Indianapolis Wedding Officiant Services and Prices
How much does a wedding officiant cost?
Well...it depends on what you want and what you need.
I've done my best to have something for every budget.
Prices for formal wedding ceremonies start at $150
Well...it depends on what you want and what you need.
I've done my best to have something for every budget.
Prices for formal wedding ceremonies start at $150
This particular website is dedicated to my Formal Wedding Officiant Services. These prices reflect a formal wedding. They don't necessarily reflect how much you are spending on your wedding. They reflect they type of ceremony and/or wedding ceremony service I'm performing for you. Regardless of how much money you are spending on your ceremony your wants and needs are unique to you. I consider my formal wedding ceremony service to be one where I'm taking responsibility for your wedding ceremony and performing as a professional. Often, I'm taking the place of a judge or religious leader - I am not those things and those are positions I respect. Yes, I'm an online ordained minister and anyone can do that. But, when you think about it, a judge or a religious leader also just performs one ceremony - over and over again. Performing marriages is only a very small part of their job. I've taken the time and made the effort to learn as much as I can about officiating weddings. That includes what goes into creating and performing a ceremony and how to get legally married. With 10 years of experience of officiating weddings in Indiana, I have the expertise that only experience can bring.
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What do I look at when I officiate a formal wedding and how much to charge?
When you are having a formal wedding, a lot goes into that one day. You are investing a lot of time and money into one big party and a wedding ceremony. Even if the wedding ceremony is not important to you - you are still need to have one to actually be married.
What type of wedding are you planning? How long does it take me to get to your wedding? How much time do I spend creating your ceremony? What are the chances you will start your wedding late? How much time will we spend in meetings, emails and phone calls? I've looked at all of these details and created wedding officiant packages for each possibility.
What type of wedding are you planning? How long does it take me to get to your wedding? How much time do I spend creating your ceremony? What are the chances you will start your wedding late? How much time will we spend in meetings, emails and phone calls? I've looked at all of these details and created wedding officiant packages for each possibility.
Many people think that a wedding officiant just shows up to a wedding, performs a wedding ceremony, signs the marriage license and leaves. That is actually pretty accurate. Your wedding ceremony may only be 10 minutes long, what exactly are you paying for? These are the thing that I consider:
- What type of wedding are you planning?
- How long will it take me to get to your wedding ceremony venue?
- What are the chances your wedding ceremony will start late?
- How much time will we spend in meetings, emails, texts and phone calls?
- What type of ceremony to you want?
What type of wedding are you planning?
A formal wedding can mean many things. What do you picture? A dress, a suit, bridesmaids, groomsmen, photographers, 100+ guests, a cake, a formal wedding venue and caterer? It could also be a dress, suit, (that are removed 5 minutes after the ceremony and pictures) photographer, and 50 guests (mostly family) in your backyard with your aunts and crock pots and your dad at the BBQ. It's usually a little bit of everything and the exact same wedding - when you look at it on paper - can have dramatically different prices.
A formal wedding can mean many things. What do you picture? A dress, a suit, bridesmaids, groomsmen, photographers, 100+ guests, a cake, a formal wedding venue and caterer? It could also be a dress, suit, (that are removed 5 minutes after the ceremony and pictures) photographer, and 50 guests (mostly family) in your backyard with your aunts and crock pots and your dad at the BBQ. It's usually a little bit of everything and the exact same wedding - when you look at it on paper - can have dramatically different prices.
How long will it take me to get to your wedding ceremony venue?
There are countless places to get married. There are beautiful venues in Indianapolis and the surrounding towns and counties. You may be having a 10 minute wedding but it may take me an hour, or longer, to drive there - and drive back. With construction in Indy, it can take a lot longer to get anywhere. A drive that may regularly take 25 minutes can easily double on a weekend with half the roads under construction. I have to account for that. The longer the drive, the more time I have to set aside for "Just in case the traffic..." I'm a hired professional. It's a given that I have to be on time. I have to be early.
