This is the Other Wedding Minister's Blog about pricing:

I was flabbergasted to receive an email the other day, chastising me for our $369 Classic Custom ceremony fee. [Note: Rev. James' fee is only $300.00.]  According the writer's calculations, the fee for a "15 minute ceremony" resulted in us obtaining the astronomical hourly rate of $1,476! Wowza! If that were true, I'd be writing this article from my summer mansion on the shores of the Mediterranean while my cabana boy massaged my tootsies!

Couples often have to rein in their wedding day festivities to accommodate their budget. And make no mistake about it--the wedding business is a multi-billion dollar industry with the average cost of a wedding hovering above $30,000. A professional job well done is worth a fair price, however, and it seems our unhappy writer above was unaware of the time, work and expense put forth by a high-quality officiant.

So, if you've been secretly wondering why the rate for some officiants seems high for the amount of time it takes to deliver your ceremony, let me clarify things.. First of all, let's look at the actual time that is included:

• Most custom ceremonies do not last 15 minutes as our friend suggested, but closer to 30 minutes.
• Officiants generally arrive up to 30 minutes prior to the ceremony to facilitate last minute coordination, and stay an additional 15-20 minutes after the completion of the ceremony to sign the license, congratulate the couple and pose for photos.
• The initial getting acquainted meeting lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
• It takes an hour to write the ceremony.
• Driving time to and from the ceremony must be included.
• There is generally an additional 30-45 minutes of email time during the course of our pre-ceremony relationship to answer questions. We advise couples on everything from marriage licenses to the name charge process to wedding etiquette.

So, factoring in the above actually brings our "15 Minute Ceremony" up to 5 hours of time on the part of the officiant.
Still, our frugal friend might howl that brings us to an hourly average of $74--unjustifiable to many. So, let's take the following expenses into account.

• How did our fine fellow find us? Through one of the wedding sites upon which we advertise. This does not come for free. Nor does our website that we pay to design, maintain and host in order to give prospective clients complete information on our services as well as access to other helpful resources.
• Add in the cost of gasoline, car insurance and maintenance to get us to the ceremony on time (always a plus!)
• Office expenses, ministerial vestments, binders, phone costs, bank fees, postage, business taxes, membership dues, paper, ink, postage and that fancy black pen that you get to use to sign your license!

All of this is difficult to quantify and will vary from officiant to officiant. And of course, the cost needs to be spread across all of the bookings that an officiant acquires in any given month. Let's take a conservative estimate and say that the above costs average approximately $30 per wedding booked.

 

This brings us down to a more respectable $44 per hour. But wait! We have forgotten to include the wedding resources to which each couple has access in order to write their ceremony. Most officiants who've been writing ceremonies for years have compiled a vast wealth of options for vows, blessings, readings, etc, as well as some great creative ideas for use in the ceremony. Value? Well, we sell our ceremony resources, for $50, so let's assume that is a safe bet. Lopping that off the top of the original $369 brings our officiant's hourly rate down to a more reasonable $34.00 per hour.

Now, our fine fellow could certainly have his best friend, Bud obtain a quickie online ordination and perform the wedding ceremony for the compensation of a six-pack.. That would be one way to save the cost of an officiant and is a viable option for many. However, before you go call up the Bud-ster, you might want to think about what comes with that $34.00 per hour fee.

A professional wedding officiant is going to be able to handle anything that comes along on the day of the wedding. It's not as simple as showing up and reading the script. Consider the following mishaps that have happened to couples whom I've wed: microphones die during the ceremony, bridal party members faint, ex-spouses feud (openly!), brides and grooms cry uncontrollably during their vows, flower girls get stung by bees, Dads need reassurance, lines get flubbed by the bride and groom, the ring bearer throws up on his way down the aisle. A thunderstorm unleashes halfway through the ceremony, Unity Candles won't light. It goes on and on.

