Questions to Ask Your Wedding Officiant

While working with brides, I have been asked several times what kind of questions should I ask the priest or officiant at my church before getting married? I have put together a list of questions that will help you with this.

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Officiant

1. Do you provide some kind of template for the wedding program? (because you will need to know the format of how he runs his service).

2. How long before the ceremony can the church be opened and what time must we leave by?

3. Is there a place for the guys and the girls to both wait separately?

4. What is the charge for an organist? (unless you're going to be using a string trio/quartet)

5. Are there any extra charges for a janitor fee, church wedding coordinator/volunteer, cantor, any singers I might want to have?

6. Is an aisle runner allowed? (I personally don't suggest it as its a hazard and guests end up tripping on it anyways on the way out. Instead if you can get your church to allow petals that is a nice touch).

7. Are there specific marriage classes/counseling we need to go through?

8. Will there be any more follow-up meetings with you to prepare? He should probably give you a church guideline/handbook and that will probably answer a lot of your questions too.

9. Are there specific areas only where my photographer and videographer can stand?

10. How much time are we allowed after the ceremony to take pictures?

11. Will you or someone else be available to run our rehearsal?

12. Are we required to leave our altar flower arrangements at the church or may we take them with us to decorate the reception?

13. Are the guests allowed to throw rice or birdseed? What about bubbles?

14. Are there any weddings scheduled before or after mine?

15. Is flash photography allowed by our photographer or guests?

16. Do my shoulders need to be covered?

17. Can you assist me with selecting readings for our ceremony?

18. Should we have a Mass or not?

19. May we write our own wedding vows?

20. When do I need to apply for the marriage license?

21. How long approximately will the ceremony take?

22. Do you have a booklet that covers all of your rules?

23. Does the church have a ramp for my handicapped guests?

24. May we select our own music or does it need to be approved?

25. What will you wear to the ceremony?

26. Will you attend our reception and give the blessing before dinner?

Final Tip:

You should definitely get them to give you a receipt for the date of the wedding and your paid deposit. Also make sure to confirm with the church office they have put it on their calendar. Follow the 26 tips above and you should be well informed about the services your wedding officiant will provide.

Robert is the entrepreneurial spirit for Encore Event Group. His team provides DJs in Michigan, lighting designs, and photo booth rentals that also serve Mackinac Island. Visit the following link for more information about questions to ask your wedding officiant.

by Robert Reno -

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