4 Things To Ask Your Officiant To Do

Planning a micro wedding or elopement allows you to be far more intentional with your wedding vision and the vibes you want.

The right wedding officiant will not only help you with legally getting married, but they can also really set the tone for the ceremony, guide the flow of it and can even help ensure your photos turn out beautifully! 

Whether you're working with a professional or having a friend lead a symbolic ceremony, asking your officiant to do these 4 things can make a big difference. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your officiant and your ceremony photos.

What Does A Marriage Commissioner Do?

An officiant, sometimes also referred to as a marriage commissioner, is someone who is registered with Vital Stats Canada and performs your wedding ceremony to legally marry you. They also will take care of filing the paperwork with the government for you.

You can find an officiant, based on where you are getting married, to provide a basic ceremony, or opt for a more bespoke experience with someone like Young, Hip + Married or Vancouver Officiants. 

What Is A Symbolic Ceremony?

A symbolic ceremony is a ceremony without the legal bits. If you’re having a symbolic ceremony, then anyone can marry you! A friend, a bestie, a parent, whoever feels like the right choice.

Wedding Officiant Responsibilities + Photos

Your officiant sets the tone for your ceremony and with just a couple of little asks + tweaks, they can help you stay present and make sure your photos look great! Here are 4 things to ask your marriage commissioner to do. 

#1 Vows

Saying your vows, whether personal or standard, is an intimate moment. They are your verbal commitment to your best friend. Ask your officiant to step to the side while you say your vows so that your photos of this special moment can be of just the two of you, regardless of how many guests you’ve invited

#2 First Kiss

Similar to your vows, when your officiant pronounces you married, wait a beat before your first kiss (if you can!) so that your officiant can step to the side.

#3 Phones

If you’re having an unplugged ceremony, although you have asked your guests in advance to turn off their phones during the ceremony, ask your officiant to remind your guests once more right before the ceremony begins. 

#4 Group Photos

And although your wedding officiant is not your MC, asking your officiant to announce a group photo being taken right after the ceremony will help avoid any guests rushing off to the washroom or bar before you can snap the pic.

Making the Most of Your Ceremony (and Your Photos!)

As you can see, your officiant does more than just say a few words—they help shape your ceremony and can impact your photos! With a little planning, you can make sure they support the moments that matter most. If you're dreaming of beautiful wedding photos, check out my photography pricing here and let’s make it happen!