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. This information may also be posted online so look there first. 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 reserach churches in the area, figure out an average of fees, and then decide how much you should pay based on that figure. On average, professional officiant fees range anywhere from $500-800. Keep in mind you’re paying for the added reliability and insurance of a celebrant who comes with experience.
