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Just Said Yes July 2017

Church Donations

Niki, on May 13, 2017 at 10:45 PM Posted in Planning 0 17

Ok so my fiance and I have decided to get hitched at my church and since I am a member there, there is no fee. It is ettiquete to make a donation for use of the facilities, lights, etc. What would you consider a decent donation for a couple that is on a tight budget but doesn't want to be too cheapo? Also the choir director told me it's traditional to pay the pastor since he doesn't charge either. Any suggestions?? Thanks in advance!!

17 Comments

Latest activity by Jeleebeenz, on April 28, 2018 at 4:32 PM
  • Nessa
    VIP December 2017
    Nessa ·
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    I really have no experience with this, but I'd ask other churches in the area and officiants, how much they charge, and take it from there. You could go a little lower than the average, they obviously want to help you out, since you are a member, but it'll give you an idea of what they would be earning.

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  • RealLindseyO
    Master October 2017
    RealLindseyO ·
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    You could find out what they charge for non-members, and take it from there.

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  • R
    Beginner July 2017
    Rachel ·
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    We are paying the church we will be using for the ceremony $100.00

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  • Salgirl
    Dedicated May 2017
    Salgirl ·
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    We made a donation to the catholic church we're getting married in. I think it was $300 + extra fee for the organist. I say you should definitely give some kind of a donation to the church. The pastor may not take a personal donation, but simply want the funds given to the church if you offered. Give what you can afford and what seems right as a thank you for use of the space.

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  • JDSquared
    VIP August 2017
    JDSquared ·
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    I believe so, but, if you're not 100%, just call the church and ask.

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  • MTB
    Master May 2017
    MTB ·
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    I'd do at least $300 to the church.

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  • Andie
    Super August 2018
    Andie ·
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    Our Catholic church was $1000 not including paying the priest or musicians.

    If My church didn't charge I'd donate somewhere around $300-500.

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  • RAG
    Super November 2017
    RAG ·
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    My church has a recommended donation of $350.

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  • ToBeMrsWatson
    Super August 2017
    ToBeMrsWatson ·
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    Our church charges $450.... thats for Ceremony musicians, Ceremony coordinator, janitor who opens and closes (for Rehearsal and Ceremony) as well as cleans up... And also use of their banquet room for our Rehearsal Dinner...

    We are also going to give the Pastor a Donation as well!

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  • Deactivated
    Super April 2020
    Deactivated ·
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    I honestly heard the typical donation is between 500-1000. We're using a venue, but it I were to use a church i' d probably donate at least 500. ETA: It may also vary by location. I would compare locally first (:

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  • Vanessa
    VIP November 2017
    Vanessa ·
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    We have to provide 2 alter decorations as well as a boquet for the mother mary. Pay the organist and then make a donation.

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  • MrsRushinin2018
    VIP September 2018
    MrsRushinin2018 ·
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    Look at it as a tithe - can you do 10% of your total wedding budget?

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  • Laura
    Master July 2017
    Laura ·
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    Our required "donation" is $1200 plus several hundred dollars to the music director. Then we have to pay the priest from my home church to marry us because the priests at the church we are getting married at weren't available. All in all roughly 2k. But that seems very high to me - I think $500 is a good starting point.

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  • WWModTeam
    WeddingWire Administrator December 2016
    WWModTeam ·
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    Hi Niki, it would be great if you could set an avatar photo. You’ll get more replies on your threads and it’ll help the community recognize you when you post. This can be done from the desktop version of the site by going to “My Settings”, or you can email a picture to community@weddingwire.com and someone will set it for you.

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  • AwkwardToBe
    VIP September 2017
    AwkwardToBe ·
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    My church had a list of the prices for things for non-members and members. The price for the officiant for members was listed as "at couple's discretion", but we're probably going to pay the non-member fee.

    I would give at least half to 3/4 of the suggested non-member fee. If you can swing it, you should give the full amount.

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  • E
    Just Said Yes May 2022
    Ebony ·
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    View Quoted Comment
    Hello I was wondering what church you used
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  • Jeleebeenz
    VIP September 2015
    Jeleebeenz ·
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    300-400 at least. It is very expensive to have weddings and pay the maintenance people, musicians, lights, wear and tear.

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