The Role Of A Wedding Officiant Southern California

By Jana Serrano


A wedding will never be complete without an officiant to formalize the ceremony. Choosing a wedding officiant Southern California is part of wedding planning that must be decided together by the couple. This person will solidify their union, not only on paper but in the ceremony as well, so it is important that one choose wisely.

You can have a civil ceremony in lieu of a religious one, or you can have both. In essence, a civil officer witnesses the marriage commitment after the requisite paperwork has been completed. This varies state to state but certain legalities will inevitably apply. It is tradition for the best man to pay.

First, finalize whether the ceremony should be religious or civil. If the ceremony is to be religious, you will need an ordained minister. These persons are not only certified by the state but also by a religious organization as well. If the ceremony is civil, it can be performed by whoever is certified in accordance with state laws.

The person you select must be recognized by your state and hold proper certification. It is presumed that a minister will be part of a known denomination. As long as you check ahead, you can't go wrong. If you use referrals, or someone you know, your chances of a beautiful outcome are all but assured. Your wedding planner may also have a suggestion if you get in a bind.

Officiants are professionals who have work outside of officiating marriage. Because of this, it is advisable to meet up with them a year or months before the marriage ceremony. Doing so will cross off a to do on your wedding checklist. During these times, the minister can also orient you about any seminars you need to attend prior to the ceremony.

For your first meeting with the celebrant, ask about their approach to the ceremony. The couple may also suggest something at this point, mentioning whether they would like a very solemn or a light- hearted ceremony. During this meeting, they can also state if they would like to write their own vows as a replacement for the traditional one.

Remember that the minister will not say his fee outright and it is the couple's responsibility to know it. If both are from the same congregation, oftentimes the fee will be given to the church as a donation. Sometimes, the couple will cover the officiant's travel allowance. An average of $100 to $250 is given for the officiant's time most especially if there have been pre-marital meetings.

The fee is to be considered and not something to hide under the rug. Negotiate it beforehand to avoid embarrassment. You can pay before or after as the person advises. You are agreeing to certain terms, almost like a contract, and it is a business transaction. A religious figure may want a donation to his or her congregation, and it is not unexpected. There may be other cost factors such as transportation and lodging.

The budget for the minister will depend on the state. It is always better to clear this with the minister because paying for this may bloat the budget. As a tradition, the best man will personally cover the ceremony.




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