Wedding Officiants: Learn the ‘Officiant Creep’ & Step Aside for the First Kiss Photo

How to do the ‘Officiant Creep’ like a pro, and get the heck out of the way during a couple’s first kiss photo 

 

 

Let’s face it, although every engaged couple wants a great wedding officiant standing beside them at their ceremony, they probably don’t want that officiant standing in the way of their first kiss photo! 

 

That’s why so many experienced wedding officiants know to step aside as they announce the couple’s first kiss, following the pronouncement. 

 

A few quick steps to the left or right at this crucial moment moves the officiant out of the photographer’s way, but keeps them close enough to step back into frame when it’s time to introduce the couple, or to give directions to guests on where to go following the ceremony. 

 

 

We call this sweet and stealthy move the ‘officiant creep." 

 

(A term coined by AMM Minister Jimmie Berguin -- as in, creepin’ out of the wedding photographer’s way!)

 

Illustration by Jessica Levey

 

 

 

First-time officiants take note: There’s no need to rush or run out of the way. This isn’t a race. Instead, just take a few careful steps to the side as you say that exciting line…

 

 “You may now seal your vows with a kiss!”

 

 

That’s where the ‘creepin’ comes in. Move slowly and watch your step. You don’t want to trip or stumble as you move to the side.

 

Some couples will prefer to have their officiant somewhere in the background to show that this is an important moment during the ceremony – they just don’t want you standing directly behind them. (That’s a different kind of creepin...) Others will want you out of the shot completely, and that’s ok! 

 

Step a few feet to the side to give the wedding photographer plenty of room for a few different photo framing options, to help ensure the newlyweds get the photogenic memories they want.

 

Related: Making it Click: 4 Ways An Officiant Can Make the Wedding Photographer’s Life Easier

 

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And couples, if you’re reading this – Yes! It’s ok to ask your officiant to step aside for your first kiss photo. This isn’t rude, and most professional officiants are already planning on it. 

 

However, if you’ve asked a close friend or family member to officiate, they might not know to do this. Just ask! Talk with them about your plan before the ceremony to ensure everything goes smoothly. Then, practice this side-step, aka the ‘officiant creep,’ during your rehearsal ceremony. 

 

Practicing ahead of time during a rehearsal ensures that everyone knows where to stand, and where to move, on the wedding day. 

 

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Origin of the Officiant Creep

 

The phrase ‘Officiant Creep’ was coined by AMM Minister Jimmie Berguin, aka Officiant Jimmie, who's labeled this sweet side-step his signature move. He’s definitely got it down!

Creepin...

 

 

Officiant Jimmie is an all-star officiant based in Eugene, Oregon. Known for ethereal Pacific Northwest weddings and elopements that send him deep into enchanted forests and undisturbed coastlines, Jimmie’s also had his fair share of Sasquatch sightings. 

 

In fact, he’s even caught Sasquatch doing the ‘officiant creep’! 

 

Talk about an epic wedding crasher.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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• Want Great Wedding Photos? Get Centered… For the KISS, That Is!
   
• How to Get Your Wedding Published in a Magazine or Blog

 

 

 

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