Cynthia Chadwick-Granger of Vows For You By Cynthia has been a Maine wedding officiant for more than 12 years. Her warm personality and natural magnetism make her a favorite in the Maine wedding community.
What is something couples would be surprised to know that professional wedding officiants do?
Each wedding officiant is different and brings their individual flair to each ceremony that they create and perform. Many officiants work from a script because they perform so many ceremonies during the wedding season. I choose to work with fewer clients each year and take pride in providing a personal touch and adding unique flourishes to each ceremony that I perform. There are so many essential details in a ceremony and how it is written and performed, and it sets the tone for your special day, so be sure to select an officiant that is perfect for you.
What is one quality that makes a professional wedding officiant good at what they do?
Confidence! Bringing hope and a touch of magic comes naturally to me. This magic invites the guests to get caught up in the moment and be fully present and part of the ceremony. There is nothing more rewarding to me than when a relative or friend of the couple asks, “How long have you known them?” A good officiant gives the impression that they have known the couple for a lifetime.
How do you know if you need a professional wedding officiant?
How could you consider NOT having a professional wedding officiant? Officiants are no different than any of the other professionals that you hire for your wedding day. We provide an important service as well as handle the legal aspects of your wedding ceremony.
When should you book your wedding officiant?
I tell every couple that I meet with the same thing: book your wedding officiant as soon as you book your wedding venue. Determine what you want and what is important to you, do your homework, and choose the best officiant for you. Your first step should be a meeting, whether virtual or in person. It gives you a chance to get to know each other and go over your expectations of the ceremony and make sure that you are all on the same page. When you have found the right officiant, things will “click,” and your wedding day will start with a fantastic ceremony experience for you and your guests.
