A great wedding officiant is not just the head of your ceremony, but the expression of your love, they manage the flow and keep everything on track regardless of what the circumstances are. Prior to getting down the aisle, you should always have an open talk with your officiant to eliminate any surprises along the way. 

The following are 10 thoughtful wedding officiant questions to put forward in front of your wedding officiant before the wedding, carefully selected by Wedwinks.

Things to Ask Your Wedding Officiant before the Wedding

Smooth under pressure

What do you do about an unforeseen distraction or audience Interruption?

Weddings are live shows and sometimes things do not work out according to the plan, people talk, phones ring or the weather changes. Knowing how your wedding officiant will handle the unexpected situations can help you feel at ease.

Look out for: Calmness, quick thinking, and regaining audience interest in a smooth manner.

Beyond the aisle

Staying for the Reception or the Ceremony Only?

Other officiants leave immediately after the ceremony, whereas some remain to give the blessings, socialise with the people or even toast. Clearing this up will help you understand how you are supposed to plan their role after having taken the vows.

Look out for: The willingness to spend more time in case it is necessary and blend into your style of celebration.

Early is elegant

How early do you arrive on the wedding day?

An early arrival shows professionalism. It also allows the officiant to be able to meet vendors, have a sound check, and go into the ceremony relaxed without being in that state of hurry.

Look out for: Commitment to arrive early to prepare and collaborate with the team.

Review and reassured

Do you have a video or client reviews that we can see?

Past clients feedbacks will give you plenty of information about the energy, presence and flexibility of the wedding officiant. Video or testimonials will assist you to visualise their role in your ceremony.

Look out for: Honest reviews and sample footages helps you to decide confidently.

Shift happens

Can you adapt to the ceremony if there are any last-minute changes?

Things might take a turn (like the ring bearer leaving the ring behind or when your timeline slips) should not prompt your wedding officiant to panic, they should be able to make immediate adjustments without worry.

Look out for: Being flexible and patient when a schedule goes out of control.

Respecting all roots

What’s your approach to interfaith or intercultural ceremonies?

If you are blending two sets of backgrounds or traditions, then you would want a person who will appreciate both and unite them harmoniously in your ceremony.

Look out for: Sensitivity, respectful nature and inclusive attitude to traditions.

Tradition with a twist

Is the officiant comfortable with non-traditional ceremony elements?

Considering writing up your own vows, walking down the aisle to rock music or using your dog as your ring bearer? Ensure your wedding officiant is on board with your creativity.

Look out for: Openness to unique, odd or personalized ceremony concepts.

Preview before I do

Are You offering a Draft of the Ceremony to Review?

Certain couples prefer to have full knowledge of the words that are going to be spoken at the wedding. Request whether your wedding officiant would send the script to you so that you can review and make edits.

Look out for: Openness to constructive criticism and willingness to work with the wording of the ceremony.

Vows without a void

Do you have a plan B if any emergency occurs?

It is not desirable to think about it, yet life happens. Request their trusted backup officiant who may fill in the place if necessary (in case the original officiant gets sick or cannot be unavailable due to some unforeseen circumstances.

Look out for: A full proof contingency plan and a back-up officiant on call.

Making it legal

Do you handle the filing of the marriage license?

The ceremony is romantic but the paper-work is essential. Enquire as to the person who should file the marriage license between the wedding officiant and yourself.

Look out for: Clear guidance on how to handle legal paperwork and how to make your marriage legal.

Conclusion

A wedding officiant questions not only brings legal power, but also emotional richness, timing and presence to your wedding. These wedding officiant questions will be able to create  and trust and understanding between you and the officiant leading you into the married life. Your officiant should be seen as an extension to your love story- confident, kind and able to fully allign with your vision.

If you’re planning a cozy and personal ceremony, these backyard wedding ideas will help you create a beautiful and unforgettable setting for your vows.