Payment for Officiant?

Tandksmommy

Our officiant is a retired mayor and does not have a set fee that he charges. He has stated that travel will be approx 60 miles one way. He does not do a rehearsal, just the ceremony the day of. We have no other meetings, and there should only need to be 1 other communication needed (30 days prior to go over our ceremony) which will be via phone. He is giving us a romantic civil ceremony outline and we tweak it and add/remove what we want.

How much do you think would be appropriate for the donation?

Edited to add: My thinking is that I would pay whatever state milage is for a job per mile, and then about $100 over that?

StephJean83

I would call around and see what other JOP's charge. Or ask on your local board and see what other brides paid who used JOPs. I've seen them charge anywhere from $50 to $100 plus travel expenses. For me, I probably do something like $100 for his time/services and $50/75 for travel, more if he won't be invited to the reception so he can get something to eat before heading home. 

OliveOilsMom

Well, for my job, if I traveled 120 miles round trip anywhere, they would reimburse me $66.60.  We use the state's guideline for reimbursement for their own employees and it goes by mileage.  I would suggest giving somewhere in this amount to reimburse for travel, since you are only in PA and the costs wouldn't be much different.  And as PP said, give him a little extra if he is not staying for the reception.

For his main donation, I would give $150 or so, since he is also working with you to perfect your ceremony.