We often get asked why a couple should hire a professional wedding officiant even if a friend or family member is going to officiate the wedding. While scrolling through Facebook the other day, I came across a post written by Carmen George of Carmen George Weddings, entitled “Several reasons why hiring a professional officiant for your wedding ceremony is a good idea.” Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here is a little about us and why we do what we do!
People ask me (Lori) why I became a wedding officiant. Here’s the story, short and sweet. Friends were looking for a Rabbi to perform a marriage ceremony for them. They could not find one because they are a same-sex couple. They asked if I would become ordained. Why, you might ask? Because I knew the Jewish rituals and believe love is love. That was my first ceremony in 2011 and why I became a professional wedding officiant.
As professional wedding officiants, my team and I create and perform joyful, meaningful, and personalized non-denominational wedding ceremonies for ALL who want to be married. We also offer different unity ceremonies and are happy to combine various rituals from a marrier’s culture or religion.
Now, let’s get to Carmen’s post, which explains some of the reasons why marriers should hire a professional officiant:
“1. Experience: A professional wedding officiant has experience in conducting wedding ceremonies and knows how to ensure that the ceremony runs smoothly. They will be able to guide you through the process and make sure that everything is in place for your special day.”
Experience is something that is gained over the years. I have been a professional officiant since 2011, and with experience comes knowledge. Knowledge on how to help the marriers if they are nervous, how to help the other vendors ensure all cues are met, and so much more.
“2. Personalization: A professional wedding officiant will work with you to create a personalized ceremony that reflects your beliefs, values, and preferences. They will take the time to get to know you and your partner to create a ceremony that is unique to you.” 
I have been writing/customizing ceremonies since 2011. There is nothing like getting to know your marriers and being able to tell their love story within their ceremony.
“3. Legal requirements: A professional wedding officiant knows the legal requirements for a wedding ceremony in the state where you are marrying. They will ensure that all the necessary paperwork is completed correctly and submitted on time.”
Tim, an officiant at Ceremonies by Lori, says, “…peace of mind knowing all the legalities will be properly taken care of is important. Nobody wants a typo or omission on their wedding paperwork!”
Patti, our lead wedding planner and officiant, agrees with Carmen’s post and Tim’s comment. She says, “…sure it’s meaningful to have a friend or family member perform your ceremony. Still, so many things can go wrong, including filing the necessary paperwork incorrectly.”
“4. Professionalism: A professional wedding officiant will be reliable, punctual, and professional in their approach. They will be dressed appropriately and will conduct themselves with dignity and respect.”
This is something that I take great pride in. As professional officiants, we plan ahead. We meet with the marriers and give them the “lay of the land” of their ceremony. We attend the wedding rehearsals. We go over any questions or concerns the marriers may have. These are just some of the things we do as professional wedding officiants.
“5. Peace of mind: Hiring a professional wedding officiant will give you peace of mind, knowing that your ceremony is in good hands. You can relax and enjoy your special day, knowing everything is handled. Hiring a professional officiant can help ensure your wedding ceremony is a memorable and meaningful experience for couples and their guests.”
Peace of mind means so much on your big day. Knowing that you have other professionals dealing with any fires/issues that come up on the big day and having less stress on your wedding day is the best you can do to ensure that your day goes as smoothly as possible with little stress on you.
Ceremonies by Lori will always explain ALL of the options marriers have, and we will help in any way possible (legally). That’s what being a professional is all about!