And then there are the last minute details--coordinating with the music providers, the photographer and the venue staff. Bridal party members need to be lined up and inevitably some key person is in the bathroom come ceremony start time. Is the Unity Candle lighter in place? Where are the roses for the rose ceremony? They were forgotten? No problem, the officiant plucks some out of a centerpiece and saves the day. Does the best man have the rings? Oh dear! The reader forgot her reading--good thing the officiant has an extra copy. Who has the marriage license? Which side is the bride's side and which is the groom's? The FOB (father of bride) is MIA. Oh, there he is--on the balcony having a cigarette with his girlfriend (who by the way can't stand the ex and refuses to sit in the same row). The bride, starting to stress, turns to her officiant, who offers her a reassuring smile. All is well.

The ceremony is filled with wonderfully creative ideas that the officiant has provided. It is delivered by a proficient public speaker who projects loudly enough for even those in the back row to hear. Along the way, the officiant has offered support, guidance, and encouragement. A professional wedding officiant is equal parts emcee, etiquette advisor, coordinator, script-writer, organizer, frayed nerve-soother and legal resource.

The wedding officiant is one of the lowest wedding vendor fees that a couple will pay, yet having a bad one can ruin what should be the couple's most special day. While we respect the right of each couple to prioritize their wedding spending, it is always surprising when a couple spends copious amounts of money on things like cake, cutesy favors and limousine, only to seek a bare bones ceremony--which is the heart of the wedding day. Down the road, I think you will want to remember the words of commitment you spoke as being meaningful and poignant as opposed to how yummy your cake was or that you had an open bar at the reception.

Beware the officiant who charges a ridiculously low fee, does not require a deposit or doesn't issue a contract. I can't tell you how many calls we get from panicked brides because their "professional" wedding officiant backed out of the wedding a week before. If you haven't given them money and signed a contract, then the deal is not sealed.

Here's the bottom line: expect to pay a fair price for a professional service. Then, sit back and allow your officiant to show you how to create a wedding ceremony that upon which you will look back and smile about for many years to come!

Maureen Thomson is a wedding officiant and owner of Lyssabeth's Unique, Joyful & Memorable Ceremonies. Visit her website at http://www.memorableceremonies.com or http://www.MemorableCeremoniesBA.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maureen_Thomson

_______________________   NOW BACK TO MY INFORMATION PAGE  __________________

 Do you do rehearsals? Yes. I can attend and even direct your rehearsal as required.  Rehearsals are not a part of the original quote and are negotiated seperately but are normally $100.00.  That's because many of you don't need or want me to attend the rehearsal. (Even though I am a nice guy!)  However, it's always a good idea to have a rehearsal and for me to be there for a couple of reasons: a) So I know what I'm supposed to do. b) So everyone knows what they are supposed to do. c) I can complete the paperwork so we don't have THAT issue on your wedding day. d) I get the chance to meet your friends and relatives.  I have found that it always is nicer if the parents and bridal party know their minister even a little bit before the ceremony. (It's also easier and nicer for me!)  

 Do you have your own microphone? Yes. I can provide a P.A. system for my part of your wedding ceremony.  Because of the power & quality required I must use a speaker with a cord so a power outlet is required.  You can even have someone plug in a CD player or other device for free. 

  Do I need to buy Wedding Insurance?  Wedding insurance is a policy you can purchase from some insurance companies that insures you against unexpected events at your wedding.  Most vendors either have insurance included in your use fees or have their own insurance for things such as guests getting hurt or other unexpected accidents.  Traditionally the vendor will cover the minister as well but it may be a good idea to talk with the vendor about liability insurance.  If you are having your wedding in a home your homeowner's insurance may (or may not) be satisfactory to cover things like guests who fall.
   There is also a type of wedding insurance that insures you against money lost if something happens like the florist doesn't show up, the wedding cake falls over, or things like that.  It may not save the wedding but it gives some money to help cover losses.  More information can be gotten at:  
http://weddings.about.com/od/weddingstressmanagement/a/insurance.htm

 Can you do a Spanish language ceremony?  No

 Can you do a CATHOLIC ceremony?   Yes

 Can you provide photography?  YES...very GOOD photography.  In fact, we humbly believe that you won't find any better photography at any price.  Have you ever bought something at one of those "club stores" or "super centers" and seen an absolutely amazing price on something like drumsticks  Have you ever gotten really excited about that price, only to find out you'd have to buy the equivalent of six month's supply of chicken drumsticks to get that amazing price?   This happens in photography all the time.  People buy an amazing price only to find that they have to spend "beau-coupe" dollars afterwards in order to see them or to get prints.  A Day 2 Remember Photography doesn't work that way.  We have several packages to meet your needs and we will customize a package if one of ours doesn't fit.  You know exactly what you get up front and we put it in writing!  Please contact us and give us a chance to earn your wedding photography.  (Heck...we'll even throw in the minister for free on some packages!)  See samples at www.AD2RP.COM. 

