Okay, so what exactly is an Officiant & do I really need one?

Here's the "T": An officiant is someone who officiates or leads a ceremony, typically a wedding ceremony, but also other ceremonies like vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, and civil unions. The role of an officiant is to facilitate the ceremony, guide the couple through their vows, and legally pronounce them married (if it's a wedding ceremony).

Whether you need an officiant depends on the type of ceremony you're planning. For legal weddings in most jurisdictions, you usually need an officiant to solemnize the marriage and sign the marriage license. Even in cases where it's not legally required, many couples choose to have an officiant to lend structure and meaning to the ceremony.

Officiants can be religious leaders, civil servants (such as judges or justices of the peace), or individuals certified specifically to officiate weddings. Some couples also choose to have a friend or family member ordained online to officiate their wedding.

Ultimately, the decision to have an officiant depends on your personal preferences, the type of ceremony you want, and the legal requirements of the jurisdiction where you're getting married.