Here’s a question I get asked frequently by friends: Is the economy affecting the number of weddings you do? Up until very recently I’ve said no, people are still getting married, and many I think are choosing the comfort and additional security that marriage represents to them.
However, recently I’ve noticed a lot more couples who are price shopping. I get many calls from couples whose first question is “How much do you charge to do a wedding?” I guess it’s to be expected. It seems that people who don’t know a minister personally would use cost as a criteria as much as anything.
But like everything, price is a factor in quality. I’ve been doing weddings for 15 years. I have been on the beaches here in the Wilmington area for 10 of those years. Yet, my fees are basically the same as they have always been and are in line with the national average. National averages place fees at $250-500 for weekend weddings, $200-300 for weekdays.
The other consideration is that we are a tourist area here. You may get “the preacher” in your small home town to do the wedding for less than you would in place like Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach, but again, part of what you are paying for is the ambiance of a beautiful beach area, and someone who brings the depth of knowledge to make your day memorable.
So when you start looking for an officiant, look for someone to enhance your wedding day, keep in mind that you get what you pay for, so go for quality. It is worth a little extra to have the kind of ceremony you want. Hopefully it’s a one time expense.