Planning a wedding involves many decisions, including budgeting for key elements like the wedding officiant who will actually legally marry you. Traditionally, this cost fell on the groom’s family, but modern couples are increasingly sharing or rethinking these expenses — particularly as couples are marrying later in life. Here's everything you need to know about who pays for the wedding officiant, how to budget for it, and how traditions are evolving.
Who Covers the Wedding Officiant's Fee? Traditions and Trends
Budgeting for a wedding? You’re likely wondering, who actually pays for the wedding officiant. Historically, this was the groom’s family’s responsibility, but modern weddings have evolved into a more collaborative effort.
Traditional Etiquette: The Groom’s Family Role
Traditionally, the groom’s family would cover the officiant fee, marriage license, and rehearsal dinner expenses. They were also responsible for accommodating groomsmen and hosting the honeymoon. These traditions, however, are shifting in today’s more flexible wedding planning landscape.
➡️ Related: How Much Is a Wedding Officiant in New York?
Modern Couples: Sharing Costs Creatively
Today’s couples often share wedding costs with their families or even crowd-fund through "honeymoon funds" on registry websites like Zola. Collaborative budgeting allows couples to focus on personal priorities while still honoring family traditions.
For example, consider discussing whether one side of the family covers the officiant while the other funds other aspects, like floral arrangements or catering. Open communication is vital for navigating these decisions smoothly.
Modern Couples: Special Considerations for LGBTQ+ Couples and Beyond
Without traditional bride-and-groom roles, LGBTQ+ couples often approach wedding planning collaboratively. Deciding together who pays for what ensures inclusivity and fairness.
➡️ Must-Read: Top 10 LGBTQ-Friendly Wedding Officiants in NYC
How Much Does an Officiant Cost in New York?
Professional officiant fees in New York range from $250 to $1,000 depending on experience, location, and services offered. In popular places like New York City, wedding officiants will cost on the higher end. While in areas like Upstate New York an officiant may cost less.
DIY options like asking a friend to officiate may save money, though you'll still need to cover legal ordination and license requirements.
➡️ Related: How Much Is a Wedding Officiant in New York?
Need an Officiant for Your New York Wedding? Start Here!
Looking to tie the knot in New York? We’ve got you covered with the Top 10 wedding officiants across NYC and Upstate NY:
Wedding Officiants in New York City:
NYC Officiants: Find top officiants in New York City.
Spanish-Speaking Officiants in NYC: Find the top 10 bilingual wedding officiants
Top LGBTQ-Friendly Wedding Officiants in NYC: Explore featured LGBTQ officiants
Wedding Officiants in Upstate New York:
Albany, NY: Discover the best officiants in Albany
Clifton Park, NY: Find officiants in Clifton Park
Saratoga Springs, NY: See officiants for your Saratoga Springs wedding
Lake George, NY: Explore Lake George officiants
Schenectady, NY: Find officiants in Schenectady
FAQs About Wedding Officiant Costs
What’s included in the officiant fee?
Officiant fees may cover the ceremony, travel, and sometimes a rehearsal. Always confirm specifics upfront. To help you out, here are the top 10 questions to ask your wedding officiant so that you don't miss a thing.
Do couples ever pay for their own officiant? Yes, especially in modern weddings. Many couples include officiant fees in their overall personal budget.
How can we save money on officiant costs? Many officiants will offer a discount if you choose to get married on a weekday instead of a weekend. Another way to save money is to opt for a micro-wedding or an elopement ceremony instead of having a large event. While choosing a professional officiant has its benefits, another path is to ask a friend to officiate.
Traditional Wedding Budget Etiquette: A Deep Dive
Curious about the broader traditional breakdown of wedding costs? The Knot offers a detailed guide on who pays for what in wedding planning. From officiant fees to reception expenses, it’s a must-read for couples balancing modern trends with time-honored customs. ➡️ Read more on The Knot’s Wedding Budget Guide
Create a Wedding Budget That Works for You
Wedding planning is as personal as the love story it celebrates. Whether you follow tradition or take a modern approach, choosing the right officiant and budgeting collaboratively will set the tone for a memorable ceremony.
➡️ Do you know how far in advance you should book your wedding officiant? Discover the ideal timing in our latest guide!