Should a Friend Officiate Your Wedding?
In the past, when people got married, there was always some kind of preacher or other professional clergy performing the ceremony. Nowadays, though, times and trends have changed, and it’s not uncommon to see all kinds of people, from all walks of life, acting as wedding officiants.
With that in mind, you may be wondering whether you should go the traditional route or have someone close to you, like a friend or family member, officiate the ceremony. There are both pros and cons to this choice, which is why it’s important to give the decision some real, careful thought.
Pro: You Might Be More Comfortable
One of the nice things about having someone you love officiate your wedding is that it can often make for a more comfortable, intimate ceremony. After all, having some professional you’ve just met officiate your wedding can be a bit stiff and awkward. Having someone you’ve known for a long time do the job, on the other hand, can feel nice and easy.
Con: There May Be Some Legal Loopholes
Different states have different requirements as to who can legally officiate a wedding. With Maui weddings being so popular, for example, the state rules of Hawaii must be followed. These rules require an officiant to be licensed by the state. While the licensing requirements are fairly lax, it can be a major loophole to jump through, especially if you and/or your officiant are not actually from the area.
Pro: It’s Probably More Affordable
Having someone you know serve as officiant is often a lot more affordable than calling in a professional. In some cases, your loved one might even do the job for free. Thus, if you’re looking to cut back on your wedding budget, a “less official” officiant may be just the ticket!
Con: They Might Not Take it Seriously
A professional officiant is . . . well . . . a professional officiant. They know what they’re doing and have likely done it a hundred times before. They’re not likely to mess up the vows, stutter or stumble, or panic before heading into the wedding venue. Hire a friend to do the job, on the other hand, and you might get someone who shows up late, is nervous, and/or who just doesn’t take the job as seriously as a true pro would.
As you can see, there are many possible positives and negatives to having someone you know officiate the ceremony. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make, but just consider these factors and choose with great care.
