Your Wedding Ceremony

When it comes to wedding planning, the ceremony often gets less attention than the reception,  but it's the heart of your whole day! While the party afterwards is the celebration, the ceremony is the reason you all gathered together in the first place. Episode 24 of 52 ’Til I Do brings in wedding expert Michael Vargas, to talk about how couples can design a ceremony that’s personal, memorable, and meaningful to everyone. 

When Should Couples Start Planning with Their Officiant?

Spoiler alert: earlier than you think! The ceremony often gets pushed down the to-do list, but having conversations with your officiant early can help set the tone for your whole day. Whether you're working with a professional or asking a loved one, it’s a good idea to connect 9-12 months out (or even sooner!) to ensure you’re aligned on style, flow, and logistics. If you are planning on asking a friend or loved one to be your officiant, make sure you start this conversation early so they can go through the necessary steps to prepare.

What Should You Talk About With Your Officiant?

This isn't just about showing up and saying “I do.” In your planning conversations with your officiant you’ll want to explore:

• Your values and beliefs (religious, spiritual, or other)
• What kind of tone are you going for ?(serious, lighthearted, modern?) 
• Readings, music, or traditions you want to include
• Whether you’ll write your own vows or repeat pre-written ones
• How you want to involve friends, family, ( or pets!)

Ceremony Style + Structure

Your ceremony doesn't have to follow any one format, and that's the beauty of it. However, if you’re needing help getting started, we’ve got you covered! Whether you're leaning traditional, non-traditional, spiritual, secular, or something totally in between, the style and structure of your ceremony should reflect you as a couple. Don't be afraid to make it your own! Want your dog to walk the rings down the aisle? We’re here for it! Want to find ways to include your guests? Totally possible! The structure of your ceremony exists to serve you and your loved one. 

The Legal Aspect of It All

The ceremony is the most important part of your big day. It's the moment where you and your partner make it official! But beyond the vows and romance, there is a legal aspect to it all. And one of the most crucial steps is understanding your local marriage laws. Every state (and sometimes every county) has its own rules and requirements when it comes to making your union legally binding. Be sure to check with your local county clerk to ensure you're following all the necessary procedures. 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your ceremony is more than just a formality. It's a celebration of your love, values, and your future together with your partner. It deserves the same level of thought as every other part of your wedding! With expert guidance from professionals like Michael Vargas and conversations with your officiant, you can craft a ceremony that feels meaningful, memorable, and totally your own. So take the time, trust the process, and don’t be afraid to make it personal. You only do this once. Let it be real, and let it be you! 

To listen to our interview with Michael Vargas tune into the full episode of 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 

Have more ceremony related questions? Send us a message at hello@marryment.com or get in touch on our social media—we love helping couples navigate this part of wedding planning!

Photo Credit to JNA Visuals

‍Marryment proudly serves couples all across Chicago and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs including popular areas such as Schaumburg, Elmhurst, Naperville, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, Skokie, Barrington, Downers Grove and Northbrook, to name a few. We also love destination weddings. We'd love to be a part of your wedding day! Schedule your free planning call with us today.