North Carolina

Where to find an Officiant?

The church I'm getting married in no longer does "services" so there isn't a preacher available from the church.  This has brought up the question: Where do you find someone to marry you??

I've looked into the officiants listed on NC Bride and liked a couple, but am not keen on the idea of $600+ for my little ceremony.  We're not SUPER religious so denomination doesn't really matter.  I would like someone who is more down to earth and more open to ideas beyond straight traditional. 

Anyone have any ideas where you find someone to marry you..but not someone whos going to cost a large portion of your budget?

ps.  Happy 4th :)

Re: Where to find an Officiant?

  • edited December 2011
    Where are you located?

    Rebecca Nagy is my favorite in the Charlotte area. Her ceremonies are unique to the couple:
    http://www.acharlotteweddingminister.com/

    Rev. Maloy is another popular choice:
    www.calmbluewater.com

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  • edited December 2011
    I agree with Rebecca Nagy, she is our minister. Also, Patrick Maloy married my sister. Both are great and you have to look at who fits you and your fiancee's personality. Both are $400. I know Patrick Maloy can book up pretty quickly. One week we tried to meet with him and the next he didn't have our date open.
  • edited December 2011
    I'm in the Winston Salem area.  Both of those would charge me crazy mileage sadly.  I was realy hoping for someone under $200.  I just can't imagine a ceremony that lasts less than an hour costing $400+ !  (which I'm finding is the going rate it seems!)
  • ecuchikaecuchika member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I am going to have my cousin do my cermony!  He is an ordanied minstor (spelling?) he married his little sister (my MOH) and his younger brother.  I am going to give him a gift of about $50 or so to thank him for his time..but he isn't asking for any payment. 

    Do you have a childhood preacher that wouldn't mind doing it for a lot less than professional officiants?
  • NcsuPsychNcsuPsych member
    2500 Comments Fourth Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Could you get a magistrate to do it? I think I've heard of people getting someone from the courthouse to come do it, but I'm not positive.

    We were in the same boat. We were quoted 550 for a 15 min ceremony and if we wanted her there for the rehearsal it'd be an extra 100.  Def. NOT in our budget. Thankfully DH aunt was ordained a while back and still was allowed to marry us. We gave her some money and a nice gift :o)

    Good luck!
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  • edited December 2011
    No childhood preacher :(  I occasionally went to church with my Grandma when I was little but that is literally 15 plus years ago!


  • edited December 2011
    I can't believe how much it costs for that! When I was looking for officiants here in Wilmington the one I contacted was only $150! But that's far from Winston-Salem as well. I hope you find something that works for you.
  • AbbeyS2011AbbeyS2011 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    If you have a close family member or friend that you would like to have officiate your wedding, they can become ordained online!  I have heard of this and I am guessing it is not too expensive, although I am not sure of the website. 
    Anniversary
  • edited December 2011
    I have to recommend Margo Ross.  She was like $400 but some of that was mileage and included the rehearsal.  She would not charge mileage to go to Winston as she is in Greensboro.  She is really cool and did a great job for me!
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