Finding Who Will Marry You in Dallas

Finding an officiant in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex should be as easy as a day at the ranch, since weddings here are as big as the state. The only caveat is that Texas, unlike many less-conservative areas, doesn’t have as many non-traditional clergymen. (You can, however, locate them.) On the flip side, most weddings in this part of the country are formal, with an officiant of your chosen faith presiding. Read on for tips on finding the right person for your Lone Star ceremony.

Your Dallas officiant search should begin as soon as you’ve set the date of your wedding, and once you’ve decided on the style and formality of your ceremony. You can always be married by a justice of the peace, but for more common options, you’ll need to broaden your enquiries.

Traditional weddings in Dallas.
If you’ve decided on a secular affair, search for titles like “Dallas” or “Ft. Worth” Officiants, to find a variety of non-denominational ministers or other inter-faith ministers. These officiants can marry you in places outside of a house of worship. Many of them can add religious touches as well. Traditional, formal affairs call for a conservative minister, and the first place to look is your own house of worship. Even if he can’t marry you (you belong to different faiths, you don’t want to be married in a church), he might be able to point you in the right direction.

The first thing to remember when “interviewing” clergymen is whether or not you vibe with his personality. He is the one who’ll make your marriage official, so it’s imperative that you share similar views on the ceremony, and that you enjoy each other’s company. If, for any reason, you don’t click with a minister, move on to the next person on your list.

When you’re ready to start talking with Dallas-Ft. Worth officiants, visit the OurWeddingDay.com Dallas-Ft. Worth Local Vendor section for a great list of regularly updated contacts.

Once you’ve selected an officiant—and made sure his calendar isn’t booked for your big day!—remember to invite him and his spouse to your rehearsal dinner. Should he be traveling a long distance for your affair, it’s customary to pay for his travel and lodging expenses.

Most officiants charge for their services, especially non-denominational and interfaith ministers. Religious officiants who offer services independent of their house of worship will charge a fee too. If you’re getting married in a Dallas church where the minister is part of the package, you won’t be expected to pay him. Instead, a “love offering” of at least $100 is appreciated. Some officiants can be pricey, so find out the fee or expected donation upfront.

Follow these guidelines, and you’ll have time to kick back and dust off your cowboy boots.

-David Toussaint

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