3 Officiant Options for Your Elopement

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In order to make things official, you’re going to need an officiant. Let’s face it, with all the possible details to plan, an officiant kind of falls down the priority list. It’s not really a fun thing to plan, and compared to dresses, locations, florals, and other details, it may seem downright boring in comparison.

Crater Lake National Park Elopement We Eloped Sign

But it’s super important to keep that in mind when you’re planning. Fortunately, you’ve got some options when it comes to an adventure elopement. Without further ado, let’s get right down to it with 3 officiant options for your elopement:

Hire an “adventure officiant”.

Samuel H. Boardman Oregon Coast Elopement Intimate Wedding S Photography Adventure Photography

This one varies on cost, but if you’re wanting an actual ceremony, with someone speaking to you and the surrounding landscape, this is your safest bet. I know multiple officiants who are based in different areas, and can totally recommend one that suits your needs. A professional officiant knows what they’re doing, and they have experience. It’s comforting to know that your ceremony won’t be their first rodeo.

Ask a friend to get ordained.

This is a super flattering (but possibly high pressure, depending on their public speaking comfortableness) way of including a friend or family member. If you don’t want a stranger officiating and know someone who has their act together, why not ask them to take a minute and get ordained online? Trust me, it’s not hard. There are rules and stuff to pay attention to, but overall, I’ve taken Buzzfeed quizzes that are genius level compared to what it takes to get ordained. An elopement couple invited their friend to officiate. His girlfriend tagged along at the request of the couple (they were all good friends), and everyone had an absolute blast.

Have me officiate.

Now, I won’t be standing in front of you and your beloved, waxing poetic about love. But if you’re just wanting to read love letters or vows to each other and call it good, I’m your gal. I have to say a few words pronounce you married, and sign the paperwork. I’ll also help grab some witnesses if required by the state. It takes the stress off having to find an officiant who is willing to hike a trail or get a little dirty. I’ve officiated a few elopements now, and I keep hearing one thing: “It was so nice to cross ‘hire officiant’ off the planning list.”

So, do one of these options tickle your fancy? It is such a joy to help plan couples’ elopements, including officiant logistics. If you’re the type of person who would rather wear Merrells than Manolos at their wedding. Or if you’re someone who would rather trade a church cathedral for a cathedral of trees or mountains as your backdrop, then I’d love to help make your elopement day a dream come true.