Introduction: I am a licensed minister and wedding officiant in the state of Ohio.
I am a Christian, and I do not perform in legal/civil unions.
I believe that some type of premarital counseling is a must.
The following are the general duties I undertake as an officiant:
* Respond to initial inquiry by the couple (if compatible), book date and provide contract for signing
* Retain deposit
* Get acquainted with the venue, if not already, such as a park or a home
I usually call or e-mail venues and ask for their bridal package, so I know what is offered and what to expect. If it's local, I travel there and check out the site
* Provide at least one premarital counseling session with the couple.
* Communicate with the couple to assess their needs and brainstorm for ceremony ideas and requirements
* Verify the legality of the marriage via state-issued license and personal IDs
* Attend the rehearsal if needed, oversee the flow of the ceremony and make any adjustments needed
* Arrive promptly at the venue on the day of the ceremony to help with any last-minute crises, nerves, and be a calming influence for the nervous partner who is waiting at the altar
* Officiate the ceremony
* Announce the legal and spiritual joining of the couple
* Complete and file the paperwork with vital records to authorities, make copies of documentation, and send one to the couple for keepsake and file one