Though every vendor plays a part in the successful execution of your wedding day, your officiant is arguably one of the most important vendors that will need to be at your wedding. Since they will be the person to ensure that you and your other half are legally married! As this is a huge responsibility it’s often given to a professional or someone the couple greatly trusts. If you’re not sure how to go about finding an officiant or what you should be looking for in one, keep on reading as we are sharing some things to consider when hiring a wedding officiant! :)
Photo: Anela Benavides | Officiant: Grant Gomes | Venue: Hawaii Vista Weddings
Their Cost
Of course we always have to mention cost first, as we know how important saving money is to our couples. The cost of an officiant in Hawaii can be influenced by factors such as the officiant’s experience, location they have to commute to get to your wedding. Inquiring with multiple officiants and getting a quote from each of them could help you decide which officiant to go with based off of cost only. However there are other aspects to an officiant that should be considered as well!
Are They Qualified?
Unlike your other wedding vendors, that typically show they are qualified based on their experience in the industry, your wedding officiant needs to be qualified in the sense that they MUST be a registered marriage performer in the State of Hawaii. You can find a list of individuals who are registered performers HERE!
These performers not only have the authority to facilitate your ceremony but they also will submit your marriage license to the Department of Health so that you can receive your marriage certificate. If you are considering a family member or friend to be your officiant make sure they are aware that they’ll have to sign up to be a performer in Hawaii, even if they are registered in a different state!
Photo: Derek Wong Photography | Officiant: Reverend Michael Nelson | Venue: Kahala Resort
Type of Officiant
There are many performers who provide various officiant services and there are some that only provide specific services, these “types of services” are typically Religious, Non-Denominational, and Cultural. For instance, if you are interested in a Non-Denominational service with a cultural aspect as well, such as lei ceremony or the blowing of the PŪ, make sure to find an officiant who will be able to deliver both!
One way to find an officiant is by discussing the type of performer you are looking for with your coordinator! As they have been to many weddings they know the type of services various officiants provide and can recommend one that will be able to deliver the ceremony that you want!
Photo: Mike Pham Photography | Officiant: Reverend James Chun | Venue: Hawaii Vista Weddings
We hope this helps you to find the officiant that will be able to perform the ceremony that you desire, and of course make sure you get legally married! <3
Check out the other blogs in our series sharing the “Things to Consider When Hiring a…” for the following wedding vendors!
COORDINATOR | PHOTOGRAPHER | VIDEOGRAPHER
HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST | Florist | Friend as a Wedding Vendor
XOXOXO
(A Perfect Day)
A Perfect Day Hawaii, Wedding Planner, Hawaii Wedding Planner, Hawaii Weddings www.APerfectDayHawaii.com