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Preparing To Officiate a Wedding Ceremony

Preparing to officiate a wedding is a big task that involves more than just writing the wedding ceremony script. This page covers everything from how to dress, coordinate with the couple, and rehearse for the ceremony. By following this guide you will cover all the important logistics to ensure you are fully prepared to officiate.

1. Nail Down The Logistics

Planning and preparing for the ceremony can be the most stressful part of weddings, and you don't want that stress to spill over into the event. The sooner you take care of the details, the better. Coordinate with the couple and get the answer to these questions.

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2. Gather Info for the Ceremony

Block out at least an hour. Put on a timer. Go to our website. Oh, you are here! Read through our ceremony training pages. This is not complicated stuff, but it is important for you to understand.

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3. Write Your First Draft

By this point you should have everything you need to start writing the ceremony. If you want more details and options, check out our revised version of Asked to Officiate, our comprehensive guide to planning and executing marriage ceremonies. Following the list below ensures that you cover all your bases.

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4. Rehearse and Polish

You now have your first draft. It's time to take your script and make sure everything reads out loud the way it sounds in your head. Pay attention to anything that feels clunky, that you have trouble saying, or otherwise doesn't feel quite right. Make the necessary corrections.

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5. Rehearse and Internalize

At this point you should have a polished ceremony with (more or less) the final wording. In the weeks and days leading up to the ceremony, we recommend that you set some time aside each day to practice the script.

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6. Dress Rehearsal & Officiate

If you have followed all of these recommendations you should be fully prepared to conduct the wedding ceremony. That being said, here are a few useful tips to make sure things go extra smooth on the wedding day.

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Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

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The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

It's finally here! Timeless scripts and heartfelt vow inspiration to bring life to your ceremony.

Professional Wedding Officiant Certification Course

Learn from the Pros to Officiate with Confidence!

Wedding Officiant Training

Wedding Officiant Training

Everything you need to know to officiate.

Read our sample wedding ceremony scripts online

Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts

Need inspiration? Check out our free ceremony scripts!

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Wedding Ceremony Quiz

Wedding Ceremony Quiz

Test Your Knowledge of Your Officiant Duties.

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Manage your ceremony planning to-do's all in one place.

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