Cost and Quality
You probably expect to get what you pay for. I think you’ll get a lot more from me. Here’s why:
Unlike other officiants, I try to limit myself to one wedding each week - giving personal attention to each bride. And I'm able to hold my fees down to $300 per wedding plus $50 per rehearsal because I'm employed as the minister of a local church. This is a good balance for me, enjoyable and energetic on all sides. I think it’s a good balance for you, too, affording a true professional at low-to-mid cost.
What makes the difference between low-cost officiants and high-cost ones? Quality, yes, but also the number of weddings they do!
Of course, here in Las Vegas there are inexpensive "get-you-in / get-you-out" chapels and drive-in weddings. Their cost is low but their twenty or so weddings each day lack the warmth and charm you expect. Then there are a few officiants who will come to your doorstep for a higher but still "bargain" fee. You may find these rushed or programmatic.
Consider what you think a person needs to earn each week in order to live reasonably, then divide that amount by the officiant’s fee and you’ll know how many weddings they're doing beside your's. And remember, we’re not talking about their take-home pay – because their taxes, health insurance, pension savings, business expense, etc. have to come off the top of what they charge you.
So low-cost officiants have to squeeze in a lot of weddings. Do you want yours to be one of them? High-cost officiants must make a living too, but they’ve chosen to put in more quality time with each bride. Consequently, able to do only half as many weddings, they have to charge twice as much just to earn the same as their low-cost competitors. Because of the investment they’ve made in training and continuing education, they’ll probably want more than twice the 'bargain-bin-fee'.
As implied on my “Choosing Your Officiant” page, it makes little sense to spend thousands on your wedding and risk having it ruined by a poor officiant who saves you a few hundred.
With me, you have the best of both worlds. My skills and experience are excellent. Essential overhead is covered elsewhere. And the attention I give is what you should expect. I'll treat you less like a business and more like the bride you truly are.
It’s a lot more fun for both of us. And, by the way, my income from weddings strengthens the church. It allows more generosity too. For that, I thank you.
