Super stressed- what would you do?

Are you able to get out of your contract with the current officiant and be able to get your money back? If so, I would look for a different officiant just to avoid a potential issue of them having to rush through the ceremony in order to get to the next one. If not able to get your money back, personally, I would pay the fee to get into the chapel earlier, just to avoid the possibility of things being rushed.

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Not sure, but was thinking of trying to.. I can definitely pay the extra to secure the half hour before we begin. I just hate the pressure of having to begin right at 3.. especially for the amount of $ it is.. I know things can go wrong.. I didn't realize he was on a time crunch ya know?

Do you think 230 will give us enough time to get my gown on and hopefully photographer and violinist set up in time? We only have maybe 15 guests..

View Quoted Comment I think it would probably be fine! But it also depends on what all you need to do before the ceremony. Is there a separate location you can get ready at before the ceremony to help minimize the things you need to do once you get to the chapel? If the only thing you need to do is put your dress on (hair/makeup already done beforehand, etc), then I would think it'd be fine! Also check with the photographer and the violinist to see how much time they anticipate needing for setup just to be sure, but otherwise, if the officiant is sure that your ceremony will be less than a half hour (without rushing), I think that it would likely work out.

I would honestly talk to your officiant. If your contract says you have him from 3-5, he should not be rushing off at 3:30 to do another wedding.

Do your invites say the ceremony starts at 3? Usually ceremonies run on time I wouldn’t be too worried about it.

Your officiant seems kinda shady. An experienced and understanding officiant should know to buffer in some extra time and not to book themselves extremely back to back the yours did. He should know he is inducing nervousness by saying you have to start right at 3pm and that he has to leave at 3:30. Things happen! What if it starts at 3:05 or 3:10 like lol... he will just rush through your ceremony. Your ceremony should be peaceful. I’d find a new one.

If you booked him 3-5, and wants to leave by 3, he’s the one rescinding the contract, not you.

If your contract says 3-5 I would mention that to him. He can't double book and rush your wedding if that's what he put in the contract.

View Quoted Comment Oh wow, I totally missed that timing in your post! I completely agree with Hannah, I would talk to the officiant. If your contract says 3-5, he should be available until 5 to do your ceremony! In that case, I wouldn't pay the extra money to get in the chapel earlier. If he can't meet the timing he promised, then he should fully refund you so you can find a new officiant, or maybe you could request that he covers the $160?

If your contract says 3-5 then that’s when you have him. If he can’t honor your contract then get your $$ back.

View Quoted Comment I agree with this. Sounds very shady

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No the chapel is 3-5.. But the officiant contract says 3-330. I just had no idea that he would have to leave right at 330.

Here is what he messaged me : As long as we begin at 3pm , we won't be rushed, promise.

Before that he said we are contracted 3 to 330 then I head to the city.

I knew the ceremony would take half hour but I assumed he added a buffer of time into his day in case life happens and someone is running behind.. I imagine it happens. My FH has four young kids! He wasn't going to do a rehearsal either until I asked. He said it is small so prob not necessary. Five kids total it is kinda necessary uggh.

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The officiant was told by me that I had the chapel 3-5.. Not sure why he scheduled it needing to start immediately at 3.. He said for some reason he wrote down 2.. whole thing is making me insane

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Thats how I feel. Almost seems like he is overbooking to get as many in as he can.. Kind of sad . Thats exactly what I am thinking .. we have five kids total btw us and they are our bridal party. What if something is delayed.. the kiddo has to use bathroom etc. and we start at 305.. I don 't really want to worry if its going to be rushed.. It may work out great with being there at 230 but I shouldn't have to worry about what ifs.. annoyed!!

While I don't know how much you spent on this person, something sounds fishy to me. An expensive and reputable officiant wouldn't be booking multiple weddings back to back on the same day, unless one wedding was in the morning and the other was in the evening. Any experienced officiant knows they need to have some buffer time in there, and not book clients back to back. I would honestly try to get out of your contract and find a new officiant

Get your money back and find a new officiant. Weddings almost always start on time. It does happen for them to run late but super rare so I wouldn't even worry about it.

I'd find a new officiant asap.

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Its strange. he has great reviews etc. But the fact that he is saying it won't be rushed as long as we start at 3 has me insane. I know its probable we will , I do know that life happens and we may not. He has two young kids- what if they need to use bathroom etc.

I just think he is getting greedy and possibly overbooking . which I don't think is cool. He is probably trying to get as many in as he can and not focusing on each one.. Idk if i will get money back

If he was contracted at 3-5 then he should be at your disposal between the hours of 3-5. If he can't assure that then. Politely ask for a refund and find some else. You don't need any added stress on your big day. The thing about a contract is that they are legally binding and let him know that your legal binding contract assure that I have you from 3-5