Whether as a fulltime career or a side hustle, performing marriage ceremonies as a Wedding Officiant can be a fun, fulfilling – and lucrative.
Perhaps you’ve performed a wedding ceremony or two, and you had a great time doing it.
Maybe you’ve worked in radio or television, done local theater, or maybe you’re an underemployed actor in New York or Hollywood, or even an attorney who doesn’t mind appearing in front of an audience, whether you’re behind the microphone, in front of the camera, on stage … or in the courtroom.
Or maybe you’re just looking for a great gig that takes a little bit of skill, requires a bit of hard work, but doesn’t have a high barrier to entry – and is fun, fulfilling, and can be quite lucrative.
Well then, have we found the job for you!
The Many Positives of being a Career Wedding Officiant
As a Wedding Officiant, there are many positives to consider, whether you decide to pursue it as a part-time side hustle or a full-time career.
Here are some potential benefits:
- Flexibility: As a Wedding Officiant, you have the ability to set your own schedule, work on weekends or evenings, and take on as many or as few clients as you like.
- Personal satisfaction: Performing marriage ceremonies can be a meaningful and rewarding experience. It can be an honor to be part of such an important moment in people’s lives.
- Creative freedom: As an officiant, you have the opportunity to customize the ceremony to meet the couple’s preferences and create a unique experience for them.
- Potential for income: Depending on the number of ceremonies you perform, your income potential can range from a few hundred dollars a month to tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Becoming ordained as a Wedding Officiant or ceremonial minister is generally a simple process, depending on where you plan to set up shop, and the fee is usually either low-cost or no-cost, although all ordaining organizations will charge for your printed credentials.
As for training you in the skills needed to perform wedding ceremonies, we’ve got you covered: the Officiant Academy teaches you the basics at no charge.
Making Money as a Marriage Minister
In terms of earnings, the amount you can make as a Wedding Officiant can vary widely based on a number of factors, including your level of experience, location, and the type of ceremonies you perform.
If you are also a notary public, adding “Wedding Officiant” to the list of services you offer can be particularly beneficial to your bottom line.
Some states, including California, also allow notaries to directly issue marriage licenses, which is a benefit to couples that are unable to take time off from work to visit county offices.
Here are some general estimates for what you might expect to earn as Wedding Officiant:
Part-time:
- $200-$500 per ceremony
- $1,000-$5,000 per year (based on performing 5-10 ceremonies)
Full-time:
- $30,000-$60,000 per year (based on performing 30-60 ceremonies)
- Earnings potential can be higher in popular wedding destinations or if you specialize in certain types of ceremonies, such as same-gender weddings or interfaith ceremonies.
It’s important to note that these are just estimates, and your actual earnings will depend on a variety of factors.
However, if you enjoy performing marriage ceremonies and have a talent for it, working as a Wedding Officiant can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice.