While there are certainly many reputable and sincere individuals who become ordained online to officiate weddings, there are also potential negative considerations to keep in mind when hiring someone who obtained their ordination through an internet site and not a legitimate religious institution:
- Lack of Experience: Some online ordination processes may not require any formal training or experience in conducting wedding ceremonies—in fact, most of them don’t. This could mean that the Officiant lacks the necessary skills and expertise to handle various aspects of the ceremony professionally, which the wedding participants and the guests will easily pick up on. When the “Master of Ceremonies” /Officiant doesn’t know what he or she is doing, it makes the entire wedding look disorganized and unprofessional. Do you really want to trust one of the most important days of your life to an inexperienced person who got their “ordination” papers from the internet? Choose one of our highly experienced and knowledgeable Knot Tyers to officiate your special day.
- Legitimacy Concerns: While it is questionable that online ordination is legitimate, there may be questions about the credibility and authenticity of the ordaining organization or even the legitimacy of the ordination itself. Some jurisdictions may not recognize online ordinations, which could lead to legal issues regarding the validity of the marriage.
- Limited Knowledge of Legal Requirements: Officiating a wedding involves adhering to legal requirements specific to the jurisdiction where the marriage takes place. An Officiant who obtained their ordination online may not be well-versed in state and local laws and regulations, potentially leading to complications with the marriage license or the legality of the ceremony.
- Inadequate Preparation and Personalization: Without proper training or guidance, an Officiant who got ordained online may struggle with knowing how to personalize the ceremony in order to fulfill the couple’s wishes as to their preferences. This could result in a generic, boring or impersonal ceremony that fails to reflect the couple’s relationship or falls short of telling their love story in a unique and touching manner.
- Reliability and Professionalism: There may be concerns about the reliability and professionalism of an Officiant who obtained their ordination online. Without a formal process for vetting, oversight and accountability, it’s possible that the Officiant may not take their role seriously or may not fulfill their responsibilities adequately.
- Limited Support and Resources: Unlike Officiants with formal training or an affiliation with established religious institutions, an Officiant who became ordained online may lack access to ongoing support, resources, or guidance to help them perform their duties effectively and efficiently.
- Communication and Coordination Challenges: Since online-ordained Officiants may not have an established network or community within the wedding industry, there may be challenges in coordinating with other wedding vendors or communicating effectively with the couple to ensure a smooth, flawless ceremony.
- Perception by Guests and Family: Some guests and family members may have reservations or skepticism about the legitimacy or qualifications of an Officiant who obtained their ordination online. This could affect the overall perception of the ceremony and the couple’s choice of Officiant.
- Familiarity Faux Pas: Yes, a friend or family member might know you better than a professional, but they also might share something “off the cuff” that you wish they wouldn’t share in a public setting, especially at your wedding. It’s important to thoroughly research and vet any potential Wedding Officiant, regardless of how they obtained their ordination. Couples should consider these factors when making their decision on an Officiant:
- experience and expertise
- professional, yet personable
- public speaking adeptness
- people skills
- ceremony personalization abilities
- legal knowledge
- compatibility with the couple’s vision for the ceremony
