$238
In 2024, the average cost of a wedding officiant is between $218 – $258.
- Officiant fees vary depending on the size of the wedding, location, formality, and degree of personalization.
- Some officiants may require pre-marital or religious class requirements. Ask ahead of time.
- 14% of couples are married by a friend or family member ordained for the occasion.
- The term “Officiant” also includes Justices of the Peace, celebrants, notaries, and other people empowered by law to perform legally-binding private ceremonies.
The duties of a wedding officiant vary depending on the couple and the ceremony and location. Each wedding ceremony is unique and should be treated as such by the person performing it. Usually, wedding officiants are chosen because they either know the bride and groom on a personal level, or they have been recommended to the couple by someone who thinks they are a good fit.
If you are looking for a secular officiant, your local courthouse can usually help since most of them are Justices that work directly with the court are available for ceremonies.
One of the main elements of a wedding ceremony is the reading of the vows. If you and your soon-to-be spouse are planning to write your own vows, the video below will be super helpful and informative.