Read This Before You Book Your Wedding Officiant: 6 Reasons We Might Not Be a Match
@weddingsbynato
You’ve found your person—your ride-or-die, your forever plus-one. Now it’s time to put together the dream team that’s going to bring your wedding vision to life. Since you’re here, you’re probably asking yourself:
Is Lauren Hill of Simply Weddings NYC the right wedding officiant for us?
I love a good vibe check, and instead of giving you a long list of why I’m amazing (because, let’s be honest, I am), let’s talk about when I wouldn’t be the right fit. Because choosing a wedding officiant isn’t just about saying “I do”—it’s about making sure the person standing with you on your big day truly gets you.
So, here are 6 reasons we might not be the right match— and why that’s totally okay.
You Don’t Think the Ceremony Is a Big Deal.
Your top priorities may be the venue, the photographer, or making sure the dance floor stays packed all night—and I totally get it! Every couple has their own vision for their big day. But for me, the ceremony is the heart of it all—the moment you lock eyes, make your promises, and officially step into marriage (aka the reason for the celebration).
If you’re just looking for a quick, let’s-get-this-over-with moment before heading to cocktail hour, I might not be the right fit. But if you want a ceremony that feels personal, heartfelt, and just as unforgettable as the rest of your wedding day, we’re probably a perfect match!
You Want a Super Traditional, “By-the-Book” Ceremony
If your dream ceremony includes, “Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today…” followed by a serious, formal tone—yeah, that’s not me.
There’s nothing wrong with tradition, but I like to take a traditionally untraditional approach—one that blends meaning with personality, heart with humor, and authenticity with a touch of fun. Whether that means including an inside joke, a pop culture reference, or a sentimental moment that makes everyone tear up, I want your ceremony to feel authentically you.
That said, if you have cultural or religious traditions you’d like to honor, I’m absolutely here for that! Just know that I don’t do boring or outdated scripts—your ceremony deserves better than that.
You Want a Ceremony Without Personality
If you’re looking for a straightforward, just-the-basics script with zero personalization, I might not be the best fit.
I believe your ceremony should have character—whether that means weaving in your love story, adding a touch of humor, or including elements that make it feel uniquely yours. If you want something personal, heartfelt, and engaging (without being stiff or overly formal), we’re probably a great match!
You Don’t Believe in Love, Equality, or Basic Human Right
Let’s be clear: Simply Weddings NYC is proudly inclusive.
✅ I officiate weddings for all couples—including LGBTQ+ weddings, trans and nonbinary love stories, interracial couples, and nontraditional partnerships.
✅ I respect pronouns, identities, and love in all forms.
✅ I believe in creating a safe, affirming space where all love is celebrated.
If diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) aren’t values you support, or if you believe in limiting someone’s rights based on gender, identity, or who they love, we are not going to be a match.
Love is love. Rights are rights. People deserve to live freely. If that resonates with you, I can’t wait to meet you.
You’re Looking for a Budget Officiant
I completely understand that weddings can be expensive (trust me, I get it). And if you’re looking for the lowest-cost officiant out there, I totally respect that—but that’s not me.
When planning a wedding, things like the venue, photographer, and catering often take priority, and I get that the officiant may not be at the top of your vendor list. But here’s the thing—the ceremony is what actually makes your wedding a wedding. If the part where you say “I do” is where you choose to cut costs, we might not be the best fit.
That said, I believe that every couple deserves a ceremony that feels meaningful and personal. If you’re interested in working together but have budget concerns, I do offer flexible payment options to make it work. Let’s chat and see what we can create together!
You’re Not Both Fully Prepared to Be Present
Your wedding ceremony is about both of you, and creating something meaningful requires both of you to show up—not just physically, but emotionally.
When we work together, I’m not just crafting words; I’m weaving your story. That means hearing from both of you, understanding your journey as a couple, and making sure your ceremony reflects who you truly are. If one of you is all-in while the other is disengaged, it makes it harder to create a moment that feels real, balanced, and deeply personal.
I don’t do one-sided love stories—I do ceremonies that honor both voices, both perspectives, and the connection that brought you here. If you’re both ready to be present, open, and engaged, I can’t wait to create something unforgettable with you!
Still Here? Then We’re Probably a Perfect Match!
If any of these reasons made you think, “Yeah, that sounds like me,” then I appreciate you stopping by, and I truly hope you find the perfect officiant for your day!
But if you’re reading this and thinking, “Omg, Lauren, you’re speaking my language,” then let’s do this— Let’s make wedding magic happen!