There are countless places to get married. There are beautiful venues in Indianapolis and the surrounding towns and counties. You may be having a 10 minute wedding but it may take me an hour, or longer, to drive there - and drive back. With construction in Indy, it can take a lot longer to get anywhere. A drive that may regularly take 25 minutes can easily double on a weekend with half the roads under construction. I have to account for that. The longer the drive, the more time I have to set aside for "Just in case the traffic..." I'm a hired professional. It's a given that I have to be on time. I have to be early.
What are the chances your wedding ceremony will start late?
Experience has taught me that a late start is inevitable in most weddings. The invitation will say 5, but they already know they aren't going to start until 5:30. Small, family weddings in your home or back yard? If you are only expecting 20 people, we are going to wait for everyone to get there. Wouldn't you want to wait? I used to schedule 30 minute appointments and I had to stop. It was just too stressful. I can't just leave because your time is up. Sure, as a business person I could, but as a person, I just can't.
It's becoming popular for couples to put a certain time on the invitations but plan to actually start the wedding ceremony a half an hour later.
Experience has taught me that a late start is inevitable in most weddings. The invitation will say 5, but they already know they aren't going to start until 5:30. Small, family weddings in your home or back yard? If you are only expecting 20 people, we are going to wait for everyone to get there. Wouldn't you want to wait? I used to schedule 30 minute appointments and I had to stop. It was just too stressful. I can't just leave because your time is up. Sure, as a business person I could, but as a person, I just can't.
It's becoming popular for couples to put a certain time on the invitations but plan to actually start the wedding ceremony a half an hour later.
How much time will we spend in meetings, emails and phone calls?
Emails and correspondence take time. If we schedule a meeting - even a meet and greet - I schedule an hour - and time to get there and back. Emails can take time to compose, especially if I'm answering specific questions. Think about it, we have an hour meeting - which is actually 2 hours with travel time - An hour to get to your wedding, an hour to be at your wedding, an hour to get back, time to file your marriage license, emails and texts. YOU might not need or want all those things but I still need to account for the possibilities in order to be able to maintain the quality of service I would personally expect from a professional.
Emails and correspondence take time. If we schedule a meeting - even a meet and greet - I schedule an hour - and time to get there and back. Emails can take time to compose, especially if I'm answering specific questions. Think about it, we have an hour meeting - which is actually 2 hours with travel time - An hour to get to your wedding, an hour to be at your wedding, an hour to get back, time to file your marriage license, emails and texts. YOU might not need or want all those things but I still need to account for the possibilities in order to be able to maintain the quality of service I would personally expect from a professional.
What type of ceremony do you want?
If you want a personalized ceremony it takes time. Even with all of the information I have that I'm familiar with and have at the click of a mouse to just cut and paste, it still takes time to do that. Then there are more emails and more edits. If it's a new ceremony to me and you are having a formal wedding, I practice that ceremony.
If you want a personalized ceremony it takes time. Even with all of the information I have that I'm familiar with and have at the click of a mouse to just cut and paste, it still takes time to do that. Then there are more emails and more edits. If it's a new ceremony to me and you are having a formal wedding, I practice that ceremony.
Experience has shown me just how different couples, their weddings, budgets, and wants and needs differ.
If you are price shopping for a wedding officiant in Indiana, the price for a formal wedding ceremony varies quite a bit. The interesting thing about that is everyone's definition of a formal wedding ceremony varies as well. One couple may have a budget of $30,000 and another may have a budget of $2500 - and they are both considered formal wedding ceremonies. I marry couples who spend more on their elopement weekend than some couples may spend on a wedding reception for 50 people or more.
Whatever your definition of the perfect wedding is for you - is important to me.
Whatever your definition of the perfect wedding is for you - is important to me.
There are generally 3 things involved in a wedding ceremony.
- There is performing the ceremony itself and signing the marriage license. This is what it takes to be legally married.
- There is the traditional wedding ceremony rehearsal to make sure everyone knows what they are doing on their wedding day. This is something you may or may not have - it depends on your wedding. If you have a rehearsal, I may or may not need to be there. I consider that with my pricing options.
- And then, there is the ceremony script - what you say during your wedding. Ceremony choices are definitely "my thing." I give you countless options and they are priced accordingly.
