10/09/2026
đ YOUR FRIEND IS YOUR OFFICIANT⌠UNTIL THEYâRE NOT. đł
I recently saw this post in a wedding planning group:
âOur wedding is this coming November⌠our officiant, who we know personally, just emailed to say she has to back out because she and her spouse are going on vacation. Iâm utterly disappointed.â
My heart sank for this couple.
I get itâweddings are expensive, and asking a friend or family member to officiate can seem like an easy place to save money. Sometimes it works beautifully. But your officiant has one job thatâs pretty important: MAKE SURE YOU ACTUALLY GET MARRIED! đ
This is why I strongly recommend hiring an experienced professional and having a signed booking agreement. Your agreement should clearly spell out what you can expect from your vendorâand what your vendor expects from youâincluding cancellation policies.
Professional vendors have invested years building their businesses, reputations and procedures. Youâre not simply paying for the 20 minutes theyâre standing in front of you on your wedding day. Youâre paying for their experience, preparation, reliability and commitment to showing up.
Saving money is important. But some wedding-day responsibilities are worth putting in the hands of a professional.
â¤ď¸ Your ceremony shouldnât be the thing youâre worrying about weeks before your wedding.
â Valerie Bittner Celebrity Officiant
Unique Ceremonies for Unique Couples