What to look for when hiring your perfect wedding officiant

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Reverend Gregg Kits, DD and his staff are civil wedding officiants and ordained Christian chaplains, and non-denominational reverends for all types of marriages, ranging from the modest styles to elegantly formal ceremonies.

Reverend Gregg Kits, DD and his staff are civil wedding officiants and ordained Christian chaplains, and non-denominational reverends for all types of marriages, ranging from the modest styles to elegantly formal ceremonies. The types of weddings that can be officiated vary depending upon the couple’s desires. In some instances, a civil or religious ceremony is performed or anywhere in-between, then again we’re open to new ideas to help make your special day exactly how you dreamed it would always be.

Ceremonies can be held in the following locations; the entire state of New Jersey, New York City, southern New York State, eastern Pennsylvania, southwestern Connecticut and its surrounding areas. Our Clifton, NJ location has two rooms: The Oak Room measures 20’x30’, perfect for medium wedding ceremonies. The Victorian Parlor measures 20’x20’ used mostly for elopements & smaller intimate ceremonies providing a perfect setting to photograph the wedding for a lifetime of memories.

We're conveniently located off Valley Road in Clifton, NJ just a short distance away from the historical site; Lambert’s Castle. It is an excellent place to perform outdoor weddings, photograph the ceremony and include nature’s beautiful scenery in the background of each breathtaking photo.

How did you become a wedding officiant?

I love weddings it is the most amazing feeling to bring two people together and one of the most special times in their life.

I became a Christian Chaplain 21 years ago, I became a Civil Wedding Officiant in 2015 and I became a non-denominational Reverend in 2015. I love weddings it is the most amazing feeling to bring two people together and one of the most special times in their life.

What are the parts of a wedding ceremony?

The most common parts of a wedding are:

• Welcome
• Opening
• Consent
• Readings or poems
• Vows
• The blessing of the rings
• The ring exchange
• The pronouncement/introduction

Many couples add prayers and more religious and cultural components such as a Unity Candle, Sand Ceremony…

What are some things you can do for inexpensive weddings?

The cost of a wedding does not change very much. Couples wanting a more budget-friendly ceremony can choose shorter options.

Can a celebrant refuse to marry a couple?

A Civil Celebrant is licensed by the state here in NJ and NO a Civil officiant cannot refuse a couple for any reason.

In your opinion, do you think a wedding ceremony is more about the couple or the families and friends?

The ceremony is primarily about the couple and the bringing together of two families and sets of friends.

What are the most common questions that couples ask you at the first introductory appointment?

Most couples today want a very meaningful ceremony that is on the shorter side. Most guests lose interest at around 20 minutes.

Are there things that differentiate wedding officiants?

Today you will find many Officiants that became official online through a website. Most new officiants don’t have the experience or confidence to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Many couples have a friend go online and become an officiant for the day and make the wedding ceremony into something funny and create a big joke about it. Many guests don’t think a wedding should be fun and tend to not be as giving for a wedding gift. I am not saying a wedding can’t have a little humor in it but it should not be like a big joke.

Do you perform wedding ceremonies away from your church or temple?

What is your policy toward loud/unruly guests or children?

I have never had a loud/unruly guest. Many couples choose to have a wedding and reception adults only. In some cases, children many times the parents will take them out of the location. But many cultures encourage children to be loud and cry.