Bernard Paul

Bernard Paul is a writer and editor for You Can Officiate. He lives in Berlin and enjoys playing the bass and painting in his free time.

A Guide to Booking the Perfect Live Wedding Band

Imagine holding your partner for the first dance, as a live band plays a soulful rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” There’s nothing quite like having a live band elevate your wedding reception. The energy, personality, and interaction a band brings can simply add a whole new dimension to the excitement of your big day. Live wedding bands bring …

Psychedelics in Religious Ceremonies

Since the beginning of civilization, humans have sought altered states of consciousness. Connecting with the divine, exploring the depths of the psyche, and gaining powerful insight into the nature of reality are just a few of the reasons for engaging in these practices. Psychedelic properties are found all throughout the natural world.    

Psychedelic Painting

A History of Psychedelic Spirituality

From …

How to Accommodate Conflicting Beliefs in Your Wedding Ceremony

Let’s say the mother of the bride is a devout Catholic and the father of the groom is a staunch atheist. Your job as the officiant is to acknowledge these differences in beliefs, and still deliver a meaningful speech that is touching and relatable for everyone involved. Accommodating these conflicting perspectives within a single ceremony can seem daunting, but with …

How to Include Your Dog in the Wedding Ceremony

For many of us, our dogs aren’t just pets; they’re cherished members of the family. So, it’s no wonder that couples often dream of having their furry best friend by their side as they say “I do.” Including your dog in your wedding ceremony can add an extra layer of joy, personality, and undeniably adorable moments. However, it requires careful …

How AI Might Change Wedding Ceremonies

In the last couple years it’s becoming harder to deny the growing influence Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having on our daily lives. We use it to supply us with the latest recipes, guide our career choices, and create better business models. A lot of us are wondering what the limitations of this massive intelligence network is, and how it will …

Rock ‘n Roll Wedding Ceremony Script

Are you planning on rocking out at your wedding? Well, that’s perfectly understandable. I mean, how else are you supposed to celebrate your big day? Whether you’re rockin’ out to slower barbershop melodies from the 1920’s or head banging to 90’s grunge classics, we’re all about celebrating your marriage with rock n’ roll pizzaz you deserve! So without further ado, …

Music Themed Wedding Ceremony Script

Here’s the music themed wedding ceremony script you’ve been waiting for! Whether you’re a pro musician or just an avid fan of car karaoke, a lover of rock or blues, or a contemporary pop or jazz musician, it doesn’t matter. This ceremony script is designed for music lovers of every kind, regardless of their preferred genres, personal styles, or life …

Drag Queen Wedding Ceremony Script

Hey Queen! Here’s a drag queen wedding ceremony script that will get everyone, and I mean everyone making it rain! The idea is that the wedding officiant is simultaneously a drag queen performer and leads the ceremony with the same flair and attitude you might see at a drag show. Feel free to make as many changes as you wish …

How to Include a Sand Mixing Ceremony in your Wedding

A sand mixing ceremony is a beautiful and symbolic ritual that adds a creative and engaging touch to your wedding ceremony. It represents the joining of two individuals and their families into a single, unified entity. Although candle lighting ceremonies are also quite beautiful, the glass of mixed sand remains a tangible reminder of your wedding vows and the blending

How to Include Children in Your Wedding Ceremony

So you’re planning a family friendly wedding and want to include the kiddos! That’s really great because children love to feel included in what might normally be seen as an event for adults. In this article, we’ll talk about different roles and tasks that children can fulfill at the wedding ceremony. 

Photo: Catalina Carvajal Herrera

Age Appropriate Activities

Let’s start …