How much should you "donate" for a preacher to marry you?

Question

A friend and her fiance are planning on getting married in April of 2009. It will be in a small town church. How much do you all think her "donation" should be?

Answer 1

we gave $400

Answer 2

Since I'm a member, there was no fee, but I gave my reverend $100 for his services because I appreciate his time and help.  Additionally, we paid another $100 for the church and $50 for clean up....total $250.  I'm from northern NY and $350 is way outside of the norm.

Answer 3

They really should ask the minister. His "fee" is often referred to as a gratuity.It is usually a set amount, and often a officiant will have more than one price, one for the very basic no frills wedding, and one for a fancier wedding. And I have no doubt that he will say up front what he charges for a wedding, when he meets with the bride and groom.

His fee is almost always separate from any fees the church may charge, I have never known it to be attatched to the bill from the church. .  Making a donation to the church is fine, and money  might be asked for by the church, or at least a deposit asked for.  But they will probably still owe the officiant.

Usually either the groom or the best man gives a sealed envelope to the oficiant before the wedding, or whenever he says he would like to have it. You can always give him more than he asks, if you like.

Answer 4

I live in Wisconsin- around here $150 is generally appropriate. I guess it depends on where you live :)  

Answer 5

Wow. 350 is veryyyyy generous. If you hire a preacher or minister, they run 75-150. I would give a little above asking price.  

Answer 6

we are giving ours 350

Answer 7

Have her call some churches in the area that rent their facilities & ask what they charge .

Or find officiants on line in her area & see what the going rate is there.

To find an officiant type into your search engine this--your

city state wedding officiant

There will be ones in your area to come up. If you go to the bridal sites, visit the officiant's web site. Those bridal sites (wedplan, knot,) make vendors & officiants pay for your contact info & some just can't/won't do it.

Answer 8

My Lutheran Church in ND, suggests 100 dollars, which is real reasonable, considering all the time the minister puts into you wedding, rehersal...ect.

Answer 9

Hi.  I work at a Lutheran Church as a secretary.  I can tell you that most all pastors/ministers/priests have a set fee.  Your friend will probably be meeting with the pastor prior to the wedding.  At that time, the couple will be given a list of the church's policies pertaining to weddings.  Usually listed in the policies is the fee for the pastor.  If not....he should call the pastor and ask him his fee!  It's that simple!

The standard fee is at least $100.  I would say $150 would be better.  There may be other fees involved too....such as one for the custodian, the music person, etc.  

It's best to go right to the source....the church...and ask them.