In the craziness of planning the wedding, flowers, favours, invites and the seemingly never-ending lists, it may have slipped your mind that your wedding officiant is the person who can truly make or break your special day in a significant way. Here are our best tips for finding a marriage officer who suits you and your partner:
It's a good idea to start thinking about the type of ceremony you're looking for: the mood, setting and feel is all equally important. Will you follow tradition or run with modern times? Are you wanting something religious or secular? The duration of the ceremony is something to think about too. Each one of these points, should be discussed with your officiant candidates and from there you can narrow down the search!
It's critical that you physically meet with your officiant before you hire them, you have to love the way they speak after all. They also need to be willing to take the time needed to get to know you so that your vows are meaningful when spoken. After you've met your potentials, think about what resonated with you and how it will resonate with your guests.
Make sure your officiant is recognised by the country and province you live in and that they have the legal right to perform the ceremony. This is very important, as after all this effort and planning- you would like your wedding to be real, right?
Take a moment or two to research your officiant on professional lists and wedding planning platforms. Don't just look at the number of reviews though, as you may also find someone new that is perfect for you. Read what the couple wrote about their experience with the officiant because that's what is really important after all.
Ask your officiant for testimonials and videos of a ceremony he most loved so that you can really get a feel of their style. You want to make sure they are a good fit for you and that you will work well together on your big day. A professional officiant should have many ceremony styles and samples to choose from and also be able to add unique elements to your ceremony.
Now's your chance! Remember to come prepared and ask all the questions you need to. Remember, don't be shy - it is your right to ask as many questions as you like!
All in all, it's about who you feel most comfortable with and who you think will make this once-in-a-lifetime day the very best it can be!
Now that you're all clued up, we wish you nothing but the best in finding the perfect officiant for your special day.
If you're still searching for an officiant, have a look at some of our trusty service providers below!
Equally at home with personalised contemporary non-religious as well as traditional religious ceremonies, Wim is the Eastern Cape's popular and well-respected non-denominationa...
I would love to assist you to get married and set you firmly upon your journey to living a beautiful life together.
Let us plan together for your wedding a special, romantic and deeply touching ceremony.
I have been in ministry since 1999 and a marriage officer registered at Home Affairs since 2001. I am based in Belville, Cape Town, but I will travel where required.
Getting married in Cape Town? - Fairest Cape Weddings offer the services of a mature, friendly and experienced marriage officer, duly appointed by Department Home Affairs, who ...
This is the day of your dreams, the start of a new adventure, where two people become a powerful team, exploring endless possibilities and having a special sense of mission tog...
You can personalise your wedding by making it the ceremony of your dreams. You are welcome to choose your own wording from an extensive collection. I will honour each and everyone'
A wedding is one of those rare moments in life when you gather with all the people you cherish and, in so doing, express what it means to be in love.
Rev Brits has a unique approach to Marriage Ceremonies as a Non-Denominational Minister.
There are so many trials and tribulations leading up to your big day that the last thing you need is a ceremony marred by a fumbling, humming and hawing marriage officer. It’...
Legal Non-denominational wedding ceremonies personalised with your signature. Let us together bring your dream wedding to life.