Keep These 7 Things In Mind When Choosing an Officiant for Your Wedding

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Regardless of what kind of ceremony you envision for your Big Day—religious, non-denominational, something completely unique and personal—you’ll undoubtedly want a designated official to stand up at the alter with you and preside over the whole thing. This duty is an important one, no doubt, and a good amount of thought should go into choosing the best person for the job.

If you have yet to decide on an officiant and are not sure where to start, this list of things to consider will definitely be of assistance. The vibe you’re going for, how much input you want to have and whether or not you want someone who has done this sort of thing before are all things to keep in mind when choosing your officiant.

As far as that friend of yours who got ordained online just in time for the wedding, you’ll have to take an extra step to make sure it’s legal: Since Pennsylvania doesn’t recognize online ministers as legal officiants, you’ll want to get a self-uniting marriage license that legalizes your marriage as soon as you sign it with witnesses (read: wedding guests!) present. All you need to do is inform the County Clerk at the time that you apply for your license that you want a self-uniting one; two witnesses are require to come along and in some counties there is an additional fee.

RELATED: Local Bridal Guide: 5 Philly Officiants Who Can Lead Your Non-Denominational Wedding Ceremony

RELATED: Ask the Expert: How Can a Friend Or Family Member Legally Marry Us In Pennsylvania? 

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