 Can I customize my ceremony?  Yes.  We'll put your ceremony together the way you would like it.  I have a couple of sample ceremonies available to help get you started.  You can even write the whole thing!  If you write your own ceremony, I'll have to read it so using what I'm used to using for the main part of it is much nicer.

 What requirements do you have?  None! I have no requirements other than that you have a valid marriage license - and it's nice if you love one another. 

 I'm already married.  Can you do a marriage ceremony?  Yes, this happens more often than you might think.  In order to perform a marriage ceremony you will need to show me your original marriage license or some proof that you are legally married.  You should have a Certified Copy of you marriage license that you can show me.  If you don't have this copy you can order one from the county where your license is recorded.  After that the ceremony can be performed any way you wish.

 How do I reserve your services?  First, fill out the contact form on the contact page. Next, we will make a date to meet one another.  I have found it best to meet at my home in Ventura and can usually work around your schedule.  Let me know if mornings, afternoons or evenings are best for you.  Sometimes a long-distance phone call is best ifyou live out of the area.  You can reserve the date and time for your ceremony by placing a deposit, $100.00 of which is non-refundable.  The rest of the balance is due prior to your ceremony.

 How can I pay?  Cash, check or money order is good.  You can also pay by credit card if that is more convenient for you by clicking on the "Pay by Credit Card" button on the left of this page or click here xxxxxxxxxx.


 What time will you arrive? I will arrive at the ceremony at least one-half hour early to speak with the bridal party, disc-jockey, performers, etc. I will ask for the marriage license, which is your responsibility to obtain at the County Clerk’s Office. Download the application by clicking here: Marriage License Application 

 Do you direct the ceremony? Yes, in as much a the minister can help direct the ceremony. However, we do offer a Day-of-Ceremony Wedding Director at a very reasonable cost, which is a tremendous help on that busy day and takes a great deal of pressure and stress off your shoulders.

 Do you have wedding music?  Yes, I can whistle the wedding march for free!  (Just kidding.) If you need wedding music, we can provide a CD player and equipment to play the wedding music with the P.A. system above.  I usually provide traditional music along with background music before the ceremony.  However, if you have a song that you would like to be played and can provide me with a DVD we will be happy to use it. 

 Do you have a chapel or wedding location?  No.  These are getting as rare as "hens teeth".  (Note: Hens don't have teeth!) The only chapel that I am aware of for indoor use these days is the chapel at Heritage Square in Oxnard.  It can seat over 100 people, is reasonably priced, has good parking, and even offers lots of beautiful locations for wedding pictures.  We really like it and we think you will too!  (No, I don't work for them and get no promotional fees - I just like the chapel.)  You can link to their web site at www.heritagesquareoxnard.com.  [After you do...please come back.]   

 Can you give me information about obtaining the marriage license?  Yes. The marriage license is a legal permit to get married issued by any County office.  You are not married until a marriage ceremony is performed and this form is filled out by the officiant and recorded by the County where it was purchased. It is your responsibility to obtain a valid marriage license at a County Recorder's Office of your choice in California. Policies and pricing vary by county so I am providing the links below to the appropriate sites.
1.  Fill out an application.
2.  Make an appointment with the County Recorder's Office.
3.  Both go together to County Recorder's Office.
4.  Sign License
5.  You DO NOT need to see a Justice of the Peace or Judge at that time -- that is my job.  I will fill out that part of the license at your ceremony.Both of you need to go together and you will need to show the clerk a driver's license for identification.  There may be other requirements depending on your situation.  I suggest that you download the Marriage License Application (below) and print it so that you can fill it out before you go to get your license.  I also suggest that you call the County Recorder's office and make an appointment to get your license.  This can dramatically lower your waiting time.  The number to call (in Ventura) for an appointment is: (805) 654-2263.   
In VENTURA COUNTY, on-line Marriage Applications are now available.  When you have COMPLETED your on-line application and received your confirmation number, in order to obtain your marriage license, both parties still have to go to the County Government Center in Ventura at:
The Office of the County Clerk and Recorders Office
Hall of Administration, Main Plaza
800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventua, CA  93009-1210
Marriage Licenses may be obtained from 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday - Friday.  APPOINTMENTS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  CAll (805) 654-2263 to schedule an appointment.
Please Note:  Your Internet On-Line Application will only be kept on file for 10 business days from the date submitted to the Clerk and Recorder's office.

