Wedding Officiant Pricing
Oftentimes I am asked: ‘Rudy what can I expect to pay for a Wedding Officiant?’
That is a great question – but as in most things in life – less does not necessarily equal good.
Before you keep reading:
‘If your aim is to get a cheap wedding officiant please do not call me’ as there are plenty of cheap, inexpensive wedding officiants but remember you get what you pay for!
Allow me to use the analogy of buying a car, you can purchase a cheap car that will do the basic job – no bells and whistles.
If for whatever reason that is your choice, by all means opt for the basic package. But remember you get what you pay for. Don’t expect a Rolls Royce if you’re only willing to pay for a very basic car.
On the other hand, since this is the most important day in your life, you want to ensure you select the right Officiant. A person you feel a personal connection with, a person who has energy, able to engage not only with you, but also with your guests.
Check his or her reviews often these can be found on independent websites such as www.weddingwire.com
Does he/she offer an initial no obligation meeting and provide you with a protected client area on his/her website allowing you to personalize and build your own ceremony? Is the Officiant available by email, Skype, Face Time or Phone? Does he/she offer (after sharing ideas, etc, etc.) write your ceremony if that is your preference?
Does your Officiant offer a ‘walk thru’ rehearsal and/or onsite rehearsals?
The above provides you with an excellent overview of various choices. If you cannot find any reviews (you can check my website www.rudyheezen.com for personal reviews) nor receive the answers you’re looking for, then as the question: “why not?” In the end it is your day, you must be totally comfortable with your choice, and if not keep searching!
As for cost? I believe a good analysis is to look at your overall wedding budget. Let’s say your wedding budget is $30,000.00 and the Officiant’s fee inclusive taxes = $475.00 or with a rehearsal approximately $625.00 plus – that only works out to be about 2 percent of your overall budget. Think you about it – your wedding cake costs more!
This is a minuscule amount compared to your overall wedding budget. You are after all hiring the person for the biggest day in your life!
Remember your Officiant’s fee includes: meeting with you, sharing of ideas, access (in my case) to a professional website, inclusive of a client protected area, containing a vasts resources library and ceremony template.
Travel to and from venue (mileage may apply depending on venue location). On site at your venue for 60 minutes (I arrive early, allow for some delay and officiate the ceremony).
Processing of legal documents.
It is much much more than twenty minutes to officiate. If that’s your choice, by all means, as noted at the beginning purchase the cheap car.
I spent an average of at least six to seven hours on each wedding. I truly enjoy my vocation, studied hard to obtain my degree in theology allowing me to get to this point. I have many years of experience and have officiated hundreds and hundreds of ceremonies.
So in the end, ‘how much should you expect to pay a Wedding Officiant? The above noted should at the very least provide you with some guidelines.
Don’t skimp on the Officiant for the sake of a few dollars and be sorry afterwards! It is just not worth it!
Let me blunt if I may: ‘If you want a cheap wedding officiant please do not call me!’
Have a wonder-filled Wedding
Rev. Rudy H. Heezen M.T.S.
Wedding Officiant Toronto and Durham Region