Average Officiant Cost: $100–$1,000+
Most couples in the U.S. spend between$200 and $500 to hire a wedding officiant. However, depending on who you choose, your ceremony location, and how customized the event is, the cost can range from as little as $50 to over $1,000. Here's what you can expect—and how to save.
You’ve picked a date, found the perfect venue, and maybe even decided on the cake—but who’s actually going to marry you? Choosing your wedding officiant is one of the most meaningful parts of your planning process. And as you weigh your options, you might start to wonder how much wedding officiants cost. The truth is, it varies. A lot.
Types of Wedding Officiants and What They Cost
Officiant prices vary depending on the kind of ceremony you want and who performs it. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:
Religious Officiants
Many religious leaders, such as pastors, rabbis, or priests, do not charge a set fee to perform weddings—especially if you're a member of their congregation. Instead, they typically suggest a donation to the church or place of worship. This is usually between $100 and $300, but can vary based on tradition and location.
Civil Officiants
Civil officiants are judges, justices of the peace, or other local officials authorized to perform weddings. You’ll often find them at courthouses or city halls, and their fees are generally the most affordable—$50 to $150 for standard ceremonies. Private weddings at your venue may incur extra fees for travel or customization.
Professional Wedding Celebrants
A celebrant is a professional trained to create personalized ceremonies—often secular, spiritual-but-not-religious, or interfaith. Because they tailor each ceremony, write scripts, and sometimes attend rehearsals, fees tend to be higher: expect $300 to $600 on average, with high-end celebrants charging $1,000 or more for destination or elaborately crafted weddings.
Having a Friend or Family Member Officiate
If you'd rather have someone close to you perform your ceremony, that’s not only legal in most states—it can also help cut officiant costs entirely. Many couples choose to have a friend or family member get ordained online (often for free) and lead the ceremony themselves.
Keep in mind:
Online ordination is usually free through organizations like the Universal Life Church (ULC)
Your chosen officiant might still need to register locally
A thank-you gift is always a good gesture!
What Affects the Cost of a Wedding Officiant?
Why does one officiant charge $150 while another charges $1000? Here are the biggest factors that influence the cost:
Location and Travel
Officiant fees vary depending on where your wedding takes place. Urban areas or destination locations often come with higher rates. If your officiant must travel far or stay overnight, you may also need to cover mileage, lodging, or per diem expenses.
Type of Officiant
A professional wedding celebrant will likely cost more than a civil servant or friend with a one-day ordination. Their experience, training, and level of involvement in crafting your ceremony all contribute to the final price.
Services Provided
Some officiants simply show up and perform the ceremony. Others offer:
Rehearsal attendance
Premarital counseling
Custom vows or scripts
Filing your marriage license
The more officiant duties included, the more you should expect to pay.
Personal Relationship
If a friend or family member is officiating, they may offer to do it for free. However, you'll still want to consider ordination costs, travel, and a thank-you gift to show your appreciation.
How to Save Money on Your Wedding Officiant
If you’re budget-conscious or simply want a more personal touch, here are a few ways to keep costs down:
Have a loved one get ordained online for free and perform the ceremony themselves
Choose a civil ceremony at a local courthouse
Bundle services with a wedding planner or venue that includes officiating
Find local officiants to avoid travel or accommodation fees
Make Your Wedding More Personal (and Affordable)
Want to save money and make your ceremony more meaningful? Have a friend or family member officiate! The Universal Life Church offers free, legal online ordination that lets anyone become a wedding officiant in minutes. It's the perfect way to keep costs low—while putting someone you trust at the heart of your big day.
Anyone can get ordained through the Universal Life Church, empowering couples to choose who stands with them on their big day without worrying about titles, religious affiliation, or red tape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do officiants cost for a wedding?
Most couples pay between $200 and $500, but prices can range from $50 for a civil ceremony to over $1,000 for custom weddings.
Is it cheaper to have a friend officiate?
Yes—if your state allows it, a friend can get ordained online for free and perform the ceremony legally.
Do I have to pay a minister to perform my wedding?
Not always. Some ministers suggest a donation rather than charge a formal fee, especially for members of their congregation.
Can I officiate my own wedding?
Only in a few states (like Colorado) where self-solemnization is legal. Most couples will need someone else to legally perform the ceremony.
