Wedding Officiant Fee – What You Need to Know
We understand that planning a wedding can be expensive, and we are committed to working with you to create a ceremony that fits your budget. Whether you are looking for a simple courthouse wedding or a more elaborate celebration, we have packages to suit a range of budgets.
The cost of a wedding officiant can vary wildly, from free to well over $1,000 for a single ceremony. In order to understand the differences in fees between different officiants, it’s important to understand that the word “officiant” can mean a lot of different things. So, what is a wedding officiant? The term “officiant” refers to anyone who performs a wedding ceremony, from experienced religious priests and pastors to professional ministers and celebrants who perform wedding ceremonies for a living, all the way to someone’s random friend or relative who performs a single wedding ceremony one time and never does it again.
Because this definition is so broad, it’s important first to decide what kind of wedding officiant you are interested in hiring for your wedding. If your marriage ceremony isn’t particularly important to you, or if you are simply interested in getting legally married and won’t be having any type of ceremony, then perhaps hiring an amateur officiant is appropriate. However, if you are planning to have a ceremony, especially one with invited guests, then hiring a professional officiant or an experienced clergyman is definitely the best course of action. Professional wedding officiants set their own rates depending on the types of services they provide, their level of experience, and where they live. Often, their rates include indirect services that couples aren’t aware of, such as ceremony research and script writing, attending a rehearsal ceremony, coordinating with other professionals, returning the marriage license and travel time to and from the venue. In general, hiring someone for a quick ‘sign and go’ marriage license signing ceremony will cost less than hiring someone to perform a small backyard wedding, which will cost less than an elaborate wedding ceremony with a full bridal party and custom unity ceremony. A ‘sign and go’ ceremony might cost $100-$300, for example, compared with $200-$700 for a micro wedding, or $400-$1,600 or more for a large ceremony. It all depends! When hiring a professional wedding officiant, budget at least a few hundred dollars for a simple ceremony. If you’d like to have an elaborate wedding that includes a custom wedding ceremony script or unique unity ritual, prepare to pay more for your officiant’s additional effort. And be sure to ask about ‘add-on’ services they offer, such as mileage fees, premarital coaching, and attending a rehearsal ceremony.
Because this definition is so broad, it’s important first to decide what kind of wedding officiant you are interested in hiring for your wedding. If your marriage ceremony isn’t particularly important to you, or if you are simply interested in getting legally married and won’t be having any type of ceremony, then perhaps hiring an amateur officiant is appropriate. However, if you are planning to have a ceremony, especially one with invited guests, then hiring a professional officiant or an experienced clergyman is definitely the best course of action. Professional wedding officiants set their own rates depending on the types of services they provide, their level of experience, and where they live. Often, their rates include indirect services that couples aren’t aware of, such as ceremony research and script writing, attending a rehearsal ceremony, coordinating with other professionals, returning the marriage license and travel time to and from the venue. In general, hiring someone for a quick ‘sign and go’ marriage license signing ceremony will cost less than hiring someone to perform a small backyard wedding, which will cost less than an elaborate wedding ceremony with a full bridal party and custom unity ceremony. A ‘sign and go’ ceremony might cost $100-$300, for example, compared with $200-$700 for a micro wedding, or $400-$1,600 or more for a large ceremony. It all depends! When hiring a professional wedding officiant, budget at least a few hundred dollars for a simple ceremony. If you’d like to have an elaborate wedding that includes a custom wedding ceremony script or unique unity ritual, prepare to pay more for your officiant’s additional effort. And be sure to ask about ‘add-on’ services they offer, such as mileage fees, premarital coaching, and attending a rehearsal ceremony.
On average, professional officiant fees range anywhere from $500-800.– TheKnot.com
What is a Professional Officiant?
- While “officiant” is a general term describing any person who is able to legally sign a marriage license, a professional wedding officiant is someone who solicits business from the general public to perform marriage ceremonies for a fee.
- This distinction is important, because when couples are searching for an officiant for their wedding ceremony, they are typically only looking for clergy, which can be priests, ministers, pastors, rabbis, cantors, and other persons ordained by their religious tradition (who typically do not solicit business from the public), or they are looking for an experienced, professional wedding officiant that they can hire.
- Professional officiants also differ greatly from amateurs, since professionals maintain high standards of quality because they rely on their experience and reputation among other wedding professionals to garner more business. Amateurs typically solicit their business from websites with little or no quality checks such as Craigslist.
Choose Wisely – It Does Matter
Once you have decided how important the quality of your wedding ceremony is to you as a couple, and what range of investment you’re willing or able to make for a professional wedding officiant, do your homework.
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elopement
$650.00
This is a perfect option for couples looking for a private and intimate ceremony at the location of their choice. Our Elopement Wedding Officiant Package is designed for couples looking to make their special day intimate and stress-free. Whether you're looking for a traditional or non-traditional ceremony, we will work with you to make it unique and meaningful.We understand that elopements can be last-minute, so we're happy to accommodate your schedule and can perform the ceremony on short notice.
simple & sweet
$750.00
This package is perfect for couples planning a simple and sweet elopement, vow renewal/retying, or intimate ceremony. We give you expert guidance on obtaining the marriage license to make sure your ceremony is legal. Your officiant will meet you on the day of your elopement and perform the ceremony, ensuring a stress-free process for you and your partner.
Classic
$850.00
The Classic Ceremony Package is perfect for couples looking to add a little personalization to their traditional and contemporary wedding. Your officiant will work with you to craft a unique ceremony that includes a special enhancement of your choosing. Important tasks, such as filing the marriage license will be completely handled by the officiant so you can focus entirely on celebrating.
ELITE
$2,500.00
Let's craft your wedding ceremony exactly the way you've envisioned it! With our Custom Celebration Package, your officiant will create a full timeline with you in mind. During your free consultation, your officiant will work with you to craft a unique ceremony that's completely tailored to your preferences. Include any special customs or traditions that are important to you and your pattern.
Want to marry your love with no fuss and no guests? This 15- minute package is for you and your fiancé! You'll make your Declaration Statement to our Officiant who will then sign your Marriage License in our Hingham Office, located at 190 Old Derby Street, Hingham MA. Then you're off to start your new life together as a legally married couple. We'll even take care of returning your signed marriage license to the Town/City Clerk's office on your behalf. Learn More
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PETITE CEREMONY
$550.00
This option is perfect for couples who do not have a venue and just want to say "I do" with the privacy of just the officiant and up to 6 guests in our cozy and beautifully decorated office. A unique Zoom ID for additional friends and family will be provided upon request in our Hingham Office, located at 190 Old Derby Street, Hingham MA. We'll even take care of returning your signed marriage license to the Town/City Clerk's office on your behalf.