Wedding Minister, wedding officiant

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. I write and perform fun original wedding ceremonies. I have the ability to go with the flow and make the best of all the little things that pop up in most weddings. Laughter is a special element of all my weddings!

It seems like I must be the queen of the last minute. That may be because if I am not booked, I see no reason to charge more than I would normally.

Q. Describe three recent jobs you've completed.

A. Though it has been several years ago, I will always remember the last minute wedding I did in a cemetery. It was after dark, so we did everything by car headlights. It was done there to be near the groom's father. It was a bit different but so touching.

Just this last Valentines day, we were starting our anniversary dinner when the phone rang. "We'll travel where ever we have to to get married today," said a thankful voice. So a little over an hour later, they arrived at our home, which was a disaster since our daughter had just moved back in. I did a simple ceremony, my husband shot a few pictures and played witness and we shared our anniversary with a lovely couple.
Trying to pick three is too , they are all so special to me. Some couple like us so much they have me marry them more than once!

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. When hiring an officiant, if possible meet in person. In a legal sense they are the most important vender you will hire, but they also have a very intimate place in your ceremony and you want be comfortable with them.

Communication by phone and email will help build a beautiful ceremony with a flavor the officiant has gathered from you. If you feel at home with the officiant you can give more freely amusing details which they can use to really personalise your big day.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Before looking for an officiant or minister you should know.
1. What is your budget, how will you pay. You may be able to work out payments that will allow you to spend a bit more and still not strain your budget.
2. Do you want religious or civil ceremony, some ministers only perform religoius cereomnies.
3. Which gender do you prefer, male, female or either
4. What style of ceremony, formal, casual, fun or maybe a themed ceremony.
5. special questions or concerns ( Family differences, step parents and countless others you may have to deal with)

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love the diversity of my clientele. I have married couples from so many different cultures, religions, races and political leanings. I am so proud of the rainbow of variety that shows in my wedding albums!
I was once quite shy and reserved. This business has released my inner actor (ham). Every wedding is different and i learn something new every time.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Your wedding is very special, a lot of planning and expense went into it. But the minister/officiant though a small part of that expense, is the difference between a legal wedding and a very expensive party. So, please take the time to choose the officiant early on and be willing to work with them to make your ceremony perfect!

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Here are the things I tell anyone looking at becoming on officiant.
1. You need to like people.
2. You need to be a ham, not afraid of public speaking
3. Most customers expect you to be married (a long time)
4. Patience, patience and more patience
5. This is a very competetive business, don't expect to get rich!

Q. What is your greatest strength?

A. My greatest strength is flexibility and humor, I seldom miss a beat when some little problem pops up. If you don't like to laugh, skip me!