typical cost for DJ, and justice of peace?

ns045

I am looking for someone who a. supplies the music to my wedding, and b. marries me. I have recently met with Bill Iaconelli (near Scituate, MA) who does both. He's asking for $1200 for doing the wedding ceremony and being the DJ all day (he does not have an hour limit). That sounds like a good deal to me although I have no idea what those services usually cost. Can someone give me advice on that? Thanks!

Molly&Andy

It would seem that DJs can start around $800-1000 and up upwards towards $2500-3000 and more. 
I believe the actual JP rate is set by the state, but they are charge more for travel,etc.  I think that rate is $150.  (It might be $100 if they are from the town were the wedding is.)
The $1200 sounds like a good deal, but I'd want to find out how he manages to do both pieces when it comes to ceremony music.

bar10521

Molly is right. The JP rates are set by the state so they charge $100 within their "jurisdiction" a.k.a. town they're from and $150 for anywhere outside of their town. They are allowed to charge for travel, consultations & rehearsals though. Ours is $150 plus $25 for both the rehearsal and consultation fees but doesn't charge us for travel. He also charges extra for "extras" during the ceremony like unity candle, sand ceremony or the wine sealing. So just check about any extra fees.

$1200 sounds about average. My brother and FSIL are paying $1100 for their DJ. Just make sure he has the equipment to do both the ceremony and the reception if they're in different locations and ask if you have to pay for travel or the set up/break down of equipment.

anastassiiat

I agree with the PPs. I don't know how much the JPs usually charge, but the DJ price sounds about right. We are paying $1,000 for 4 hours for our DJ, who is really great and has been doing weddings for a long time.

HeatherR45

PP is correct about rates being set by the state. Not sure about rates for DJs in Boston, but they are typically around $1000 in western Mass, CT, and RI. I think what you are being offered is a pretty decent price.

chumlee7478

Our JP was Carol Merletti and she was $150 (she had to travel more than 20 miles from her home to do the wedding).  Our DJ was Rhythm Express from RI and Bill Bibeau was $900 for 7 hours of service.

MrsGandthebeag

Our DJ was $800 and JP was $175.  You could get a better deal.  

ns045

Thank you all for your advice!