Guest blogger Keri Klein, owner of Flower City Nuptials has been officiating weddings for over 6 years. With over 200 weddings under her belt, she’s seen it all! Check out our IGTV interview and read on here to learn why wedding officiants are so important.
Ciao Bella Studios – Flower City Nuptials – Upstate Indie Weddings
Why Wedding Officiants are Important
Officiants are often the last vendors hired for a wedding, and yet we are, in my opinion, the most important. An officiant is what makes your marriage legal! Some people are trying to cut costs and have their friend or relative get ordained online. While this person may know you longer, a professional officiant will know the right questions to ask to get to know you and write a ceremony that showcases your relationship.
An officiant is often someone with a background in public speaking as well as writing, and will use those skills to deliver an intimate ceremony. They also know how to make the ceremony itself run smoothly, even if there is a slight hiccup.
Lastly, hiring a professional allows your friends and family to truly be in the moment. Instead of wearing multiple hats, worrying about doing a wonderful job for you, they can celebrate you! If you truly have your heart set on having a friend or family member preside over your ceremony, you may want to hire a professional officiant as a coach to insure everything goes as planned.
Some of my favorite moments on the job include officiating for my former student. Samantha, and her now-husband, Greg. I am also a teacher and I taught Samantha and have known her since she was fifteen. I watched her relationship with Greg grow from friends, to dating and falling in love, now most recently as married parents. It was an honor to tell their love story, having watched it grow over the last ten years.
City Lights Studio – Flower City Nuptials – Upstate Indie Weddings
The marriage license is key!
While some people say it is only a piece of paper, it is the most important piece of paper. In addition, this is why marriage equality was so important. Prior to 2011 in NYS and 2015 nationally, same-sex couples were denied this piece of paper. The license has to be obtained in the state you are getting married in because each state has their own set of rules.
In New York, aside from the City, it has to be obtained minimally 24 hours in advance and it is good for up to 60 days. The couple signs it at the Town or City Clerk’s office, and it is filled out with all the important demographics. The officiant fills out the rest and then it is filed with the clerk’s office. This is what makes the marriage recognized.
Flower City Nuptials – Upstate Indie Weddings
If you’re unsure on what to do about who will preside over your wedding ceremony, reach out to Keri! She is a wealth of information and would love the opportunity to help you and your fiancé out. Whether that means officiating your wedding herself, or guiding your officiant down the right path. Reach out to Keri in her directory listing here! Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly email club, the Indie Edit! You’ll get the newest ideas and inspo delivered weekly with vendor specials you won’t want to pass up!
Photo credits: Ciao Bella Studios | City Lights Studio
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