How Much Do Wedding Ministers Cost?
Wedding ministers lead the marriage ceremony uniting bride and groom, making them an important part of the wedding budget. While your budget allocations for food, drink and reception setting will likely run much higher than paying your wedding minister, have an idea of what services you'd like him or her to perform since this frequently affects cost. Don't forget to formalize the minister's stated cost in a written contract to avoid confusion down the line.
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Type
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Wedding ministers charge different rates depending on what type of services they offer. Basic civil ceremonies administered by a local justice of peace at the court house, city hall or public park may cost between $50 and $100 in 2010, according to Cost Helper. Intern ministers or retired justices of peace may cost more, between $100 and $200 for a wedding service. High-profile ministers or professional wedding ministers may cost more than $400.
Basic Services
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How much you'll pay for wedding ministers also depends on service preferences. Typically, basic fees cover an initial meeting between minister, bride and groom; two or three planning sessions, arriving at your wedding ceremony early to sign the marriage certificate and performs the ceremony. Later, the wedding minister assumes responsibility for mailing a copy of the marriage certificate to the county and providing a copy to the married couple. Don't commit to hiring the first wedding minister who meets with you; take time ask questions about their ceremony style and find out whether they'll require premarital counseling sessions.
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Other Costs
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Additional services, such as ceremony consultations regarding reading selection or attending numerous rehearsals, may cost more. Your wedding minister may charge a mileage fee or include costs for processing the marriage certificate. Lovebirds may pay more for wedding ministers in urban areas, on weekends and holidays. The cost of your wedding minister may also be factored into all-inclusive packages if you're planning a destination wedding or elopement. When talking with a potential wedding minister, ask what type of payments are accepted and when you're expected to pay. Tips for wedding ministers are often called "donations" made in the name of their organization or church; designate someone other than the bride or groom to discreetly pass an envelope to the officiant. Civil servants may not accept tips during business hours, however.
Loved Ones
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Cut costs and increase the ceremony's sentimental value by asking a friend or family member to serve as your wedding minister. Rules vary by state, so check with your county clerk's office for ordinances. Potential wedding ministers can purchase officiant credentials online; these sometimes mail out within one or two days.
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References
- Photo Credit island wedding image by feisty from Fotolia.com
