How much to pay pastor for wedding?

Answer 1

Some clergy will charge a set fee and let you know what that is upfront. Always ask, just like you'd ask about cost on the facility you rent. Sometimes the clergy / church rental fee are combined together for one set price.

As a pastor of 20 years, I personally do not have a set fee for weddings. It is an honor to be asked and I can walk away empty handed, but still feel happy that I got to serve two people. I have made as little as zero, and as much as $750.

Now, consider these things as you weigh out how much to pay:

1. How involved was the minister in writing a more customized service for you?

2. How many hours total do you think the pastor put in? Count up the ceremony itself, the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, any post-wedding activities he/she stayed for, the time to fill out and mail your license, and any premarital counseling he/she did for you.

3. Do you like this pastor and could you see him as a source of help for you in the future? (example, funerals or marriage counseling or baptizing your kids). If you love this pastor, let him or her know -- and there are many ways to do this, not just through your wallet.

After you've added it all up and weighed the options, then keep in mind that you are likely paying your photographer three or five times what you pay the clergy. I've been in situations where the bride spent 10 times more on her hair than she did the pastor. Most clergy aren't in it for the money, but that's never a reason to not take care of the one person that you HAVE to there, and who has to do their job right on your special day. If he/she doesn't show or fails to mail in your license, then you aren't getting married that day.

Is that worth $50 or $500?