What do you wear?

And 7 more questions to ask your officiant before you book

What do your services include?

How often will they communicate with you, via email or phone calls? Some officiants may “plug your name” into a template script, otherwise spend lots of time with you creating your ceremony. Some may charge for additional services, others include all services in one price.
JustImagine: One of my favorite aspects of my job involves creating your ceremony with you, via unlimited emails and scheduled phone calls, to make it uniquely yours. Rehearsal is included in my pricing; and discounts are happily offered for active military.

How many weddings do you perform in one day?

JustImagine: I leave a minimum 3-hour window between ceremonies, to allow for late starts, and unexpected traffic.

What if I’m not religious?

It is important that your officiant support your beliefs and that the ceremony reflects them. You and your intended may have different faiths and would like to include both; perhaps you are no longer practicing but would like to honor the faiths of your families; or perhaps you want to focus solely on the marriage commitment without any spiritual mention. Make sure there is no agenda about how your faith is represented.

JustImagine: I’m not religious either. I do believe in a higher power, a Divine energy, and during the ceremony I hold a sacred space for you. Whether you are Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, atheist, agonistic, spiritual-but-not-religious . . . I will honor your beliefs. My only agenda for you, is that you be true to yourself.

What is your experience performing weddings?

The more years’ experience – including working with different faiths and different venues – the more your officiant has encountered all types of mishaps and last-minute changes. This is most likely a new process for you. Your officiant should have the experience and authority to make you aware of why something might not work the way you envision, and to help you find an alternative. Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know.

JustImagine: As a nondenominational minister, I’ve officiated ceremonies since 2007, throughout San Diego County (and a few out of state as well!) Ceremonies can be quite emotional; it is my job to serve as guide and grounding force as well as navigate the ‘unplanned.’

Do you attend rehearsal?

For some officiants, attending rehearsal is included, others charge an additional fee. If they do not attend the rehearsal, do they have a system in which you can communicate any changes to them that arose during rehearsal?

JustImagine: As long as my schedule allows, I always attend rehearsal. If you do not have a wedding coordinator I will conduct the rehearsal as well. This service is included in my fee.

Do you have backup in case of emergency?

If for some reason your officiant is not able to perform your wedding ceremony on the big day, do they have another officiant they can call upon to step in?

JustImagine: Though I have never missed a wedding yet, after 15 years in the wedding industry I have a plan in place, and can count on my colleagues to step in to officiate a ceremony in case of emergency.

What do you wear?

Be sure their attire suits your style, venue, and service.

JustImagine: Oftentimes couples are wondering if I wear a robe. I do not. Generally I wear a suit while officiating your ceremony. Some couples have even requested I wear my purple jacket. (I have been known to go barefoot in the sand if requested!)

Why did you become an officiant?

What is their passion and purpose? Does theirs align with yours?

JustImagine: Officiating ceremonies is my profession, privilege, and joy. Learn more about why I do what I do