American Weddings Blog

We’ve scoured our most popular guidance articles and compiled a helpful list of officiant pointers that are frequently overlooked in the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations. Without further ado -

Wedding Officiant Do's & Don't's

● Do make sure you’ve satisfied any local registration requirements in the state (and/or county) where the ceremony is taking place, if applicable.

● Do attend the rehearsal!

● Do have the venue address(es) and a prepared route ready to go prior to the rehearsal and ceremony. (If you’re unfamiliar with the area, this is even more important.)...(continued)

When we were asked if we had any tips on “planning a cemetery wedding ceremony,” it raised a few eyebrows. But the more we thought about it, the more it made sense. For many cultures, celebration of the afterlife is a big part of their spiritual practice, and graveyards are places where the living can connect with their history and ancestors. 

Ram Dass taught us that “In our Western culture, although death has come out of the closet, it is still not openly experienced or discussed.”

Michel de Montaigne, another philosopher who challenged us to think more deeply about life wrote that, “we are in death, whilst we are in life.” 

Why not double down on that philosophy and tie the knot surrounded by the symbols of death?...(continued)

Working closely with your wedding officiant is a must, but a lot of couples don’t quite know how to navigate or coordinate their timeline with their wedding officiant’s. We’re here to give you some pointers so that you know what to expect, and how to get a head start on your ceremony planning.

What Your Officiant is Responsible For:

•  Working with you up until the wedding to craft your ceremony.

• Being present and performing your ceremony on your wedding day (and rehearsal, ideally).

• Assisting with the signing and filing of the completed marriage license.

First, Consider This

What type of ceremony do you want? Religious, Non-denominational, or Civil?...(continued)

Our very own Lewis King recently joined the Your I Do Crew! Podcast in Ohio for some engaging, humorous, and insightful podcast sessions.

So save these links, and whether you're on your commute to/from work, enjoying a mid-day break, or just looking to join in on some of the important conversations going on at American Marriage Ministries -- please give them a listen! 

Part 1: "Get Ordained!"

All about online ordination, why American Marriage Ministries is different, and what's going on in the state of Tennessee

 ...(continued)

Asked to Officiate

Originally written by expert and professional wedding officiant Bethel Nathan (who has performed nearly one thousand ceremonies), AMM recently acquired and updated this workbook - making it the most comprehensive, detailed, and helpful book of its kind on the market. Asked to Officiate will:...(continued)