How Much to Pay an Officiant

We paid $480 for our officiant without counceling... have you asked what her rate typically is?

We paid 650 no counseling

Well, what are you getting? Only after you determine that will you be able to put a value on her service (and quite frankly, she should be ascribing that value herself).

You are getting someone willing to officiate your ceremony who has a Ph.D. in psychology. That means she's at the doctorate level. That also means she has a lot of education and has paid a hefty sum for that degree. So, what's it worth in terms of a wedding ceremony?

Maybe nothing. Who know? She might be an intellectual genius without an ounce of writing or public speaking skills, but who, in the setting of a face to face office setting, might be brillant. She might have amazing writing skills, but some of the most brilliant wordsmiths on the planet prefer to be alone and don't do well in social settings (google "Great American Authors").

You said she's a pastor. That means she is used to speaking in public. How large was her congregation? Did they come and go, or did the come and come? Did her public speaking arrest those who came to her church, or was she boring (you can be brilliant and boring).

I have no idea who she is or what her skill level might be. However, if she is good and is offering you three pre-marital sessions plus a ceremony, the number that comes to mind is...$900. Again, my biggest concern is that she isn't giving you a number. That usually means she hasn't been asked to...so take that for what it's worth.

I have asked. Hoping to hear something soon. I've done Google searches that says $150-$900. I think she's worried about offending me with a high number. Everything wedding related seems to come at a premium though so I told her not to be shy!

The answer depends on many things, not the least of which is geography and talent. I'd say 600-900. If you have a long standing relationship with her, possibly a bit less, which would be expected in that kind of relationship.

That being said, I wouldn't automatically choose her; I'd interview her the way you'd vet anyone else. (In most churches, assistant pastors don't automatically get 'promoted' when there is an opening; they go through the call process like a stranger would. It's all in the hope of getting the best person in the right place.

I am paying $600 but I believe that he is worth every penny.

You should probably figure out what her price range it....especially with a PHD in Psychology and offering 3 premarital counseling sessions...

Yes, she's definitely worth it. She's awesome and I love that she knows us. It just makes it more personal and intimate. Thanks everyone!

I had no idea how expensive hiring and officiant was! I think we will probably just have a friend do it.

That's a great call csimps. I'm sure they'll be just as good. And hey, it's only 15 minutes, right?

Not. Disclaimer and price of admission; I am really passionate about hiring great people and letting them do what they do expertly whether it's an officiant, a photographer or a caterer. They will not only accomplish what you hope, they will act as your guide, your confidant, your shrink at times, and when you choose someone as in the dark as you are,(not an insult, just a reality) a process that should be fun and interesting becomes fraught with anxiety. It's not surprising if you think about it.

If you find a pro you love and trust, it's the best several hundred dollars you'll spend. You're buying confidence, experience, and the ability to talk you off the ledge. You're also, in the best cases, getting access to the pros and vendors that they recommend; people they've seen from a different perspective than the reviews here will expose.

The problem with having your friend do it is that they'll inevitably go to the internet and find something. Most of the 'written up' sample ceremonies on various websites are boring, generic, and generally exactly the opposite of 'personalized, which is usually why people pick a friend to officiate for them. (Well, except for that pesky dollar thing.....) A ceremony needs to have a dynamic flow, an arc that leads to the natural focus; the vows and rings and then the pronouncement. I think I've read maybe two ceremonies on other sites that I thought were any good. This is why good officiants charge what they do; so you don't get a wedding that sounds like every wedding happening everywhere.

Your friend will be nervous, they'll add 'um" or "so" to every other sentence, they won't engage with the audience, and it probably won't be a great start to the day, but hey, it'll be free.

See, it's not that easy. Almost anyone can put together or copy a ceremony that gets the job done, and for many people that is really all they're interested in accomplishing. Priorities, right?

$200 with no counseling.

Csimps no. Don't do that.

Yes, absolutely. I don't want to be gouged but I will pay for quality.

Ours was $225, and we don't have to do counseling sessions