So your friends have asked you to officiate their wedding…

I had the pleasure of officiated my first wedding last week and it was a very memorable occasion. Even though I didn’t know the couple personally, it was such an honor to be a part of their day!

So what now?

1.) Become Ordained.
This is easy enough and can be done online for no cost at all to you. I became ordained through the Universal Life Church. Here is their website: http://www.ulc.net/
Make sure to register at least a week before the wedding because there is an approval process.

2.) Find out the laws of your state regarding officiating a wedding.
For me it was easy. California only requires you to be ordained through any denomination of church. Some states, the process is not as easy. Many states required you to register with the county clerk’s office. This website has the laws for each state: http://www.northernway.org/marriagelaws.html

3.) Talk with your friends and find out what they want to accomplish during the ceremony.
Do your friends want to have prayer readings or do they want to have a sand ceremony? Make sure to sit down with them and really discuss what aspects they want included in their ceremony.

4.) Write the ceremony
This may be as easy as copying something from the internet or something very specialized for your friends. Make sure you make it personal. There is a reason they asked you to do their ceremony! With that said, BE APPROPRIATE!  There will be family there and you don't want to say anything that will embarrass the bride or groom.

5.) Practice!
You may think you have it down, but make sure you practice a few times before the actual wedding. Make sure you are speaking clearly, at a proper pace, and loud enough for the crowd to hear. This will also make you feel more comfortable when you actually have to stand in front of people and talk.

6.) Attend the ceremony rehearsal
Many seasoned officiants do not attend the ceremony rehearsal. However, you are not a seasoned officiant! This way, you will know what is going on and the proper flow of the ceremony. You will not go through the entire script at this time, but this should make you feel more comfortable and there won’t be any surprises the next day.

7.) Perform the ceremony
Relax! You’ve been practicing!

8.) Sign the marriage license
After the ceremony, have the bride and groom take a moment and sign their license. You will need to sign it as well. Sometimes the license will have already be signed by the bride and groom at the county clerk's office. Some states do require a witness to sign the document as well, so make sure you check on that!