What Does a Wedding Officiant Actually Do? Behind the Scenes of a Seamless Ceremony
When most people picture a wedding officiant, they imagine someone standing at the front, reading a few words, and pronouncing a couple married. And while that’s not wrong, it barely scratches the surface of what a professional officiant does to make a ceremony unforgettable.
At LoveStories, we believe the ceremony is the heartbeat of your wedding day. It deserves the same care, intention, and personalization as every other part of your celebration. So today, we’re pulling back the curtain to show you what really happens behind the scenes—and why choosing the right officiant makes all the difference.
1. We Get to Know You—And Your Story
Every love story is different. Yours might have started with a swipe, a study abroad trip, or a chance meeting at a concert. Our job is to learn what makes your relationship yours—and then craft a ceremony that reflects it with authenticity and heart.
Before anything is written, we spend time getting to know you as a couple. Not just your timeline, but your personalities, your beliefs, and the little quirks that make your bond special. What do you love about each other? What challenges have you overcome together? What do you hope your marriage will look like?
This is where the magic begins—where trust is built, and where we begin shaping a ceremony that feels like you.
2. We Design a Ceremony That Reflects You
From the welcome to the pronouncement, every element of your ceremony should feel intentional—not cookie-cutter. That’s why we customize everything, from your vow structure to the language we use, and even the traditions (or non-traditions) we include.
Maybe you want to incorporate a cultural ritual or write your own vows. Maybe you’re dreaming of something spiritual but not religious. Or maybe you’re not sure what you want yet—that’s okay too. Our job is to guide you with experience and intuition.
We’ve created ceremonies inspired by poetry, music, shared hobbies, and even inside jokes. One couple who met in a bookstore had passages from their favorite novel woven into the opening. Another, who loved hiking, had a mountain-themed blessing. It’s all about telling your story with sincerity and style.
3. We Coordinate with Your Vendors
On wedding day, your officiant isn’t just “the person with the mic”—they’re part of your vendor team. We work closely with your planner, photographer, videographer, DJ, and venue coordinator to ensure everything flows smoothly.
We check the ceremony setup, confirm the sound system, coordinate music cues, and make sure everyone knows the plan. This behind-the-scenes communication makes a big difference, especially in outdoor or non-traditional settings (hello, Utah mountains!).
A well-prepared officiant is one of the quiet heroes of the day—keeping the energy calm, the timeline on track, and the couple focused on what matters most.
4. We Lead with Presence (and a Backup Plan)
Public speaking is just one part of what we bring to the ceremony. We also bring calm. Presence. Empathy. We hold the space with intention and guide you and your guests through one of the most emotional, meaningful moments of your lives.
We’re prepared for nerves (yours or anyone else’s), unexpected weather, crying flower girls, and spontaneous laughter. We've officiated in windstorms, snow flurries, and high-altitude trailheads—and we’ve learned how to keep the ceremony grounded and beautiful, no matter what the day brings.
Having a seasoned professional at the helm means that even if things go a little sideways (as weddings sometimes do), you won’t notice. You’ll be too busy soaking in the joy.
5. We Handle the Legal Side (So You Don’t Have To)
In all the excitement, it’s easy to forget the paperwork. But a professional officiant knows exactly what’s needed to make your marriage official.
We’ll guide you through the steps of obtaining your Utah marriage license, make sure it’s signed correctly, and file it promptly with the appropriate county. No stress, no confusion—just peace of mind that your marriage is legally sound.
A Seamless Ceremony Doesn’t Happen by Accident
A beautiful, heartfelt wedding ceremony doesn’t just happen. It’s built through thoughtful planning, storytelling, and presence. It’s guided by someone who knows how to honor your relationship and create a moment that feels timeless.
That’s what we do at LoveStories. We don’t just show up—we show up for you.
If you’re curious what it’s like to work with us or wondering if we’re the right fit for your day, we’d love to meet you. Schedule a free consultation—we’ll talk through your vision and how we can bring it to life.