When you try to plan a ceremony or a wedding, you suddenly find that you have to be an expert on everything! It is confusing trying to understand the difference between different types of wedding officiants, but I will try to explain the difference.
A religious minister (priest, reverend, etc.) may officiate a wedding, but most ministers will be restricted in what they can or will do, due to their religious affiliation with the church to which they belong. This is a great option for people who already belong to a church they regularly attend if they want a traditional church ceremony, but as I mentioned, they are limited in their beliefs and dogmas.
A Judge is an officer of the civil registry office who can perform civil marriages. These are the option for people who needs a legal marriage certificate (I can help you with the paperwork and the judge office process if that is what you are looking for), but they are limited in terms of time, location, paperwork and even you will need a blood test and a medical certification. They are the only officiants for legal marriages valid in Mexico.
Lastly, a wedding officiant is anyone who can officiate a marriage ceremony.
In broader usage, a wedding officiant often refers to a non-denominational officiant and sometimes non-religious officiant who has no affiliation with a church.
Couples who do not regularly attend a church or church service often find this wedding service ideal because of the flexibility this approach offers.
When you use a non-denominational wedding officiant, you are not subject to the limits of any specific religious tradition or dogma.
Couples who have different religious backgrounds, or no religion at all, also tend to prefer a non-denominational officiant like this.
A non-denominational wedding officiant offers you flexibility and customization, without the brevity and rigidity of the legal marriage ceremony.
Is important to mention that , officiants can also carry out simple and meaningful symbolic elopements (just the couple!) and small vow renewal ceremonies , trendy with the New Normal regulations.
Officiants can offer as well quick ceremonies at night and on weekend hours, boats or even inside the water!
In general, a minister, a judge, and a non-denominational wedding officiant are perfectly capable of organizing your wedding ceremony.
However, If you want ultimate customization and flexibility in the schedule and the ceremony, your best option is a non-denominational wedding officiant.