        Click here for an on-line marriage license application.
    
Other Services

 Do you perform funeral services?  Yes.  I officiate at funeral memorial services.

Do you perform Jail Weddings?  NO 

Do you perform Hospital or Invalid Patients Weddings?  Yes. The only license available is a Confidential License that I must obtain for you. For an explanation of the difference between a regular and confidential license, see below.  I must comply with all applicable laws to obtain this license for you. (See "Legal Stuff" at bottom of page.)

 Getting a License to Marry if Bride or Groom cannot travel to the County Recorder's Office: (Hospital, Illness, etc.) Normally, the County Recorder's Office requires both the bride AND groom to appear before them at the same time in order to obtain a license to marry.  However, if one of them cannot appear for any reason, it is possible for me and the one who is able to appear to obtain a confidential marriage license.  Here is how that is done.  However, if any of these steps is not possible for whatever reason, I cannot obtain a marriage license. 
A. Step One:
You must complete an "Affidavit of Inability to Appear". This is a form that explains to the County Recorder's Office that one of the marriage partners (husband or wife) will not be able to come to the County Recorder's Office to apply for the Marriage License. This form is both statement of why they cannot appear and an application for the confidential license.
     1. You come to my home where I will supply you with a blank application form (technically this form is called an "Affidavit of Inability to Appear"). I will explain the instructions on how to fill it out. Briefly: All blanks must be filled in completely. (Note: According to the County Recorder's Office, they will normally refuse to give this form to anyone but ministers although this rule is not always followed.)
     2. You will then fill in all the information on the form. NO BLANK SPACES.
     3. I must witness both signatures being signed.
     4. I must positively identify both of you; so I MUST have a driver's license or government issued ID card for both of you with signatures and pictures on them (they do not need to be current to be acceptable).     
      5. I will collect all County applicable fees before I go. (Currently $116.00). I will also collect my charges at this time.
B. Step Two:
We will take the completed Affidavit of Inability to Appear (application) to the Ventura County Recorder's Office in Ventura and obtain the marriage license.  The license fee is currently $116.00.)  We need to go there together (at the same time).
C. Step Three:
We will then go to the location and perform the marriage ceremony. In a jail, the ceremony can only be done in the visitors' area during regular visiting hours. As always, we will cooperate with hospital or jail personnel in every way.


Legal Stuff:

* Here's the legal stuff pertaining to weddings with people who are bedridden or otherwise unable to appear. 
If, for any reason, either or both of the parties to be married is physically unable to appear in person before the county clerk, a confidential marriage license shall be issued by the county clerk to the person solemnizing the marriage upon that person's presenting an affidavit to the county clerk, signed by the person and the parties to be married, explaining the reason for the inability to appear. Div. 3, Part 4, Chap. 1, §502.

**What is the difference between a regular and confidential license? A regular license is public record and a confidential one is not -- it is confidential. Upon the request of any person and payment of the search fee, the County Clerk may conduct a search for a confidential marriage certificate for the purpose of confirming the existence of a marriage; however, the date of the marriage and any other information contained in the certificate shall not be disclosed except upon order of the Court. Government agencies also receive information to confirm the existence of marriages.




If there are other questions, please either call or send an e-mail. 
         

          Home: 805-647-6808
          Cell: 805-205-3900
          E-mail: thomj_pamj@yahoo.com
          Rev. Thomas James
          A Day to Remember Weddings