Officiant

/ oh-fish-ee-ant /

What Is a Officiant?

The officiant (also called celebrant, minister, or solemnizer) is the person who leads the wedding ceremony and legally solemnizes the marriage by signing the marriage license. Officiants may be ordained clergy (priest, pastor, rabbi, imam, or pandit), a judge, county clerk, or justice of the peace, or a friend/family member who has been ordained online through organizations like Universal Life Church. The officiant's role includes the ceremony script, facilitating the exchange of vows and rings, and legally signing the marriage license alongside witnesses.

The Officiant in Modern Weddings

Non-clergy officiant options have exploded in popularity, with many couples choosing a close friend or family member to officiate — adding a deeply personal quality to the ceremony that a stranger cannot replicate. Online ordination through organizations like Universal Life Church is recognized as legal in most US states. Always confirm your officiant's credentials are recognized in your specific state and county before booking.