How to Find An Officiant For Your North Georgia Wedding
Their role is a crucial one; They are the person who makes your marriage official!
North Georgia Mountain Outdoor Ceremony
MEET THE EXPERT
Ben Boykin is a wedding officiant and partner of Unique Events Weddings, Luxury Destination Wedding & Design Services
Different Types of Wedding Officiants
Securing the right wedding officiant is paramount for a flawless wedding ceremony, as they play a pivotal role in making your union official. This blog post delves into the critical aspects of finding the ideal officiant to lead your ceremony, offering insights into the diverse types of officiants, average costs, and essential tips for making the right choice.
Expert Insight: Ben lends his expertise to guide you through the selection process. With a wealth of experience in destination wedding ceremonies, Ben sheds light on the various officiant options available, emphasizing the significance of choosing one that aligns with your ceremony preferences.
"Religious ceremonies are probably the least flexible and must follow the beliefs and holy scripture of the group," says Ben. "When a couple chooses to get married in a church, synagogue, mosque, or temple, they are submitting to the customs and historical references of the affiliated group." Similarly, if you choose to get married at a courthouse, you don’t get to choose your officiant; the judge on duty will perform the brief ceremony of their choice.
Couples having a civil or secular wedding can choose from a much larger pool of officiants. "Civil and secular weddings can be performed by anyone who has been ordained and registered with the state," explains Ben. Many couples turn to professional officiants with years of experience crafting and leading beautiful, personalized wedding ceremonies that reflect the unique love stories of each pair.
“What an amazing couple to work with. One month prior to our event I needed an officiant to marry our daughter and her fiancé. Not only did Andrea and Ben help but they made the process simple and easy. It is hard to be the center of attention but Ben made them comfortable and kept everything centered on Christ. Many Thanks to Them.”
How Much Does a Wedding Officiant Cost?
There are many factors to consider when determining the average costs associated with wedding officiants, drawing on Ben's experience as an example. Factors such as regional location, ceremony duration, couple preferences, and guest count influence the fees, with additional considerations for out-of-town weddings. Ben's company charges anywhere from $450 to $850 depending on factors such as how long the ceremony is, vow personalization, and added elements such as the popular bourbon blending ceremony.
North Georgia Outdoor Ceremony Officiant
Selecting Your Officiant
Looking for the perfect person to officiate your special day? Here are some valuable strategies to help you find the ideal officiant for your important day.
Venue Referrals
Recommendations from trusted sources, online reviews, and interviews with potential officiants all contribute to making an informed decision. But the first place to check with is your venue coordinator and their wedding pro referral list.
Interviewing Officiants
Stressing the importance of compatibility, Ben encourages couples to interview potential officiants. Beyond vocal compatibility, understanding the officiant's style and ensuring alignment with your ceremony vision is crucial for a seamless and personalized experience.
Do Your Research
Ben recommends delving into the background of potential officiants, emphasizing the value of experience. Biographies, reviews, and even attending a live ceremony can provide valuable insights into an officiant's capabilities.
Assessing An Officiant’s Skills
A skilled officiant's blend of public speaking and relatability is essential. Organizational skills are necessary, and Ben advises ensuring that the chosen officiant is comfortable speaking in front of a crowd and adept at handling logistics details and legal aspects to ensure a smooth and lawful marriage process.
If you are planning on having your wedding in The North Georgia Mountains-Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Young Harris, Hiawassee, and are looking for an officiant, contact us here: “I have been performing ceremonies for 8 years, and it is an honor to be present with the love that two people have for each other and to be asked to hold that love, protect it, witness, and celebrate it.
It is a joy to work with couples who love each other to help design and participate in their day, which is a deeply meaningful peak life experience.” Ben Boykin, Ordained Officiant