Mid-Valley Voice

The Ceremony Location

You know the "who," "what," "why" and probably the "when." But in regard to your wedding, there is no more important "where" than the site of your ceremony.

This facility is the place where you will make those lifelong promises to love and to cherish. In your pictures you will forever be standing in that spot, wearing the most beautiful dress, with your husband lovingly gazing at you, and your friends and family fondly observing.

Here are some ideas to guide you toward picking the perfect site for your ceremony:

- If you want to get married in a place of worship, you should pick one to which you feel connected. That could be where you currently attend services or the place you went during childhood. It could be somewhere you’ve never been but have admired from afar.

- An outdoor wedding can be beautiful. Whether under a gazebo, at a park, or in a field, an outdoor wedding seems to come with Mother Nature’s seal of approval. Be careful to consider seasonal weather factors. Certain times of year are more prone to inclement weather than others.

- In a museum or gallery, your wedding will be surrounded by beautiful objects. You can choose sites that display works that match your personal preferences, whether you enjoy the modern, classical, naturalistic or abstract.

- A wedding at home gives you the opportunity to recite your vows in a place that is near and dear to your heart. Though it will require that you have enough room to accommodate your guest list, a home wedding will definitely have a personal touch that no other location offers.

Choosing Your Officiant

Your officiant does more than oversee the marriage ceremony. He or she is the person who can help you bring your dreams and ideas to life.

The officiant will keep you informed of any requirements or restrictions when it comes to your ceremony. Since you may be working with someone you don't know well, be sure to ask detailed questions to determine if you and your potential officiant are a match made in heaven.

On the phone, before you meet in person, find out the following:

- Is the officiant available on the date you've chosen? Obviously, if he or she isn't available on your date, this isn't going to work out.

- What, if any, documentation is required for the first meeting? Some religions require baptism certificates or other documentation.

- Is he or she open to personalized vows, particular readings or music? Some religions have restrictions on using secular music or readings. Some require that you use traditional vows.

- Are pre-wedding counseling or classes required? Again, some religions require couples to attend retreats or "marriage classes" before allowing them to tie the knot.

- Is there an officiant's ceremony fee? Fees for an officiant can range from approximately $20-$200 for performing a service. If you require the participation of other lay people, such as musicians, it is likely they also will have a fee.

If you feel comfortable with the officiant on the phone and can accommodate his or her requirements and restrictions, you will want to schedule a meeting before sealing the deal. When you meet, go over the details of the site and the ceremony.

Including the following:

- Tour the site, noting the capacity, general layout and accessibility. Be sure to note wheelchair accessibility if necessary.

- What the site provides vs. what you'll need to provide - i.e., the runner, flowers, candles.

- Your ideas for music and readings so the officiant can tell you if there are any restrictions.

- Your choice of vows if you're not going the traditional route.

- Your thoughts on the sermon the officiant plans to deliver. He or she may offer to let you hear it in advance.

- Dress code for your site. Some religious sites require a covered head, sleeved clothes or other wardrobe restrictions.

- Any documentation matters including the marriage certificate and marriage license.

- Accessibility for the photographer and videographer, so you can let them know where they will and won't be allowed to go at the ceremony site.

- Officiant and site availability for the rehearsal.