What Does It Cost To Hire Gary For Your Wedding?

How does a wedding officiant, be he or she a minister, priest, or justice of the peace, put a price on the honor of serving? Sometimes it seems there are as many ways to determine the charge for officiating a wedding ceremony as there are wedding officiants. One lady I heard about charges according to “face time,” which I assume means an hourly ­ or maybe quarter-hourly ­ rate. Another officiant charges according to the complexity of the ceremony. A very basic “Do you take this man/woman to be….” is one amount. Adding a frill or two, saying a prayer and a poem, puts you at the next level, so the cost increases. It’s like adding toppings to a pizza. At the highest level, you get counseling, a copy of the vows, and, I hope, a firm handshake.

Another officiant goes by the size of the wedding ­ more guests: more bucks. Each of these means of setting a price has its own logic. More time spent warrants more remuneration, just as does more ornamentation or money already committed to invitations, a caterer, a venue, and a florist.

My approach is purely practical. I enjoy talking to you about the kind of wedding ceremony you want, getting to know you, finding out how you met, and helping you plan a ceremony that embodies your values. Performing the ceremony we’ve designed is pure joy. What I’m not fond of is driving to and from distant venues. So the contribution to animal charity I ask for depends on how far that drive will be. But even a 65 mile round trip to Boulder or Evergreen on my part will cost you less than other wedding officiants charge to walk to a venue around the corner their starting spot.

Disciples of Jesus, the church in which Gary is ordained, is a strong supporter of animal charities. The fee you pay is, in fact, a contribution to an animal charity and may be tax deductible (ask your accountant). The amount of your contribution depends on whether and how far Gary has to travel to get to your wedding location. Weddings in the Denver suburbs area rarely exceed $225, less for Central Denver. Couples coming alone or with their children to the chapel on 10th avenue contribute only $95.

You see why I encourage couples to get a few quotes. It makes it clear that I provide more for less. Call me and we’ll get started.

Weddings in the Denver suburbs area rarely exceed $225, less for Central Denver. Couples coming alone or with their children to the chapel on 10th avenue contribute only $95.

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