Congratulations!
Thanks for your interest in working with me to create your wedding ceremony!
This blog should help you find resources, plan the order of service, and consider the many choices you have for creating your special day.
A quick checklist related to the wedding ceremony itself (I'm leaving out the steps related to the reception and your wedding attire...)
1) Plan the date - think about the number of people you hope will come from out of town, and times that might be more "travel-friendly." Consider important dates for you and your partner.
2) Determine the venue. Consider the size of your ceremony. Do you want the wedding and reception in one place so people don't travel from one place to another? Do you want an outdoor wedding? Are you and your partner particularly attached to a special location? (a library? a park? a school?) There are lots of options.
3) Identify your officiant. I hope you'll consider me for your ceremony. Wedding ceremonies are something I love to do, and something I wanted to do from the time I was an adolescent! But think about what is the best fit for you - do you and your partner want an officiant who comes from a specific religious tradition? Would you have a preference regarding gender? Will the people in your community of family and friends have specific expectations about the ceremony and the officiant?
4) Meet with your officiant. For the weddings I officiate, I ask that we meet two to three times to review your plans, your hopes, and your vision for your ceremony and your partnership. This doesn't mean I can't work with you if the wedding is close at hand (I'm flexible), but it's nice to take things step by step.
5) Get your marriage license. This is a process you go through together, in person, NO MORE THAN 60 days before your ceremony. The Hamilton County Probate Court processes marriage licenses in Hamilton County, Ohio. You can see their locations and procedures at: http://www.probatect.org/marriagelicenses/index.htm
6) Consider whether you need to obtain legal advice. This should be considered by everyone, especially if you have property and/or children from a previous marriage. Not everyone needs or wants a prenuptial agreement, but committing to a lifelong partnership has many important implications for both your lives. Don't be afraid of these important conversations. How well you can handle these topics is a sign of how well you will be able to handle important issues that come up over the course of your life together.
7) The Ceremony Details. See my blog entry on the ceremony "template." Think about whether or not you would like special people in your lives to participate with readings, candle-lighting, or other rituals that would hold meaning for your community. Think about your choices for music, and whether or not you would like to distribute a program to the people who attend.
8) Think about your vows. You have many, many options for how to approach this core element of the ceremony. I can help you review options ranging from traditional vows, to guidelines for writing your very own.
9) Think about your rehearsal. Do you want or need to have an actual rehearsal the day / evening before the ceremony? It can be helpful if you have a large wedding party, but it is not required. Will the venue permit you to be there the day before your event? Will the people in the wedding party need special instructions or special accommodations?
10) THE DAY OF YOUR CEREMONY: Enjoy one of the most important events of your life! My goal is to help you plan a ceremony that allows you to be truly present for one another as you make a lifelong commitment to one another.
If you are interested in contacting me about assisting you with your ceremony, just e-mail me at mailto:cincinnati.officiant@gmail.com
- Diane Wright