How To Choose an Arizona Elopement Officiant

So maybe you’re ready to elope. Do the deed and sign the lifelong commitment to your partner. For many states, including Arizona, whether you’re having a traditional wedding or an Arizona elopement, you must have an officiant present. The officiant essentially is going to be one of your witnesses and make sure that your tying the knot is well… legal. However, when it comes to how to choose an Arizona elopement officiant… that’s a different story. I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many talented Arizona elopement officiants and I’ll give you the inside scoop.

1.) Decide If You Want A Religious Ceremony

First things first, you’re going to need to decide whether or not you want a religious ceremony or not. Knowing whether or not you want a religious ceremony or not will help you in determining what kind of Arizona officiant you want to hire. In fact, there are four different types of officiants that you can have for your Arizona elopement.

• Civil Wedding Officiant
• Religious Wedding Officiant
• Celebrants
• Ordained Wedding Officiant

Each is legally allowed to get you married but holds a different weight and power for your wedding. Determining whether or not you want a religious ceremony, will help you in choosing what type of officiant best fit your needs for your Arizona elopement.

2.) Will You Include Any Unity Ceremonies?

Next, you’re going to need to figure out if you’re planning on having unity ceremonies during your Arizona elopement. A unity ceremony is a symbolic act that happens during your wedding ceremony usually after you exchange rings. It typically is a symbolic way to bring you and your partner together and can be done in many different ways. Some ideas for different types of unity ceremonies are:

• Hand Fasting
• Sage Smudging
• Tequila Shots
• Knot Tying
• Sand Pouring
• Unity Candle Lighting
• Tree Planting
• Tying The Knot

The list can go on and on! Decide if and what kind of unity ceremony you want to have for your Arizona elopement and this will help you in determining the next steps.

3.) Do You Want To Outsource An Officiant Or Ask A Family Friend?

Third, you also have the option to decide whether or not you want to outsource an officiant or ask a family friend. There are many reasons why some couples may choose one or the other for their Arizona elopement. However, at the end of the day, it is entirely dependent on what you’re comfortable with and what you and your partner want to do.

Hiring a professional and experienced officiant means that they know the whole process of getting a marriage license and are great public speakers. They know how to facilitate the unity ceremonies as well, which may be helpful if you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing.

When it comes to hiring a family friend to perform the ceremony, it may make you and your partner feel 10x more comfortable. Seeing as that you already have a relationship with them may make you feel at ease. This is especially the case if you plan on reading more personal and intimate vows during your ceremony.

Either way, whether you choose to hire a professional officiant or a family friend, the main goal is to get you two married and to do it well!

4.) When In Doubt, Hire Me!

If you’re still on the fence about who to hire for your Arizona elopement, then you’re in luck! I, By Kristen Marie Photography, am ordained and can actually get you two legally married. This is especially perfect if you’re looking to have your Arizona elopement be just the two of you. I am ordained to sign the license after you say your vows and then we just need to make sure we find two witnesses. Typically, this will be some hiker alongside where we are hosting your Arizona elopement.

The fun in all of this is that you can really do whatever you want! At the end of it all, it’s your Arizona elopement and you get to choose how you celebrate it.

Arizona Elopement Officiants I Recommend

While I could rave on and on about some of the most amazing Arizona elopement officiants, below is a list of just some of the Arizona elopement officiants I personally would recommend as an Arizona elopement photographer.

• Reverend Shanandoah Sterling with Sterling Weddings
• Brittany Shulla
• Karen Lynn with Sedona Wedding Ministries
• Anthony Flesch
• Rich Satnam with Let’s Knot Weddings

Get In Touch! | Arizona Elopement Photographer

Hey, I’m Kristen! If you’re looking for an epic adventure with an Arizona Elopement Photographer, then I’m your girl. Inquire here and let’s start chatting about having the most epic elopement EVA.