$150 Basic Wedding Ceremony Service
My $150 Wedding Ceremony Service is my most basic service - and also my most popular. All of my other packages are built up from this. This option does not include a rehearsal. This is the perfect option for an elopement, small wedding, backyard wedding or civil ceremony.
I schedule 3 hours for every wedding ceremony I book. One hour to get to your wedding - from wherever I am, One hour to be at your wedding and an hour to either get home or to the next wedding. That also includes time for a meeting, emails, phone calls and texts. I also guarantee I will be at your wedding 15 minutes early. During those 15 minutes we usually sign the marriage license and go over any last minute details.
Some couples don't really care that much about their ceremony. As long as they are married in the end, that's all that matters. They may book me online, communicate through email, and we meet for the first time at the wedding. That's fine. I have created websites with enough detailed information that I hope I answer just about any question you may have andyou are confident enough to book me online.
I schedule 3 hours for every wedding ceremony I book. One hour to get to your wedding - from wherever I am, One hour to be at your wedding and an hour to either get home or to the next wedding. That also includes time for a meeting, emails, phone calls and texts. I also guarantee I will be at your wedding 15 minutes early. During those 15 minutes we usually sign the marriage license and go over any last minute details.
Some couples don't really care that much about their ceremony. As long as they are married in the end, that's all that matters. They may book me online, communicate through email, and we meet for the first time at the wedding. That's fine. I have created websites with enough detailed information that I hope I answer just about any question you may have andyou are confident enough to book me online.
- I will complete the marriage license with you. You need to pick up the license yourself from your county clerk. Afterward, the completed license needs to be returned. If it was issued in Marion County I can return it for you and mail you 2 certified copes within a week. Click here for more information about about to get legally married in Indiana. Note: YOU can always return your own marriage license. Legally, it has to be returned within 30 days. Anyone can return it.
- I will perform a ceremony of your choosing. You can choose one of my ceremonies or create your own - I have everything you need to personalized your ceremony yourself. I will send you a google share document with all the info you need when you schedule your appointment.
- I will perform the ceremony like a pro - because I am a pro!
- I will travel up to 45 minutes from Fishers, Indiana to your location - further distances may be more.
- I will arrive at least 15 minutes early for your wedding ceremony.
- You have one hour from the scheduled start time to get married - if you are running a few minutes late? No worries!
- One meeting is included with unlimited emails, phone calls or texts.
- Click here to view a sample service agreement
$150 Rehearsal
I charge separately for the rehearsal because it takes the same amount of time and travel as the ceremony itself. I also understand you may be on a tight budget and can do the rehearsal yourself and save money. The rehearsal is to help you and your wedding party feel confident. You might not need me! You may also choose to spend the money on a day of event coordinator or who will run your rehearsal.
If you are booking the rehearsal separately - instead of part of a package, you will need to know what time the rehearsal will be when you book. If you book a different package where the rehearsal is included there is more leeway in the schedule if you don't have a confirmed day and start time yet.
If you are having a formal wedding, you will usually have a rehearsal so everyone is confident going into the ceremony on the wedding day. Included in the rehearsal service:
If you are booking the rehearsal separately - instead of part of a package, you will need to know what time the rehearsal will be when you book. If you book a different package where the rehearsal is included there is more leeway in the schedule if you don't have a confirmed day and start time yet.
If you are having a formal wedding, you will usually have a rehearsal so everyone is confident going into the ceremony on the wedding day. Included in the rehearsal service:
- I will arrive at least 15 minutes early the day of your rehearsal.
- I will either organize and run the rehearsal or I will work with the venue coordinator, wedding coordinator or anyone else who many be running the rehearsal to make sure everything runs smoothly.
- Click here to view a sample service agreement.
$350 The Formal Wedding
The formal wedding is what I recommend when you are having a formal wedding and are happy with my prewritten wedding ceremony scripts or are happy creating your own ceremony. I add the extra $50 for me to arrive 45 minutes before your wedding ceremony. (Instead of 15 minutes early with the smaller package) This gives me extra time to get to your venue, communicate with your DJ or musicians, do a sound check, etc.... Maybe you are comfortable with me arriving 15 minutes early? No problem. You can book the wedding ceremony and rehearsal separately and save the $50.
