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 $250
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 $250
Photo taken at the Indiana State House by Summerly Photography.
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 over 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 great deal of time and energy goes into planning 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.
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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.
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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?
A formal wedding can mean many things.
What do you envision?
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 their 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 - but can have dramatically different prices.
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A formal wedding can mean many things.
What do you envision?
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 their 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 - but can have dramatically different prices.
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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.
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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.
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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 you 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. I take that into consideration when scheduling your actual start time with me.
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Experience has taught me that a late start is inevitable in most weddings. The invitation will say 5, but you 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. I take that into consideration when scheduling your actual start time with me.
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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.
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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.
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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 - many times.
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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 - many times.
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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.
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Whatever your definition of the perfect wedding is for you - is important to me.
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What is involved in a traditional formal wedding?
We perform your wedding ceremony and sign the marriage license.
This is what it takes to be legally married. Sign the legal document and say "I do."
The wedding rehearsal.
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.
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.
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This is what it takes to be legally married. Sign the legal document and say "I do."
The wedding rehearsal.
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.
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.
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Photo taken at Balmoral House by Casey and Her Camera
$150 Formal Elopement or Informal Wedding
My $150 Wedding Ceremony Service is my most basic service - and also my most popular. This is the perfect option for an elopement, small wedding, backyard wedding or civil ceremony.
I often travel to private homes to sign marriage licenses and perform simple civil ceremonies. It a very convenient service for many couples who just need the legal paperwork completed.
This service is not for couples getting married in a formal venue or a wedding with a set timeline. Getting married in your backyard can mean you are having an informal party or it can mean that you have a tent, caterer, DJ, and wedding planner.
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.
The price also includes time for a meeting, emails, phone calls and texts. In most cases, 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 and you are confident enough to book me online.
I often travel to private homes to sign marriage licenses and perform simple civil ceremonies. It a very convenient service for many couples who just need the legal paperwork completed.
This service is not for couples getting married in a formal venue or a wedding with a set timeline. Getting married in your backyard can mean you are having an informal party or it can mean that you have a tent, caterer, DJ, and wedding planner.
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.
The price also includes time for a meeting, emails, phone calls and texts. In most cases, 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 and you are confident enough to book me online.
Included in the $150 Wedding Ceremony:
- 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 marriage licence info. 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.
- I may travel up to an hour but will not guarantee to arrive early.
- 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.
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Photo taken at the Marott by Victoria Sprung Photography.
$250 Formal Wedding Ceremony
This is my formal wedding ceremony option for couples having a formal wedding in a formal venue. This package could be perfect for you if you love my prewritten ceremony scripts or want to write or customize your own ceremony. Some couples really want to write their own ceremony!
If you aren't having a rehearsal or don't need me at the rehearsal, you can just book me for the ceremony.
Some couples don't want to pay for the rehearsal because you might choose to spend your money on a day of event coordinator to run their rehearsal (Well worth it!).
This wedding ceremony option guarantees that I'll arrive at your wedding at least 45 minutes early.
Providing you the extra assurance that your wedding officiant will have time to communicate with your DJ and musicians and will arrive before your guests are being seated.
I TOTALLY understand if you want to have a friend or family member perform your ceremony. I support that choice and honestly, there are so many couples who rave about that one person in their tribe that knocked it out of the park for them making their ceremony special. But if you don't want that, or don't have that option, and you are having a formal wedding, it is really worth the money to hire an experienced, professional wedding officiant. I have 12 years experience and I've learned how to smooth over just about every situation to make it look natural! I provide peace of mind.
Click here to view the service agreement/contract for the $250 Formal Wedding Ceremony.
If you aren't having a rehearsal or don't need me at the rehearsal, you can just book me for the ceremony.
Some couples don't want to pay for the rehearsal because you might choose to spend your money on a day of event coordinator to run their rehearsal (Well worth it!).
This wedding ceremony option guarantees that I'll arrive at your wedding at least 45 minutes early.
Providing you the extra assurance that your wedding officiant will have time to communicate with your DJ and musicians and will arrive before your guests are being seated.
I TOTALLY understand if you want to have a friend or family member perform your ceremony. I support that choice and honestly, there are so many couples who rave about that one person in their tribe that knocked it out of the park for them making their ceremony special. But if you don't want that, or don't have that option, and you are having a formal wedding, it is really worth the money to hire an experienced, professional wedding officiant. I have 12 years experience and I've learned how to smooth over just about every situation to make it look natural! I provide peace of mind.
Click here to view the service agreement/contract for the $250 Formal Wedding Ceremony.
Photo taken at Lindley Farmstead Estate at Chatham Hills by Alison Mae Photography.
$400 The Formal Wedding Ceremony With a Rehearsal
This package includes The Formal Wedding Ceremony and a rehearsal. This package is what I recommend when you are having a formal wedding and want the assurance of having your officiant at your rehearsal. I can either organize and lead your rehearsal or work with you venue coordinator or wedding planner who is leading the rehearsal. We usually all work together.
Having everyone at your rehearsal gives you and your family peace of mind going into your wedding day. If your parents aren't so sure about the wedding officiant you hired instead of getting married in a church, it's a good idea to have me at the rehearsal so I can assure them the ceremony is in good hands! No, you don't need to invite me to your rehearsal dinner. I'll just be at the rehearsal itself.
Click here to view the $400 Service Agreement/Contract for the $400 Formal Ceremony Package.
Having everyone at your rehearsal gives you and your family peace of mind going into your wedding day. If your parents aren't so sure about the wedding officiant you hired instead of getting married in a church, it's a good idea to have me at the rehearsal so I can assure them the ceremony is in good hands! No, you don't need to invite me to your rehearsal dinner. I'll just be at the rehearsal itself.
Click here to view the $400 Service Agreement/Contract for the $400 Formal Ceremony Package.
Photo taken at Scottish Rite Cathedral by Halee Betzner Photography
$550 Traditional, Formal Wedding Package
This is the package for when you want a truly personalized wedding ceremony. You want me to tell your love story and add your personality into the details of the wedding ceremony script. 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. I use Google Documents so we can all literally be on the same page at the same time.
- A personalized wedding ceremony. This may or may not include telling your own love story - That’s not for everyone. I can help you narrow down your wedding ceremony options and personalize them for you. I can do research to create something unique for you based on your own interests. I provide everything you need to create a wedding ceremony yourself online for free. This service is when you want help creating the ceremony. I can do all or most of the work and you can have as much or as little input as you like. If you just want me to do it all because you aren’t that interested but you want it to be a nice ceremony - this is the option for you. You may also want to go through every detail - twice - this is also the option for you.
- 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 Saturday morning or even a Thursday.
- Time - I give you more time. I guarantee an arrival time 45 minutes before the scheduled start time and you have up to an hour past your scheduled start time to get married. 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 live in Marion 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 am happy to mail it to the issuing clerk for you. 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. Getting to the Marion County Clerk can be more time consuming with traffic and parking. My office is right down the street and I'm in the Marion County Clerk's office just about every Monday. It's generally a lot easier to get to the clerks office in smaller towns.
