Finding someone to officiate

Did u try the vendor search tool here on wedding wire. There is a officiant category.

Did you check the WW vendor tool? You should be able to put in the area and check reviews for the type of person you want.

I struggled with this as well, and the vendors on WW either never responded to me or were really weird. I ended up getting recommendations from other people who were not available on our date.

Also- have you googled 'civil celebrant' in your city? I found that helped us as well, as we did not want a religious ceremony.

Maybe open it up to women. It worked in 1920.

If you have your venue booked, or any other vendor really they might be able to offer a suggestion.

I did check the officiant tab on WW - closest one is located 70mi away and is a pastor... Most were over 200 miles away though. I will try googling that though! Thank you FutureMrsMcCoy!

So your options are reconsidering the woman you found on Facebook or looking into hiring a judge (who could also be a woman, FYI). I get you want something 'traditional', but as long as your Officient is dresses professionally they won't look 'offbeat'.

I found mine on the vendor search here online. At first I was just going to use a JP and steer clear of religious types (because neither FH and I are religious) but the JP we wanted to use is already booked.

Came across Rev. Stroud and checked out his reviews and FB. Was very impressed and surprised. Can't wait to meet him in person!

Good luck!

Go to Celebrant USA Foundation (they are here) and google American Association of Wedding Officiants. Keep in mind that many people who officate are technically ministers though they do civil ceremonies.

Think about women too, seriuosly. And 70 miles is nothing.

Just be clear with the people you talk to that you don't want anything religious in the ceremony.

Ugh. I'm in the same boat. I thought I found someone, but they're being nonresponsive, and I keep asking about when I might receive a contract...still nothing. Best of luck.

Try. Celebrant.

And this, my friends, is why cheap, unprofessional officiants are worth every cent.

Where are you guys? I"ll look around.

Haha, too true @Celia. I'm looking in the Fairfax County, VA/DC area.

I'm in Whitefish, Montana - I found two by googling celebrant that I'm gonna go ahead and call. But that was it... :-/

I didn't even know about option of a celebrant. Thanks so much for the tip!! I've found a list of several on the Fairfax County website, but if you have any recommendations or know of anyone, I'd love any other input!

FH and I sort of assumed we'd end up with a male officiant but we were matched (through the church) with a female pastor and we are so psyched. She's awesome!

@MCB1228- I live in Loudoun but our wedding is in Harrisonburg. I ended up finding someone who lives south of Charlottesville. But I have a list of a few others from that area who may be willing to travel.

@MCB1228 - Here are some people who were referred to me (they are likely all located in the Harrisonburg/Charlottesville area though)

We are using Lisa Barnes Rogers *************@***.***

www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Barnes-Rogers-Marriage-CommissionerOfficiant/253513434678739

http://lisarogers55.wix.com/wedding-officiant

I absolutely loved chatting with her. I felt immediately comfortable with her, and she just 'gets' what kind of ceremony I wanted (not religious, but not athiest)

Others recommended to me, but who were not available on our date:

Dave Norris - **********@*****.*** - http://www.letdavemarryyou.com/

Scott Nugent - *******.****@*****.***

John Charlet - ********@*****.***

Claire Goodman (*********@**********************.***) -www.sacredgroundceremonies.com

Denny King (**********@***.***) - www.dennysweddings.com

Thanks so much @FutureMrsMcCoy!!!

Good luck!

Sorry to hijack your thread @Cadence. Good luck to you too!

Mcb; contact Judith Quash; she is easy to find. She is actually in PA, but she goes to VA, WDC and all over the place.