Integrating two officiants?

Question

How does one politely pick between two close friends/family members that are officiants? My fiance's step-grandfather is the retired pastor of the church we are getting married at, so I ideally I feel like we should pick him. However, my fiance and I met at college and we are very close to our campus pastor. Will my fiance's step-grandfather be offended if we don't pick him? Is there a way we can practically integrate both pastors into the service (both are Protestant)?

Answer 1

We're having one do the actual service and the other give the homily (she might also do the readings and the intercessions, we're not sure yet). Just keep in mind that there are two of them when you do the planning. Make sure that both of the pastors are ok with it, and then pick parts of the service that compliment their strengths.  

Answer 2

I know several people who have used two. Either you can work out the details, but I suggest that you ask your fiance's step grandfather to make a tentative plan and look at it together. You might want to change things a bit, but chances are that he has done this before and would have some good ideas you might not consider. Use both of them. It will make the ceremony even more special to you.  

Answer 3

Sure.  Ask one to lead the ceremony.  Ask the other to lead the exchange of vows.

Answer 4

We had two officiants (because of languages). So I know it can be done. But first, you should ask both of them separately what they think of the idea, and they are both ok, go for it. Like the first poster said, you could have them switch off on different parts of the ceremony. You could have them both do a prayer, if that would be meaningful for you. Talk to them and see what they are comfortable with.

Answer 5

Yes, of course there are times where this can work really well. We had three priests officiating at our Catholic wedding, and I've also been to weddings where there is a Catholic priest and protestant minister.

Talk to the pastor of the church where you will be married, and he'll let you know the options available. Usually it's worked out that each does certain parts - for example, though, it would be nice if the step-grandad did the vows...

Answer 6

By all means use both. They would be honored to do the ceremony. I have been to weddings where they used 3. Congratulations and good luck