Officiant Fees

Miss Esa

One of my very best friends is the officiant for my wedding. He became a ‘Licensed Ordained Minister’ specifically for our wedding. My SO and I are trying to figure out what a fair pay would be for his services. I read online that officiants are paid anywhere between $35 and $2,000 for their services.

I know if I bring this up with my friend he will tell me not to worry about it, but I feel that we should still give him something in return for his time.

Any thoughts?

emilyb213

Instead of trying to pay him and having him decline, what about giving him a nice gift? You could give it to him at the rehearsal dinner the night before. I'd treat it like a birthday gift, only maybe spend a little more than usual- get him something personal that you know he'd enjoy.

SusieSunshine2

If he hasn't already registered, you could pay that fee as well as getting him a gift.  If he already registered then I would follow PP advice.

bar10521

I agree with PPs that a nice gift would be a better idea and to pay the fees for him if possible. If you want to pay him I would suggest looking into it or asking around on your local board since they might have a better idea of the local prices.

anastassiiat

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2013-weddings_officiant-fees?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:f30b0bfc-508d-415c-bf59-ab83e327da37Discussion:ccb0a619-37d2-47d5-b18a-6b67a116e47dPost:aa82e9a3-4f57-4a63-a9b6-9ba8e6929e7b">Re: Officiant Fees</a>:
[QUOTE]I agree with PPs that a nice gift would be a better idea and to pay the fees for him if possible. If you want to pay him I would suggest looking into it or asking around on your local board since they might have a better idea of the local prices.
Posted by bar10521[/QUOTE]

I also agree with all of these!

Miss Esa

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2013-weddings_officiant-fees?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:f30b0bfc-508d-415c-bf59-ab83e327da37Discussion:ccb0a619-37d2-47d5-b18a-6b67a116e47dPost:e775d8d1-fcca-4661-aaa9-5c612bdd50b8">Re: Officiant Fees</a>:
[QUOTE]If he hasn't already registered, you could pay that fee as well as getting him a gift.  If he already registered then I would follow PP advice.
Posted by SusieSunshine2[/QUOTE]

We had offered to pay for the licencing fee, but it ended up not costing anything.

We will probably end up getting him an xBox Live gold card and whatever happens to be the new release at the time.

sssdee

That is amazingly nice of your friend!!

Our Officiant fee is $200. Not sure what it is in your area (I beleieve it varies in my area as well) We only looked into one church in the city we are marrying in.

I think a monetary give would be nice - although they may shooo it away of course.

A gift card to a nicer restaurant or somewhere you know where they shop would also be a nice gesture instead of money. Along with a nice well written card.

Something a little more personal/lized - Hmmm it's hard to think of something without knowing a little more of his likes and how much you are looking to spend lol
 

n3rdl3t

Officiant fees in the Chicago 'burbs area (I've been looking around for the past week or so and it makes me sad) are anywhere from $200-600+ dollars.. I agree with what PP have said in regards to a gift

cnf2013

I agree with just getting him a gift or gift card. FI's cousin is officiating our wedding and I know he would never accept money from us. So FI's aunt (cousins mom) is snoping to find out how much a donation to his church would average and is going to let us know so we can do that. Obviously that doesn't work for your situation, but again, trying to think outside the box and nontraditionally. 

iloveu4ever

Do something extra special.

sssdee

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2013-weddings_officiant-fees?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:f30b0bfc-508d-415c-bf59-ab83e327da37Discussion:ccb0a619-37d2-47d5-b18a-6b67a116e47dPost:af878cd3-1eef-49f0-a515-863c0ee1b8fc">Re: Officiant Fees</a>:
[QUOTE]Do something extra special.
Posted by iloveu4ever[/QUOTE]

Any examples you care to elaborate on and contribute?

Miss Esa

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_june-2013-weddings_officiant-fees?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:f30b0bfc-508d-415c-bf59-ab83e327da37Discussion:ccb0a619-37d2-47d5-b18a-6b67a116e47dPost:af878cd3-1eef-49f0-a515-863c0ee1b8fc">Re: Officiant Fees</a>:
[QUOTE]Do something extra special.
Posted by iloveu4ever[/QUOTE]
Ok, any suggestions?