Knowing how to choose a wedding officiant comes down to a few things: whether you feel comfortable with them, whether they will write a ceremony around your story, whether they handle the legal paperwork, and whether the price and terms are clear. Below are nine questions to ask any officiant before you book, plus the California legal basics every couple should know.
I’m Gabriel Hernandez, a wedding officiant based in San Dimas with 19 years of experience and 300+ ceremonies performed. Here is how I’d compare officiants if I were the one getting married.
Want to talk it through? Call (626) 675-9904 (8am to 9pm) for a free consultation.
What Does a Wedding Officiant Actually Do?
An officiant leads your ceremony, guides you through your vows and ring exchange, and pronounces you married. In California, the officiant also completes and signs your marriage license after the ceremony and is responsible for returning it to the county within 10 days. A good officiant does more than read a script: they help you shape the ceremony so it sounds like the two of you.
9 Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Wedding Officiant
1. Are you legally able to perform weddings in California?
California law lists who may solemnize a marriage, including clergy of any denomination, judges, and certain public officials. Ask the officiant to explain their authority in plain terms, and read our guide on whether ordained ministers can legally perform a wedding if you want the details.
2. How many ceremonies have you performed?
Experience shows in how calmly an officiant handles a late guest, a forgotten ring or a windy outdoor venue. I’ve performed 300+ ceremonies over 19 years, and I still ask every couple what matters most to them.
3. Will the ceremony be personalized?
Ask whether you get a custom ceremony and customized vows, or a standard template with your names dropped in. Both of my wedding packages include a custom ceremony and customized vows.
4. How many planning meetings are included?
Find out how many meetings you get and whether they are in person, by phone or by email. My packages include all planning meetings in any of those formats.
5. Who handles the marriage license paperwork?
You apply for the license at a county clerk’s office before the ceremony. After the ceremony, someone has to get it signed and returned. With Simply The Ceremony I help you with the license application. With The Royal Wedding I also work with your witnesses on the big day for signatures and deliver the signed marriage certificate on your behalf. See our California marriage license guide for the step-by-step.
6. What does it cost, and what is the payment schedule?
Get the full price in writing, along with the deposit, the balance due date and the date-change policy. My packages are $400 (Simply The Ceremony, $200 deposit), $500 (The Royal Wedding, $250 deposit) and $300 (Anniversaries / Vow Renewals, $150 deposit). For how that compares across Southern California, see how much a wedding officiant costs in Southern California.
7. Is travel included for our venue?
Ask about travel fees before you book. I serve couples within 50 miles of San Dimas with travel included, and a small fee may apply beyond that. I regularly work with couples in Covina, Azusa and Rancho Cucamonga.
8. Will you perform the kind of ceremony we want?
Religious, secular, traditional, same-sex, vow renewal: make sure the officiant is comfortable with yours. I perform custom, non-denominational ceremonies for traditional and same-sex couples (see our LGBTQ+ wedding officiant page) and renewals for couples celebrating an anniversary (see how to plan a vow renewal ceremony).
9. What do past couples say?
Read reviews from couples with a ceremony like yours. Hernandez Weddings has 32 Google reviews at 4.9 stars, and you can also read our Yelp reviews.
Red Flags When Choosing an Officiant
- Vague or changing prices, or fees that appear only after you book.
- No clear answer on who returns the marriage license.
- A single, one-size-fits-all script with no personalization.
- No reviews or references you can check.
- Slow replies before you’ve booked, which rarely improve afterward.
When to Book Your Officiant
Book as soon as you have a date, and 6 to 12 months ahead for peak season (spring through fall). Weekday and smaller ceremonies can sometimes be booked sooner, but popular dates fill up. A deposit secures your date and time.
California Basics to Keep in Mind
You apply for a marriage license in person at a county clerk’s office before the ceremony, and it is valid for 90 days. A public license needs at least one witness at the ceremony. The officiant must return the signed license to the county recorder within 10 days. Requirements and fees vary by county, so confirm the details with your county clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a wedding officiant?
Check that they are legally able to perform weddings in California, ask how personalized the ceremony will be, confirm who handles the license paperwork, get the full price and terms in writing, and read reviews from couples with a similar ceremony.
How much does a wedding officiant cost?
Hernandez Weddings packages are $400, $500 and $300 for vow renewals. Prices elsewhere vary with experience and what’s included. See our Southern California pricing guide.
Can a friend officiate our wedding?
Only if they are authorized under California law to solemnize marriages. Many couples hire an experienced officiant so the ceremony and the paperwork are handled correctly. Check with your county clerk about the options available to you.
Ready to book? Call (626) 675-9904 for a free consultation, or see the packages and prices on the homepage.