Q.
What is an appropriate amount to pay a wedding 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.
See More: Wedding Ceremony Issues , Wedding Ceremony + Wedding Vow Ideas
share your advice on this topic
Write your own tips and ideas to share with other Knotties.
dawn3329
I am hiring an officiant not affiliated with any church. She charges a set fee of $500. Do we still tip her on top of this fee??
CLaning84
We are having a state circuit court judge marry us. He's a good family friend and I'm thrilled he's going to help combine my fiancee's baptist faith and my catholic beliefs. I'm guessing paying a judge is iffy but I still want to give him something. Any ideas?
CLaning84
We are having a state circuit court judge marry us. He's a good family friend and I'm thrilled he's going to help combine my fiancee's baptist faith and my catholic beliefs. I'm guessing paying a judge is iffy but I still want to give him something. Any ideas?
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.