Every wedding is unique, and we would be happy to discuss all the different options so you can decide what is best for the two of you.
The wedding ceremony sets the entire tone of the wedding. A
well-conducted ceremony gets the wedding off to an optimistic start, just
as a poorly performed wedding can mar your entire day. Of all the
details involved in planning a wedding, choosing your wedding officiant
is the most important. Unfortunately, choosing a wedding officiant is
nowhere near as exciting as shopping for your wedding dress or picking out the flowers, so most couples don't give it much thought.
Your personalities and that of the wedding officiant should complement one
another. You'll be spending a lot of time planning the ceremony with
your wedding officiant, generally in a flurry of emails, so make sure it's someone you enjoy working
with.
The single most important aspect when choosing your wedding officiant is
trust. Is this someone you can trust to perform your wedding ceremony
proficiently? Basically, you’re entrusting your wedding
ceremony to a stranger. If you regularly attend church or temple you may
be lucky enough to know your officiant - in which case they make the
obvious choice. Otherwise, ask questions and trust your instincts.
You’ll know when it feels right.
Despite the wedding ceremony’s significance, the officiant’s fee is generally surprisingly affordable. Especially in comparison to the cost of the cake or your flowers. Technically, you could get married without either one of those items, but you can't get married without your officiant. On average, an officiant’s fee ranges from $200
to $1000. The amount varies depending on your officiant's experience, how much customization is associated with your ceremony, whether you have a rehearsal, and how far your officiant has to travel. Fees may vary by city and sometimes by time of year. Some
officiants will charge a flat rate, while others charge by the hour. As
always, expect to pay more for experienced and well-regarded officiants.
Our prices range from $250 to $500. Lori & Bob work differently and thus they quote their prices differently as well. Lori's packages start with a basic 'elopement', where you choose one of five samples. They end with a customized 'just-for-you' ceremony based on your own love story. She'll give you a handout with the package descriptions during your interview. She will e-mail this description page upon request as well.
While Bob's prices are similar, he quotes a fee at the conclusion of your initial
interview. Though your ceremony will be centered on a particular theme, he tends to do more original writing and thus his fees take into consideration the effort your ceremony will require of him--as well as the times and location of your wedding and rehearsal.
When you question what goes into the cost of your officiant - please
keep in mind the following expenses that you do not immediately see: advertising, equipment (computer, printer, paper),
postage fees, ceremony attire, dry cleaning, training, maintenance (hair, clothing, shoes, nails - they'll live on in your ceremony
photos and they know it!), consultations, internet & phone service, vehicle
maintenance, to list a few of the expenses associated with being an officiant. And then, from initial contact until after the signing of the marriage license, an
officiant typically spends 5-25 hours on every ceremony--including the short elopement kind.
While we
both recommend a rehearsal, we don't always have to be there -
especially if you have a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator from
the facility.
Whether we're at your rehearsal or not, you
will be familiar with every aspect of your ceremony as we will have co-created it. It is the choreography (who goes where and when)
that needs to be reviewed at the rehearsal. If you are including a sub-ceremony, it is important to know where any needed items will be placed and how you will stand.
Payment Options
We request a $50 booking fee at the time we are selected as the one you want to work with. While we happily accept personal checks, we also like
cash. Doesn't everybody?!
We can also accept debit card, Visa and
Mastercard payments via PayPal.
We ask that the balance due be paid at the rehearsal or just prior to your ceremony. After the ceremony, you'll be busy with the photographer and stopping to fetch your checkbook can be a huge distraction.
We offer a discount to those serving in any branch of the
military. Please let
us know when inquiring for availability! THANK YOU for your service!
As my friend Johanna says, and I quote, "Thank you for trusting your dreams to our hands."
(comments in this color ink are excerpted and edited from yourwedding101.com)
Lori
Levisen and Bob Waegell
We would love to help you create a warm, personal
ceremony to share with your favorite people on your wedding day.
916-688-7756 - Home Office
831-345-1607 - cell
916-712-9379 - cell
llevisen@yahoo.com
rhwaegell@yahoo.com