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Ministerial Fees
Although Officiants are listed as “vendors” on most wedding websites, your relationship with your Officiant is a unique one which usually exceeds a mere exchange of money for services rendered or products purchased. Getting to know your Officiant and understanding the amount and depth of attention he/she will provide you is important and should be reflected in the Officiant’s fees. My fees for ministerial services are reasonable and consistent with my professional ordained clergy colleagues (see fee ranges described below)**. My services are structured as a package which typically includes ceremony creation, including all planning sessions, consultations and correspondence, a resource booklet , rehearsal, wedding day officiating, keepsake, PREPARE program, and travel within 15 miles of Concord, MA. (additional travel fee for further locations). A 50% deposit is expected at the time of signing the letter of agreement. The other 50% is due at the rehearsal , along with the license. Contact Robin for a free consultation to discuss the particulars of your wedding, including fees. **A note about officiants and fees (generally speaking): By law, a Justice of the Peace in Massachusetts cannot charge more than $125 to officiate at a wedding. Many JPs charge the same fee if there is a rehearsal, plus travel. There may also be an added fee for a “pre-nuptial conference.” (so count on $250 plus). He/she can “legalize” your marriage, but will not really “solemnize” it as an ordained clergy does. Consider whether the presence and participation of clergy will be significant to you and/or to family members. Most JPs are not qualified to offer pre-marital counseling or marriage preparation. Most Catholic Priests will marry couples from their parishes or Catholic couples who agree to engage in Pre-Cana counseling and raise their children as Catholics. Fees vary for priestly services; often Pre-Cana is $125-200. Most seminary-educated and ordained Protestant and Unitarian Universalist Ministers will marry couples who are active members of their congregations free of charge, although counseling may require an additional fee or be referred to a colleague. The Officiant fee (inc. rehearsal) for non-members typically ranges from $300-$600. Pre-marital counseling may be an additional charge. (Please be sure your “minister” did not get ordained on the Internet!!) Most Rabbis will only marry Jewish couples or interfaith couples who undertake special counseling and training, and then agree to raise their children as Jews. Rabbi fees often begin at $500 and can exceed $1000. |
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