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White Robed Monks of St. Benedict
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Frequently Asked Questions

Identifying someone to officiate at your wedding can sometimes be a more daunting task than finding your betrothed - especially if you are not affiliated with a particular house of worship or if you are marrying outside of your faith. The key to finding an officiant who is in sync with you and your partner is to ask questions. To avoid the cookie cutter approach to weddings, we recommend asking these essential questions of a prospective wedding officiant before you walk down the aisle.

How do you create the ceremony?
Do we have final approval over the script? Ideally, the officiant should collaborate with you every step of the way so that the ceremony is tailor-made for you. Don't let a boilerplate ceremony be imposed on you. We encourage you to personalize your ceremony.

When will you arrive?
The officiant should be available at least 30 minutes before the ceremony in order to un through any last minute changes, and to coordinate details with readers, musicians, photographers and videographers. We are always there at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start. To be legally married, you will need to take care of legal formalities. After the ceremony, the priest will make sure that your license is signed and sent to the appropriate agency. He will also provide a marriage certificate for your more immediate use.

Do you attend the rehearsal at the wedding venue?
Many officiants don't rehearse, but a rehearsal is essential for a beautifully choreographed ceremony - and for calming last-minute nerves. We always attend the rehearsal, except in very rare cases.

Can we vary the traditional choreography of a wedding?
You may wish to face your guests rather than the officiant, or have the officiant stand to the side instead of between you and your spouse. Make sure your officiant is open to these suggestions. Of course, you may alter the traditional.

What training do you have in creating and officiating at ceremonies?
Many officiants have no specific training. Look for those who have a sound background in the history of ritual and ceremony. The dean holds a Masters in Divinity from a leading seminary in the Midwest and is in direct supervision of the other officiants.

Will you work with our other wedding professionals?
The officiant should coordinate as needed with musicians to provide music cues for the ceremony, with photographers and videographers to assist them in getting the best shots, and with the staff of your venue to ensure that the ceremony will not conflict in any way with their requirements. Of course, other professionals are welcome.
For more FAQs, please refer to Frequently Asked Questions re Marriage