How much does an officiant cost?

Asked by: Abagail Gleason  |  Last update: November 14, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (28 votes)

While a wedding officiant cost can vary depending on where you are in the country, along with a number of other factors, the average cost in the U.S. is $300 with most couples spending between $200 to $450.

How much do you pay an officiant?

A wedding officiant costs between $200 and $450 on average, but this fee can vary depending on the type of officiant you hire.

How much is an officiant UK?

The average amount spent by couples in the UK on a wedding celebrant is around £500. However, some celebrants can cost much more than this, while others cost less. If you're looking for your ceremony to have a personal touch, then a wedding celebrant is the best way to do that.

How do you get an officiant to marry you?

Contact your house of worship. If your ceremony site is not a house of worship, contact city, town or village halls and ask about judges or justices of the peace available for weddings. Ask a loved one to get ordained and officiate your wedding.

Do you have to hire an officiant?

California – The state of California allows for a non-clergy marriage as long as the required forms are completed and two witness signatures are provided.

How much money can you make as a wedding officiant? Part-time, full-time, or side hustle.

24 related questions found

Why are officiants so expensive?

Similar to your other wedding vendors, the level of involvement and time required are two main factors when it comes to how much an officiant costs. "The number of ceremonies or rites the officiant needs to perform can impact the price," says Glick.

Can I officiant my own wedding?

Can You Marry Yourself in California? Yes! California has a “non-clergy” marriage license option which does not require an officiant, but does still require two witness signatures.

Who can officiate a wedding in the UK?

In the UK, there are five different types of Wedding Celebrants, and they all perform slightly different roles:
  • Independent celebrants.
  • Humanists.
  • Interfaith Ministers.
  • Civil Registrars.
  • Clergy.

How to find a person to marry you?

Search for Local Wedding Officiants in Your Area

The Officiant Directory is the best way to find a wedding officiant, marriage celebrant, ordained minister, priest, pastor, rabbi, cantor, or justice of the peace online.

Who should officiate my wedding?

Various individuals can officiate weddings, including religious leaders like priests, rabbis, ministers, and imams, as well as civil officiants such as judges and justices of the peace. Additionally, friends or family members can perform the role if they meet legal requirements.

Can a celebrant legally marry you in the UK?

Independent celebrants cannot perform legally binding weddings in the UK. Don't let this put you off! All that's required is that the couple make the standard legal declarations and register their marriage with a registrar.

How much does it cost to hire a humanist celebrant?

You can expect to pay around £500 for your ceremony. This fee covers the cost of your celebrant and your two-year membership of Humanist Society Scotland. Other fees such as travel expenses and rehearsal fees should be agreed directly with your celebrant.

Is a marriage officiant the same as a celebrant?

According to Forsythe, the term 'celebrant' is used to describe anyone who's received special training through a certified program or organization. 'Officiant' is a term that's more loosely used to describe anyone who officiates a wedding, whether it's a member of clergy or a friend.

How much is a wedding officiant UK?

Weddings £450 – £1500. Naming Ceremonies £150 – £450.

Can I make money as an officiant?

A wedding officiant can make an average of $40 an hour or between $100 and $800 for each ceremony. The best thing about this role is that you can charge additional fees for extra services, such as taking special requests or writing vows.

Do you give your officiant a gift?

Of course, you don't have to pick out a gift for your wedding officiant. If you're already paying them for their part in your celebration, a handwritten card is more than enough to thank your wedding vendors and other day-of helpers.

How much do wedding officiants cost?

While a wedding officiant cost can vary depending on where you are in the country, along with a number of other factors, the average cost in the U.S. is $300 with most couples spending between $200 to $450.

How to hire an officiant?

Be sure to read reviews, gather samples of their work, have a clear understanding of the exact services they will provide, and ensure your personalities mesh well before hiring a professional wedding officiant. Certain places of worship will require you to use their religious leader.

What does a marriage officiant say?

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] in holy matrimony. This sacred ceremony is a celebration of love, commitment, and the joining of two hearts and lives. [Partner 1] and [Partner 2], your journey together has led you to this moment.

Can I legally officiate my own wedding?

While self-solemnization is not legally recognized in all jurisdictions, certain locations, such as Colorado, California, and Illinois, allow couples to legally marry themselves without the need for an officiant.

What is the cheapest way to get married in the UK?

Is it cheaper to get married at a registry office? With the average cost being £1,342, a registry office wedding is by far the cheapest venue option for couples, coming in at 75% cheaper than getting married in a place of worship, 82% cheaper than a hotel and 89% cheaper than a castle.

Can a friend be a celebrant in the UK?

Technically, if you are having a non-legal celebration such as a symbolic wedding ceremony or wedding blessing then yes, but think very carefully before deciding if this is really the place to save money….

What are the benefits of marrying yourself?

Reasons for choosing self-marriage might include wanting to affirm your relationship with yourself or to express how being single doesn't mean being incomplete or lonely. While there is some controversy about self-marriage, sologamy continues to grow in popularity around the world, particularly among women.

Does the officiant count as a wedding guest?

The short answer to the question is yes. You should invite your officiant to the reception. If your officiant is a friend or close religious figure in your life, it obviously makes sense to have them join for the rest of the party.

How long does it take to get ordained?

Most organizations will either send you a digital certificate for free or allow you to purchase the physical documents and additional credentials if necessary. Register as an ordained officiant with the state, if necessary. On average, this process takes 7-30 days depending on the state.