How much to offer friend to officiate?

We're having a friend officiate and we're giving him $200 and gas for the vintage truck he's driving in for us to take pictures with. So like.... $250. Since he is a friend I'd offer to pay for his room as well. As long as it's within your budget.

One more thing.... What license are you referring to? You should be paying for your own marriage license.

Make sure your friend is authorized to officiate weddings in the city/county/state where you're getting married.

You need to get your license yourself. He can't get that for you.

And find out if he's legal, competent and willing before you count on it.

I was talking about the officiate's licence. He'll need to get a licence since he isn't a priest etc. at least I think that's the law in California.

Hmm, we're asking a family friend to officiate for us, but hadn't actually planned on paying him anything. He's very close (like a second father).

I know the only friends of mine who I would consider asking would be happy to take on such a significant role in the wedding, and would do so out of the kindness of their hearts, but is it tacky to not pay him?

I was talking about the officiant's licence. He isn't a priest etc so he'll need some kind of certificate or something - don't know what it's called. At least that's the law in California.

You need to check with the state but MA has a one day thing that you apply for (i am having a brain fart on what they call it right now). i was going to do the application for the one day approval and pay for it for him assuming i can do that.

My uncle is officiating and its hard to get him anything because he is older and has no interest in anything so maybe tickets to a nice play or a boat rental for a few hours. Or worst case a gift card to a nice restaurant.. Hope it helps.