One of the first questions I am asked is
"Are you available on the date of our wedding?"
The next question is almost always
"What is your fee?"
I do not have one set fee- no ceremony is the same as the next.
October 2007: Beginning immediately my base fee for any ceremony is $150.00-- this is the base fee that we will begin with. Many ceremonies will not go beyond this base fee- many will.
There are many things I must consider when deciding on a fee. I do promise that it is not just a random number picked out of the air.
I average about 30 hours work on a pretty straight forward, simple wedding lasting anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes. This includes time writing and revising, meeting with the couple, wedding planner, and others, time spent on the phone and email with my couples, travel time, and the myriad of other items that go into providing a unique professional ceremony.
Where the will the ceremony take place- since I will travel anywhere in Arkansas(schedule permitting) I have to allow for travel expenses-naturally a simple wedding in the very central Little Rock area will be less expensive than one in Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Mountain Home, Eureka Springs, Texarkana, etc.
What is needed- a simple show up and talk from prepared text or complete ceremony writing and revision.
Do you need me to attend a rehersal- rehersals are always schedule permitting- unless you hire me as a seperate fee for the date of your rehearsal- I simply can no longer decline bookings in order to attend rehersals.
I am happy to meet with any couple at no charge for a no obligation 30 minute consultation prior to being hired. This will give you a chance to get to know me and so that I can determine your needs and give you a fair cost for service.
I do require a deposit of at least 1/3 at the time a ceremony is booked. This protects us both. The deposit might be more than 1/3 if travel expenses are required(they must be paid up front). In addition my ability to atend a rehearsal is limited and does not factor into the fee I charge. It is a seperate fee in and of itself- unless I say otherwise in writing.
This deposit is non-refundable unless I can rebook a ceremony on the same date or I cancel for any reason; I have never canceled yet- and never will - but I offer this promise in good faith to you, I'm not just going to take your deposit and "run".
My fee does not include any other ceremony expenses, it does not include the cost of any licenses or other fees you must pay.
I am unable to provide ceremony texts, ideas, etc until after the deposit is paid.
I would be glad to craft a ceremony text for you if that is all you need. Pricing is based on complexity and length. Each is customized and will never be identical to another.
I provide a high quality service to my couples and others. I am dedicated to my work and strive for professionalism and honor at all times.
You can find a cheap officiant- but do you really want cheap service?