Average price for religious wedding officiant?

Question

I am getting married next year and am wondering what the average price for a religious wedding officiant would be.

Answer 1

Depends on where you live.

My most expensive price is $275.00 including rehearsal.

A friend of mine in New York charges $525 for the same service.

And a colleague of mine in Wisconsin charges $695.

(I think I'll move to Wisconsin)  :)

Answer 2

100.00

Answer 3

Hi.  I'm glad you said "average" because, like everything wedding, it can vary widely due to where you live.

I work at a Lutheran Church (secretary) and live in a rural area.  Our guidelines are a minimum donation to the pastor of $100.  Notice, I said "minimum."  Most give about $150.

Now, if you are in the city....it may even be higher.

When you meet with your pastor/priest/minister come right out and ask him/her what their fee is.  Most DO have a set fee.  If, for some reason, they do not have a set fee and they say "whatever you wish to give," then I would give about $150 (or more depending on how many tmes you meet with the minister.)

Answer 4

I would say about $200-$500 depending on the religion

EDIT:

Even if you get married in a church you still need to pay for the officiant.... idiot.

Answer 5

Get married in a church like you should and you don't have to worry about paying for it.

Answer 6

The fees of a minister, priest or rabbi can range in price from FREE to $800.  If you are a member of a congregation or church the fees may be waived OR you may be asked to make a "donation" (to cover the minister's time, the electric, the air conditioning, the heat, janitorial fees, etc).

If you are NOT a member of a church or congregation then your chances of getting married "in a house of worship" are slim to none.

If you are not a member of a church but wish to have a member of the clergy conduct your wedding ceremony then you should seek a "nondenominational minister" through gatheringguide.com or the American Association of Wedding Officiant's (AAWO) website.  The officiant's fees will probably range in price from $200 - $500 (plus a mileage fee).

Answered by:  A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant

Answer 7

Do you belong to a church? My son's pastor at our church cost $ 200.00 and we belonged, It all depends.

Answer 8

I am getting married in a Baptist church that I am not a member of, and the preacher is charging $200.  It truly seemed a bit high to me but after reading other prices, I guess not...

We paid close to $1000 for the church itself... I kind of thought the preacher would not expect a "fee"...

Answer 9

Depends on many things. I'm getting married at my home church (RC), and my fiance's pastor (Mennonites) and mine are going to celebrate. Neither one is charging, we're giving $500 and $100. Some charge, some don't, but even if they don't charge you give an honourarium (if you can afford a new dress you can afford a honouarium. If your new dress was off the sale rack at Sears and you can't afford anything more, so you're not having a reception, you can give a small one).  

Answer 10

New York:

Cantor/rabbi: $300-700+

Non-denominational minister: $200-500 (although 700 is common for big weddings)

Catholic: $200-300

Imam:  donation

Buddhist:  donation

Unitarian:  $250-500 /donation

Answer 11

According to a bridal book I have, the average is about $300.  My own officiant offered to do it for free because she knew us, but mentioned that when she charges for it, it is $350.