Choosing an officiant is one of the most important tasks in your wedding planning because without them your wedding is just a fun and sentimental party. While a cheesy or obnoxious deejay or band leader can make or break a wedding reception, the same can be said for the officiant you hire for your ceremony. Here are some things to ask when selecting the person who will make your wedding ceremony legal:

Do you have any ideological or theological beliefs that would prevent you from marrying us?
Weddings are a sacred event, no matter how you personally define the word sacred, and your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple and what you value. If the officiant has a value system that doesn't align with yours and that prevents them from marrying you, thank them for their time and move on to the next interview. No need to be offended by their views; it is usually not a personal slight against you.

How much say do we have in the ceremony outline?
Again, your wedding should reflect who you and your fiance are.  Will your officiant insist on you taking communion or having a sand ceremony if you don't want one?  Will they be open to deviating from a preset outline or script to include readings or Scripture that is important to you?

Will you be present at the wedding rehearsal?
Not all officiants attend the rehearsal, so find out up front if yours will and if there is an additional cost.  If they do not, make sure to let your wedding planner know so that they can be sure to go over the ceremony outline with them prior to the rehearsal.  This will help your wedding coordinator cue you and your wedding party to any specific events in your ceremony (when to sit, when to kneel, and where to go for each, etc) that may be custom to you and your fiance's wedding.

Is your ordination valid in the state we are getting married in?
This may seem like a no brainer, but please ask and do not assume on this one.  Also, if you are having a destination wedding in another country, and plan on flying in an officiant you really click well with, make sure that they can legally marry you in your destination location or arrange for a civil ceremony in the United States first. 

(PS - Officiant is a noun, and the person you hire to perform your wedding ceremony. Officiate is a verb and is what the officiant does. These two words are not interchangeable, because they mean different things. Just a little wedding grammar pet peeve of mine!)