Wedding Officiants’ Cost

Expert Advice from DC Wedding Officiant

Starlene Joyner Burns

How Much Should You Pay a Wedding Officiant?

This is a question often asked. Now I’d like to explain the officiant’s fee.  Some ministers offer wedding services outside their church, either as a way of serving their community or earning extra income. Therefore, it’s important to note that the cost of hiring a wedding officiant will not be equal to a $100 honorarium.

Wedding Officiant Credentials

Online ordination has become a popular way for individuals to enter the wedding officiant profession to preside over the nuptials for a friend or family member. This can be helpful if their friend or family never backs out. When that happens, hiring a professional becomes obvious.

Be mindful that some states do not authorize online clergy to preside over a ceremony. So know your state law regarding this.

Validating Your Officiant’s License

Who checks clergy credentials these days? In my experience, credentials are only verified when performing weddings in specific venues like military churches or prisons.

Couples often prioritize emotional bonding, experience, website presence, recommendations, and cost over verifying an officiant’s credentials. However, it’s worth understanding the legalities in your jurisdiction to ensure the marriage is properly solemnized.

Wedding Officiant Cost

My experience.

In 1992, Rev. MacMillian, my wedding officiant for a tiny New Year’s Eve wedding, offered a sliding scale fee of $200–$300. This fee structure was adjusted to an average cost of $250 and used as the base for calculating the cost of living increase over the years (table below).

In my opinion, his officiant’s services were minimal.  While he offer customized ceremonies, he never offered us the opportunity to personalize ours.  Reflecting on that experience, I ensure my couples receive full transparency and a range of personalized options.

When I started officiating weddings in 2004, I noticed a trend: websites claimed that officiants charging average fees provided average or subpar services, while those charging higher fees offered better quality. This oversimplification doesn’t reflect reality.

Quality service depends on the officiant’s commitment and professionalism.

Quality Services

I was trained by Rev. Joyce Klein, a senior Spiritual Science Minister (queen of wedding officiant training), who set the bar for quality. Her fee in 2004 started at $350, covering services in Baltimore County and beyond. She trained many Spiritual Science ministers to provide the following:

• A get-acquainted meeting to see if we were a good fit.
• A wedding ceremony workbook with readings and rituals to help couples co-create the ceremony (top package).
• Discussing attire with the couple to be appropriately dressed.
• A customized wedding ceremony, revised as needed (top package).
• Coordination with the DJ or musicians and event planner.
• Directing the rehearsal if required (top package).
• Early arrival at the ceremony site.
• Preparation and mailing of the marriage license back to the court.
• A keepsake copy of the ceremony and marriage certificate in a folder.
• Knowledge of marriage laws in the jurisdiction.
• Recommendations for venues, programs, and music.
• Marketing / Networking  (paid advertising on The Knot and more).
• A minister’s emergency kit for unforeseen issues.

Cost of Living Increase for Wedding Officiants

The “Cost of Living Increase for Wedding Officiants” spreadsheet shows the salary trends for officiants in the Greater Washington, DC area from 1992 to 2031, calculated with a 4% annual cost-of-living increase. According to this data, I am underpaid. During the recession, I had to roll back my fees and have yet to recover fully from that drop in income.

Originally Created by Rev. SJ Burns in 2005 & Revised in 2025

Final Thoughts

When selecting an officiant, remember that fees vary widely based on experience, workload, and personal investment. Never assume that higher fees automatically mean better quality. Instead, look for officiants who prioritize excellence and respect the sanctity of your special day.

Quality lies in a person’s willingness to do their best. My commitment to delivering exceptional service ensures that your money is well-spent.

Author: Rev. Starlene Joyner Burns, now offering wedding officiant mentorship.

Photo credit: Nikki Daskalakis; The Knot Worldwide Styled Shoot 2023