How To Become A Wedding Officiant: A Guide
As wedding trends continue to evolve, traditional practices slowly lose their grip. Modern couples have modern needs, and weddings are becoming more versatile and unique, even with officiants. Gone are the days of going through the trouble of finding a priest, a minister, or any religiously ordained individual to handle a wedding. In this article, we're going to teach you how to become a wedding officiant, because whether it's for now or later, you'll never know when you will need to unite two individuals in holy matrimony.
A Quick Guide to Officiating a Wedding
Before weddings became Pinterest boards of fairy lights and rustic décor, weddings were Before we find out how to become a wedding officiant, let's look at how this came to be.
What Is A Marriage Officiant?
By definition, a marriage officiant performs a religious or non-religious ceremony to unite two individuals in holy matrimony. In religious settings, officiants have to be religious leaders, usually ordained by the church or religious establishment. Catholics have priests, and Muslims have imams.
The Responsibilities of a Marriage Officiant
A marriage officiant bears a burden more than just learning how to become a wedding officiant. Becoming one is the first step to a myriad of responsibilities. These are the roles of a wedding officiant:
Incorporates the Couple's Desires and Expectations in the Wedding.
It is an officiant's responsibility to get to know the couple. Even if you are not yet acquainted with the couple, you have to make an effort to get to know them to understand their love story and their expectations for the wedding. The ceremony should be about them and not anything or anyone else.
Sets the Tone of the Wedding
A wedding has a flow that needs encouragement or control. An officiant sets the tone of the wedding by saying the first words in a ceremony. And depending on how he reaches the timeless phrase, "…you may kiss the bride," it sets the whole mood of the wedding, including the celebration that follows.
Serves as a Buffer for Wedding Stress and Jitters
As an officiant, it is your responsibility to understand and redirect the wedding stress and jitters. Your role demands respect, and a simple word of encouragement can help ease the couple's burdens.
Becoming a Marriage Officiant
Now that you know the role and the responsibilities of a marriage officiant, it's time to start learning how to become a wedding officiant. These are some steps to follow:
Step 1
Be clear about the reason why you want to be a wedding officiant.
Whether it's a personal request from a loved one about to get married, or a career choice, being a marriage officiant is not a rewarding thing to do. Weddings are meaningful, and it should be officiated meaningfully.
Step 2
Check state laws and requirements regarding wedding officiants.
Some states allow anyone to perform a wedding while some have more stringent processes. If this is a career move, it's better to be prepared for states that require prior legal approval. You must find out local requirements for officiating so the wedding is legally recognized and the couple legally married.
Step 3
Get a religious ordination.
If your state has lenient laws regarding marriage officiation, it may be tempting to choose an easy route. But some states require religious ordination to perform a wedding. If you consider learning how to become a wedding officiant as a professional career choice, the safest route to go is religious ordination.
Step 4
If you're in a rush, you can get an online ordination.
If you need a quick ordination, you may need to check online resources first. Select a non-denominational organization to get a license, if the state allows. These online ordinations usually don't cost anything, but certain states don't recognize this, which is something to be mindful of.
Step 5
Get a religious ordination to become a full-fledged, professional wedding officiant.
If you are religiously ordained, it's easier to offer your services to traditional families who respect religious figures. And it's also acknowledged in all states. Think of this decision as a form of investment. You are investing in yourself and the couples you will soon be officiating.
How to Perform a Wedding Ceremony
Now that you know the role and the responsibilities of a marriage officiant, it's time to start learning how to become a wedding officiant. These are some steps to follow:
Tip # 1 - Know the Couple Personally
Some officiants forget that the wedding day is all about the couple. Some officiants incorporate the couple's story during the ceremony, which adds a personal touch to the experience.
Tip # 2 - Do Not Overdress or Underdress
Don't attempt to upstage the groom by being too flashy. After all, everyone's eyes should be on the couple. It is also ideal to be mindful of the dress code as a courtesy to the couple.
Tip # 3 - Practice on Your Ceremony Consistently
The job of an officiant is essential as it is challenging. If you say the right words with the right tone, you set the tone for the entire ceremonial experience. Keep the talk about yourself to a minimum and practice speaking to a crowd and to the couple to avoid any dead air.
Conclusion
Learning how to become a wedding officiant is a serious and meaningful pursuit. And like anything else, practice will eventually make perfect—at least for the couple. Imagine being able to say the most beautiful words at a wedding and present two individuals to God, family, and friends. With your voice and officiation, you bring two hopefuls before God and man and change their lives forever. Know more about wedding guide.
