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Beginner May 2020

Get Rid of Officiant at Symbolic Ceremony Abroad?

Sarah, on November 21, 2019 at 6:41 AM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 6

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Hello,

My husband & I are recently courthouse- married and looking to do a symbolic ceremony now that we live in Europe & head to Positano, Italy. Since this event is completely optional (we may have a larger friends/family party back in CA in a year or so), I am looking to maximize my new location & not spend more than $5,000 USD.

The officiants I've been quoted are $400. I am thinking the only reason to have one is because we "are supposed to" & for our photos, but we won't have any guests. I am paying for someone to speak for a few minutes I few like & that's it. I am happy to have an officiant/celebrant but could use that towards photographer, florals, cake, a live musician of some sort...

Is it completely strange to not even have an officiant? Perhaps do our first dance & dinner...get our photos & enjoy our time together. Has anyone ever omitted this aspect without guests?

Any advice, recommendations would be so appreciated!

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6 Comments

Latest activity by Becca, on November 21, 2019 at 2:23 PM

Master January 2019
Cassidy · on November 21, 2019 at 7:22 AM
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So you basically want to get dressed up to take pictures?
If you look at it this way I imagine you’d be able to save all kinds of money. And with no officiant or guests I don’t know why you couldn’t view it this way.
Find a photographer who you can book for just a few hours. While you’re searching be sure you mention what you idea/plan is. Ask them if they’d allow the two of you to exchange some personal vows during the photo shoot. When looking for a venue, ask if they’ll rent it to you for a couple of hours for a photo shoot.
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Master November 2020
Kristen · on November 21, 2019 at 8:21 AM
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Why have a ceremony at all then? Unless you two are going to do it. I agree that it sounds like you want pictures. Is it just you and your husband doing the symbolic ceremony? If so, why not just take pics for the wedding pics and skip the ceremony?
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Beginner May 2020
Sarah · on November 21, 2019 at 9:16 AM
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Oh gosh, I guess that takes a lot of the aspect of commemorating a better memory than the courthouse (time forced us to have to do this). Hmm, I think I'll keep the aspect of the officiant since I'd like to celebrate marriage with the addition of pictures, instead of the focus. Thank you!
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Beginner May 2020
Sarah · on November 21, 2019 at 9:17 AM
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Economically, makes sense to do a photo shoot. I suppose it does remove the aspect of it being a wedding then, moreso than the fact it was to be symbolic. Thanks for your input!
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Master November 2020
Kristen · on November 21, 2019 at 12:10 PM
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I think the symbolic part is nice but not for $400 lol. Keep looking around and see if you can find one that's a little bit cheaper. I can understand an officiant charging about 1:50 to $200 especially if they're traveling to meet you but not $400 for to me what space is going to be like 15 minutes.
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Just Said Yes September 2020
Becca · on November 21, 2019 at 2:23 PM
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Hey there! A lot of couples like in colorado do their own elopement weddings (no officiant or witnesses needed) and they bring their photographer along. They just go somewhere beautiful and say some vows to each other and their photographer then takes pictures of them and it's really cool and no less "special" just because there's no officiant- they're still getting married. They have beautiful ceremonies just the two of them! Check out Amy Bluestar Photography om FB for some inspiration, she does a lot of them.
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