea, although there are times where I can accommodate on short notice.
It is important that you get the right officiant so that your day can be as memorable as possible and I hope you will consider giving Pond Side Ministries a look see.