Before you go:

• Consider the character of your ceremony.  Whether it is solemn and serious, or light-hearted and joyful, your officiant will set the tone.
• No matter what your reason, if you are hiring a wedding officiant, do you prefer a man or a woman to lead your vows?
• Regarding the wording, do you want a simple, traditional ceremony or do you want to customize it with your own vows, readings and/or musical interludes. You may also want to consider a number of ceremonies within a ceremony including the unity candle ceremony, sand ceremony and rose ceremony. 
• Your officiant may also offer pre-marital counseling. Is this something you want or need?

Questions to ask:

• Will your chosen officiant attend the rehearsal?
• What are their policies in the event of sickness or a death in the family?
• Is the ceremony they use set in stone, or can you customize its contents?
• Even though this is "your day," your officiant will share the spotlight for the majority of the ceremony.  Are you confident that they will stick to the script? What will they wear?
• Are they certified to perform weddings in your state? Ask for verification.
• How does your officiant handle the marriage license process? Will they mail it to the register of deeds or will this be on your to-do list?

• It is customary to invite your officiant to both the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.
• Make sure you have an emergency contact number for your officiant, and them one for you. Should traffic, car trouble or sickness occur, ease of communication is the best way to keep everything on schedule on your wedding day.

• Do you have a friend or family member available and certified to officiate your ceremony? Most wedding officiant rates run $300-$450.
• If you are a member of a church, local or not, ask your home minister, priest, rabbi or pastor if they are able and willing to travel.