Let’s talk about why I, as a celebrant, stand in the middle of the ceremony, right between the couple, instead of off to the side.
The short answer? Our senses demand it.
We don’t experience weddings purely through words—we experience them through sight, sound, feel, taste, and smell. And believe me, all five senses deserve a front-row seat at your wedding ceremony, and that’s why I stand right in the middle.
Sight: The Visual Story
When you look back at your wedding photos and videos, you’re looking for a narrative, a visual flow. It’s the same thing as guests experience the ceremony.
I just imagine seeing two people standing across from each other in the middle of a ceremony, declaring their love, with me standing off to the side like an awkward third wheel. It throws off the visual symmetry.
Instead, standing in the middle keeps me as part of the story, but not in a way that distracts—it’s balanced. Just like your love story.
Sound: The Perfect Acoustics
Our ears crave balance. That’s why concert venues and churches put speakers evenly spaced at the front, often on either side, because our ears are wired for that perfect stereo experience. Similarly, the ceremony needs that balance. With me in the middle, I can direct my voice equally to both of you, acoustically and with a PA system, making sure that the words that legally bind you reach both hearts equally.
It’s the same reason we place a PA system where everyone can hear it clearly—not too far to one side, not too close to another. It’s why I prefer to have left and right speakers for a ceremony.
Feel: The Emotional Connection
The emotional center of a ceremony is the two of you. My job is to guide you through that journey of emotions—laughter, tears, the whole rollercoaster—and being right there in the middle allows me to be the calm anchor. When I’m in the middle, I’m not just connecting the two of you with words, but with presence, energy, and intention. I see the ceremony as something the three of us are creating together, not a thing I’m delivering to a couple and their guests.
Smell and Taste: The Atmosphere
Okay, maybe you’re not tasting or smelling anything unusual during the ceremony (unless we’re standing near an amazing garden or the sea breeze is wafting in), but even these senses pick up on the atmosphere. And believe me, when the celebrant is centered, the whole ceremony feels more connected, more cohesive. I’m not some sideline commentator; I’m right there with you, ensuring the flow of the ceremony is felt on every level.
In the same way that every sense is engaged during your wedding, every detail I plan out for a ceremony is intentional.
From where we place the PA system to how I position myself between the couples—it’s all about balance, connection, and making sure your ceremony is a true reflection of the love and life they’re building together.
When the couple exchange vows I offer up my handheld microphone and will move out of frame for the moment, and once we’ve exchanged vows and rings I subtly start moving away from the ceremony and will pronounce them married from the side of the ceremony.
I love this point of view! Agreed with this Josh!
Thanks Josh, it is really interesting seeing this point of view and considering the contrast with the perspective of those celebrants that stand to the side. I have always heard that standing to the side is the more professional option as it allows for a more intimate couple photo opportunity however that can evidently be achieved by subtly moving away after the ring exchange so it is interesting to consider. I am curious whether you have had couples request one or the other and how you handled it?
15 years and not a single couple has had an opinion about it yet. But every single celebrant on the planet has a very strong opinion.
Thanks for sharing perspective Josh! Definitely a different point of view to what I’ve often heard from different vendors. I will keep this in mind when planning the ceremony with my clients.
Thanks Josh. I completely agree with this. I have worked in a few wedding venues as an event coordinator, and when the celebrant stands to the side, it feels a little like a third wheel watching from the side rather than an integral part of a couple’s happy day.