One of the first things that should be on your mind is where the ceremony should take place. So if you're renting a venue or finding an intimate and special location, book it first thing. If your wedding is outside of a church, you may also have to find someone to perform the ceremony too! Research officiants or you can have someone close to you become one as well. 

Think about how you want you marriage service to be orchestrated. Take the time to plan, visit the location, and do a run through how it should all come together. It's also pertinent to research readings, religious customs and traditions you’d like (or might need) to include in your ceremony.