What is a secular ceremonial officiant?

An officiant, also called a celebrant or master of ceremonies, is a person responsible for conducting a wedding or funeral ceremony. In the case of a secular wedding officiant, for example, their role is in no way to represent the law or any religious institution, but rather to celebrate the union of two people who, for various reasons, cannot or do not wish to have a traditional ceremony based on religious principles.

While some couples ask a loved one to officiate their ceremony, others use the services of a professional officiant. In France, certification or a diploma is not mandatory to officiate, but some organizations offer paid training courses and award a "diploma" to officiate.

Just as the profession of wedding planner was still little known about twenty years ago, the profession of officiant is relatively recent but it has gained considerable popularity over the last 10 years and more and more ceremonies are also being celebrated for other important moments in life such as vow renewals and baptisms.