Click here to view a sample service agreement for the $350 Package
Click here to view a sample service agreement for the $350 Package
$450 Traditional, Formal Wedding Package
This is the package for when you want a truly personalized wedding ceremony. I also include extra details that I think are important if you are planning a formal wedding ceremony. When you book the full, formal wedding ceremony package my whole week revolves around you. I schedule extra time for everything to make sure that I do everything thing I can to avoid any possible mistake. This is a very popular package for couples traveling from out of town. It always helps to have local professionals who can take care of every detail. When you book this package my entire week revolves around your wedding and rehearsal. This package includes:
- 2 meetings. These can be in person, over the phone, or video chat. Generally, the first meeting is in person and the second meeting is a phone call.
- A personalized wedding ceremony. This can mean something different for every couple. You might love one of my prewritten ceremonies but just want a few changes and don't want to do it yourself - you might want me to do all the legwork for you with narrowing down your options. I will put together a rough draft and then we will edit it until you love it. This could be creating a personalized unity ceremony or the entire ceremony.
- The rehearsal. You might need me to organize and run your rehearsal or just want me at the rehearsal. If you have a wedding planner or your venue coordinator runs your rehearsal I will work with them. They will be directing everyone on your actual wedding day. I think it's always a good idea to have everyone at your rehearsal to feel confident going into your wedding day knowing everyone is on the same page. If you don't have a confirmed rehearsal time I will hold any possible time until you know. Sometimes, your rehearsal might be on a Friday morning or even a Thursday.
- Time - I give you more time. I guarantee an arrival time 60 minutes before the scheduled start time and you have up to an hour past your scheduled start time to begin your ceremony. Fingers crossed you never need these extra times for anything but you never know. I block out 4 hours on my schedule for your wedding giving me time to get there early and not need to rush off anywhere...just in case.
- I will file your marriage license for you. You need to obtain your own marriage license but I will return it for you. If you life in Marion or Hamilton County I will return your license in person, obtain 2 certified copies, and mail them to you within a week. If you live in another county I will mail it to the issuing clerk by certified mail. You can always return your marriage license yourself. Generally, couples living in other counties will return their license themselves in person and obtain their own certified copies.
- Click here to view a sample service agreement.
$200 When you need a little more time
Maybe you are having a formal wedding, love my prewritten ceremony scripts and don't need me at the rehearsal - or don't want to pay for the rehearsal. You might choose to spend your money on a day of even coordinator to run your rehearsal. You might not have a rehearsal, or I'm not available. BUT you would like the extra assurance that your wedding officiant will have time to communicate with your DJ and musicians and you don't want to be crossing your fingers hoping I'll show up on time with just 15 minutes to spare before you walk down the aisle.... This wedding ceremony option guarantees that I'll arrive at your wedding at least 45 minutes early. I almost want to insist that if you are only hiring me to perform your formal wedding ceremony that you book this option. I don't insist though, it's your budget, it's up to you - I just want you to know your options and why I single them out.
Click here to view a sample service agreement for the $200 Wedding Ceremony Package.
Click here to view a sample service agreement for the $200 Wedding Ceremony Package.
$150 Personalized Wedding Ceremony Script
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If you want a ceremony personalized just for you - either with your own love story or you just want me to help you with your ceremony options but don't want to book the full formal package, this is an option for you. Sometimes couples aren't having a rehearsal or don't need me there and just book the ceremony service and the personalization. This service is only for weddings I am actually performing. I have other options for professional wedding ceremony consultations and officiant coaching. Included in this service:
- Two meetings are included - either in person or over the phone or video chat as well as unlimited emails, phone calls or texts. I can gather information from your through email - if it's more convenient for you. One of these meeting will probably be the first time we meet - possibly before you book your wedding. I try to gather as much information as possible when we meet so I can personalize our experience.
- I will personalize your ceremony with you to your liking - hopefully loving!
- I will create a rough draft based on our meeting or email conversations - it's a ceremony that I think will best work for you and your situation - religious or spiritual aspects, tell your story, make your family happy, etc... I will do the research and give you options to consider.
- We will edit the ceremony together until you are happy with it.
- You are allowed to say you don't like it. We will keep going until you do!
- Click here to view a sample service agreement.
