What kind of tone they want the ceremony to have. Are they looking for traditional, trendy, or off-beat? Solemn, or light-hearted? Religious or secular? Whether they have any specific expectations about the structure of the ceremony. Whether there are any subjects they want you to touch on (or avoid) during your introductory speech.
For example, in a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, the officiant is required to read a special marriage contract, called the ketubah, out loud. [2] X Trustworthy Source Chabad. org Online resource for information related to Chabad-Lubavitch and Jewish culture Go to source
Make sure your script contains all the crucial parts of the ceremony. In many places, a wedding ceremony is not legally binding unless it includes the “declaration of intent” from the couple (e. g. , “Do you, Gussie, take Madeline to be your lawfully wedded wife?” “I do. ”) and the pronouncement from the officiant (e. g. “I now pronounce you. . . “[3] X Research source If the couple has decided to compose their own vows, leave space in the script for their part of the ceremony. If you’re not sure how to begin, check around online for sample wedding scripts that match the tone and structure you are going for.
If there are places where you stumble over words, or if you find yourself getting choked up at certain points, take extra care to work on mastering those difficult passages.
For example, in many states in the US, you may need to be a judge, magistrate, or ordained minister in order to become an officiant. In other states, such as Pennsylvania, no officiant is required at all, and the couple can marry themselves as long as there are at least two witnesses present. [5] X Research source
Some types of ordination are only valid for a limited period of time. Before trying to conduct a wedding ceremony, make sure your ordination is still valid, and renew it if necessary. [7] X Research source
Some types of ordination are only valid for a limited period of time. Before trying to conduct a wedding ceremony, make sure your ordination is still valid, and renew it if necessary. [7] X Research source
In some areas, you may be required to present credentials, such as a certificate of ordination or a Letter of Good Standing from your ministry.
You and the married couple will need to sign the license in order for it to be legally binding. You may also need signatures from at least two witnesses.
It may help to pick a simple theme for your introduction or sermon. For example, you might build a few short paragraphs off of a favorite quote about love, life, or marriage. [10] X Research source
For example, you might begin with a variation on the traditional opening, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this couple in holy matrimony. ”
