Q.
What is an appropriate amount to pay the officiant?
A.
The officiant's fee is generally a donation to the house of worship or congregation. If you're marrying in a house of worship, call the church or temple office and ask how much is generally given. If your officiant is a civil official, simply call their office and ask what the going rate is. If your officiant doesn't have an office you can call, it's a good idea to call around to churches in the area, figure out an average of fees, and then decide how much you should pay based on that figure.
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Becca Bear
I am only having 20 people at my ceremony. It's going to be at a beautiful park. My dress cost less than the $500-700 a few officiants have asked for. I understand that they are an important part of the wedding, but that's a lot of money for a few moments of their time. Especially when they are local, so travel isn't a big part of it. I am tempted to ask my grandpa to preform the ceremony.
yakwithlou
Of course you pay a fee! Nothing in life is free. How could anyone expect even a member of the clergy to do something for free? Let's face it--the time alone is a sacrifice. Clergy have to eat,pay bills and tax like the rest of us! If your wedding is $25000-$50000 then honest to goodness the most important part is the service not the reception! Pay generously and cut back on something trivial if you must.
showitt
I have a question. My church requres a $400 donation to secure our wedding time slot. Does this count as the officiant's pay? I was going to give our priest a gift but I am now worried I need to give him money as well. Please advise.
showitt
I have a question. My church requres a $400 donation to secure our wedding time slot. Does this count as the officiant's pay? I was going to give our priest a gift but I am now worried I need to give him money as well. Please advise.
DIvaGirl2
There is a great explanation of wedding officiant fees/honorariums at http://www.jewish-wedding-rabbi.com/wedding-offici
ant.html It's one of the best explanations I've found thus far. I know a lot of pastors, rabbis, priests, etc. personally and honestly believe they need to be given a reasonable honorarium, donation, or whatever you want to call it. Many pastors, rabbis, priests, etc. perform many weddings every year. I have seen it so many times that at a wedding costing $10,000-$50,000 the officiant is not paid a cent. Often these officiants have to get babysitter's for their children and give up multiple weekends in a row to perform not only the ceremonies, but also the rehearsals. That's why I love the explanation given for paying officiants noted above. It puts it all in perspective. An officiant is an IMPORTANT part of the wedding. What they are paid should reflect that importance (within reason, of course).