Negotiating Officiant Costs?

rahughe

Hi!I know everyone recommends negotiating with vendors to see what deals they can get, but is it appropriate to negotiate with Officiants? Even just letting them know how much you budgeted for and how they fit into that?Thanks

Chrissy510

nope.

chosen175

I did come across one or two who said they'd be willing to negotiate prices.  Personally, I say go for it - the worst they can do is say no.  Especially if they're actually ordained religious officials who have supposedly taken a vow of poverty.  (Which is one thing that REALLY makes me mad - you take a vow of poverty and still expect me to give you $500.  GRR!)

mbf124

(Which is one thing that REALLY makes me mad - you take a vow of poverty and still expect me to give you $500. GRR!) It's my understanding that if you use a priest/pastor/rabbi that is affiliated with a church or synagogue, the money you pay them is really a donation to that church or synagogue.  You are not handing them a check that they can cash for themselves.

chosen175

My church required a donation to "rent" the church, another donation paid to the priest, and another $180 to take a class..... which is why we're not getting married in the Church.  lol

Ainslie325

Just because churches are places of worship and SOME clergy have taken a vow of poverty doesn't mean that they don't need money to operate. Marrying couples should expect to pay for use of the sanctuary and related spaces and for the priest/miniser's celebration of their wedding service/mass. The church has bills to pay as well-- utilities, taxes, a staff wth salaries, a property to maintain, and services to provide to the congregation. Even if a priest has taken a vow of poverty, the church is still obligated to provide him with a stipend on which he can live. Keep in mind, though, that many ministers in mainline protestant denominations take no such vow.