A professional officiant is a person who is legally authorized to conduct ceremonies, such as weddings, vow renewals, and other significant life events. They often work with couples to create personalized ceremonies that reflect their values and beliefs. Officiants can be religious figures, like priests or ministers, or secular professionals who focus on non-religious ceremonies. In addition to performing the ceremony, professional officiants typically handle the necessary legal paperwork to ensure that the marriage is recognized by the state. They may also offer guidance on planning the ceremony, including writing vows and selecting readings, making the process smoother for the couple.