What does a Wedding Officiant Do?

A wedding officiant leads the wedding ceremony and legally signs the marriage license to make the marriage official.

Duties of the Wedding Officiant

Before the Wedding

• Meet with the couple to learn their story and plan the ceremony.

• Write a custom script and help guide or review personal vows.

• Check that the couple has a valid state-issued marriage.

• Lead the wedding rehearsal to brief the wedding party on roles and timing.

During the Ceremony

• Welcome guests and guide the flow of the event.

• Prompt the exchange of vows and wedding rings.

• Pronounce the couple legally married.

After the Ceremony

• Sign the physical marriage license along with witnesses.

• Mail or deliver the signed paperwork to the local government office to finalize the legal record.