How to Choose a Wedding Officiant

1. Meet the person you are considering and make sure you are comfortable with the Officiant. 
2. Explain your beliefs and values, making sure the Officiant is comfortable with you as well. 
3. Discuss what kind of ceremony you would like to have (Religious, Non-Religious, Spiritual). 
4. Evaluate what the Officiant brings to the table: ideas and assitance to help you and guide you to figure out what you want.
5. Look for an Officiant who will treat the ceremony with reverence and you with respect. 
6. Ask questions:

How do we create the ceremony?
Do we have final say over the script of the ceremony?
What is the cut off point for changes to the ceremony?
When will you arrive before the ceremony?
What is the charge for a rehearsal?
Do you, the Officiant, conduct the rehearsal?
Do you have ideas to honor and blend our families?
Can you suggest special elements to make the ceremony unique?
What experience do you have?
Do you have a back-up if you are sick?
What is your refund policy?
Will you stay for the reception?
Will you say a blessing at the reception?

More questions?  Dont hesitate to contact me for answers:  Rebecca Williams Zelanin  614-582-2739 or RebeccaWZelanin@RNuptials.com

My answers:
How do we create the ceremony?
We sit down together and talk about the two of you, your thoughts, your beliefs, your ideas, your likes and your dislikes. May couples have never thought about whether their ceremony will be religious or non-religious. We talk about your families and ways to respect them without compromising your own beliefs.
Do we have final say over the script of the ceremony?
I create your ceremony based on our conversation during our first meeting.  You also have the option of making choices from my website to create your ceremony yourselves.  Once I receive your retainer, I email the ceremony to you and you have the opportunity to review and tell me what you like and don't like about what I sent you.  You can even "wordsmith" and choose individual words and phrases that you want changed.  I will work with you on the ceremony (usually by email) until YOU are satisfied with the ceremony.  I then print the ceremony in a small booklet for presentation on the day of your wedding.
What is the cut off point for changes to the ceremony?
I ask that changes and corrections be made no later than a week before the ceremony.  That said, there are often small changes that happen at the rehearsal, which are no problem at all.
When will you arrive before the ceremony?
I usually arrive no later than half an hour before the ceremony, but there are sometimes circumstances (for instance: if I am using my own sound system) which demand that I arrive earlier.  This is part of what I do to make the day successful for you and there is no additional charge.
What is the charge for a rehearsal?
I charge $200.00 for a rehearsal and I work much harder for you at your rehearsal than during your wedding, but the rehearsal will help settle your nerves and get you ready to enjoy your 'big day'.  We're not done rehearsing until we have gone through everything at least twice and I'm sure everyone knows where to be and what to do.
Does the Officiant conduct the rehearsal?
I conduct your rehearsal with pleasure.  I will ask a lot of questions beforehand to be sure I know how and where to direct everyone.  Once I have conducted your ceremony, your families and friends tend to look at me as the 'authority' and will often ask me questions rather than bothering you on your wedding day.
Do you, the Officiant, attend the rehearsal dinner?
If you would like me to spend time with your families and friends, I find that it helps you feel as though a friend is performing your ceremony, rather than a stranger, but you are not obligated to invite me.
Do you have ideas to honor and blend our families?
I have been performing ceremonies since 2003 and I have many. many suggestions for making your ceremony unique and tailored to you.  Whatever your circumstance, I will help with suggestions and ideas.
Can you suggest special elements to make the ceremony unique?
As above, there are innumerable options for making your ceremony different from the last four you went to. My greatest pleasure is writing something completely new for a couple that speaks to their hearts.
What experience do you have?
I have performed over 400 ceremonies since 2003.  My best weekends include a wedding.  This is my 'fun' job!
Do you have a back-up if you are sick?
This is the question couples most often forget to ask.  My husband Tom is also licensed in Ohio (you can learn more about him here).   Further more, my son is also licensed, so technically there is double back-up.
What is your refund policy?
I ask for half my fee as a retainer to reserve your date.  Should you cancel your ceremony, that amount is refundable only if I can replace the ceremony in my schedule.  If you change your date, I will apply the retainer to the new date, assuming I have the date available.
Will you stay for the reception?
I enjoy celebrating your day with you and if you have room for me and if I don't have another commitment, I am delighted to stay.  However you are not obligated to invite me.
Will you say a blessing at the reception?
I will be happy to say a blessing at the reception, if you desire.  I don't automatically do so, just as I do not automatically assume that I will be included on the reception guest list.