What are my fees?

Most people, quite reasonably, want to know what they're paying for. A lot of work goes into planning a wedding ceremony, and just as you will pay for food, alcohol, and transportation, there are fees involved with hiring a professional minister to perform your wedding service.

My first meeting with you is always free. I like to give couples the option of gracefully backing out should our personalities clash, or if in some other way I do not meet their needs. However, I do work at that first meeting! I gather information, ask a lot of questions, and have on my best face so that you, the couple, can get to know me. The information I receive at that first meeting is what guides my hand in the hours of ceremony-writing, later.

I generally spend between 8 and 15 hours writing a unique wedding service. This includes meeting time, research, and actual writing time. For a very elaborate ceremony I might spend as many as 25 to 30 hours on planning alone! As a wise man once said, you do get what you pay for.

My base fee for performing a wedding ceremony is $300.00 USD, split into three payments. At our first official meeting, $75.00 is due, and is considered a non-refundable deposit. At our second meeting, a further $75.00 is due. The balance of $150.00 is due the day of the wedding. This purchases a personalized service (and all my attention on your special day!) lasting about 20 to 30 minutes in length. It includes the initial meeting (always free), plus the two informational meetings for the creation of your service. If you wish, one of those meetings can be held at the rehearsal dinner, AS the rehearsal. You are also receiving unlimited email communication with me, and reasonable telephone conversations. I am available between 9am and 8pm, Monday through Saturday, excluding booked wedding dates -- when a couple pays for their day, they get the whole day! I will fill out and file all necessary paperwork, solemnizing your marriage with the state.

For weddings very far from my home or office (more than 25 miles), I may charge a small fee for travel expenses. However, I generally do not do so. Additional meetings between us can also be purchased, for planning purposes or if you wish me to attend a separate rehearsal dinner. Extra meetings cost $45.00 per meeting, due on the date of the meeting.

There are certain things you are responsible for:

  • getting the marriage license from the correct state and/or county license agency (depending on state, fees range from $30 to $85)
  • any music you wish to have (although I can incorporate it into the ceremony)
  • finding and paying for a site for the ceremony
  • your own decorations, food, favors, and programs, if you want them

There are certain things I am responsible for:

  • planning and writing the ceremony itself
  • accommodating your wedding needs (in regards to vows, readings, personalization, etc.)
  • performing the wedding service itself
  • filling out and filing any and all paperwork associated with the legal aspects of the marriage
  • being available to you, to answer questions, make changes as required, and provide information
  • providing a back-up minister in case of emergency *

If you have any further questions, you can contact me at my email address.

Last updated: May 19th, 2010