Wedding Blog

If you choose not to be married by a priest, a rabbi, or a minister of any religious or spiritual affiliation, you still have many options for choosing an officiant. In my state (California), for example, couples can be married by the following:

• A judge, commissioner of civil marriages, commissioner or assistant commissioner of a court of record.
• A judge or magistrate who has resigned from office.
• A justice of the United States Supreme Court.
• A judge of the court of appeals, a district court, or a court created by an act of Congress.
• A judge of a bankruptcy court or a tax court.
• A United States magistrate.
• A legislator or constitutional officer or a member of Congress who represents a district within this state.
• A person who has been ordained as a minister through a mail order process

The work of the officiant is two-fold: legal and ceremonial. Legally, the verbal intent of marriage must be witnessed by the officiant and a witness. Then both the witness and the officiant sign the license to finalize your commitment. In California this license is to be returned to the county clerk before the ceremony is performed.

The amount your officiant helps to coordinate your ceremony is up to you. Typically officiants offer services that range from pre-marital counseling to picking ceremony readings to assisting with the music selection. Coordinating the processional and recessional can be a part of that duty as well. Be sure to choose an officiant who is aligned with your own values.

Any great officiant will be well spoken and have the flair to make your ceremony a positive and memorable experience for everyone. Most importantly, your officiant should help you feel prepared and relaxed for your big day!