Slides: Christian Wedding Officiant – The First Meeting

Christian Wedding Officiant – The First Meeting

Henry Reyenga

Agenda

Prayer

Devotional – Genesis 2:22-24

Commit to confidentiality 

Availability of dates and time

Location of ceremony

Have them share their relationship story

Look for interesting milestones or metaphors that can be brought back into the ceremony later.

Find out about their beliefs. 

Ask them what they envision for their day.

Share the lawful requirements

Prayer

Lawful Requirements

There are only two parts of a ceremony that are required by United States law. 

The wedding vows.

 The pronouncement of marriage. 

The rest is a matter of personal choice. Many couples have no idea how to create their ceremony. 

Typical Marriage License Application Instructions 

The bride and groom will be required to provide a government issued photo I.D. such as a driver's license to show proof of age and confirm identity. Ordinarily both parties must be present to obtain a marriage license. 

State laws are different in regard to what is needed and the amount of time in advance they must receive their marriage license. You are responsible for researching this and giving them the correct information for their city/ state. 

A copy of a divorce decree may be required as well as a blood test. Check your local city/state laws for more information.

The Wedding Program Meeting 

Henry Reyenga

Hold a meeting at least two months in advance, if possible

Agenda:

Ask if there are any changes from the first meeting

Confirm ceremony facts 

Confirm details and get more details

Fact Questions:

How many people are standing up?

Do parents all get along? Will they sit together?

What type of feel does the couple want? Traditional, contemporary?

What time and why?

Things to Talk About Before the Rehearsal

Things to talk about when meeting with the Bride and Groom: 

Time to gather

Time to start

Time to end

Preparing before the rehearsal

Wedding Coordinator

Who is in charge? Clarify this.

Suggestions

• Develop volunteers

• Meet with the wedding helpers

Things to Talk About Before the Rehearsal

Who is in charge?

Are there parents or relatives or friends who may try to take control in a way that is undesirable?

What is the game plan?

Program Details

What about family volunteers doing a reading or other part in the ceremony?

What about a solo?

What about live music vs. canned music?

What about video recordings or photos?

Important Personal Details

Fact Questions:

What are the exact pronunciations of the names?

Are there any health issues that affect the ceremony for anyone?

Pastoral Care Issues

Grief issues that may have to be addressed

Expectation issues

Any other questions?

Message Issues

Favorite Bible verse

Message length (10 minutes average)

Look for an angle