10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Civil Celebrant

If you've decided to have a civil ceremony but aren't sure how to choose an celebrant, here are nine questions you definitely want to ask

• Is the celebrant available on your wedding date?
• Can the celebrant travel to your chosen wedding site?
• If you don't have a site, can the celebrant suggest one or provide a courthouse or meeting room?
• Does the celebrant charge a standard fee? Is the fee a donation?
• How long has the celebrant been performing weddings? Why does he/she do them?
  
• Does the celebrant have sample wording/ceremonies/readings to show you?
• Will the celebrant let you specify ceremony details such as music, readings, and vows? Can you include religious touches if desired?
• Is the celebrant available for a ceremony rehearsal?
• Does the celebrant make you comfortable? Does he or she seem genuinely interested in you as a couple? Be sure you like and respect your celebrant -- and that the feeling is mutual.
• Would the celebrant (and his/her spouse) like to come to the reception and rehearsal dinner?

--- The Knot