Should a minister be paid for officiating a wedding?

Question

My husband says no way, he is doing what he has been called to do. I say, we have driven up to 500 miles round trip, and given many weekends for rehersals and weddings, and it would be nice to be paid at least a token amount.

what do you think?

Please understand, that we are the ones doing the officiating.. not getting married.

Answer 1

I think it depends on the situation. If the couple or 1/2 of the couple are part of the minister's home "flock" I would say not if the service is held in the church or even the local town. If the people being married are not part of the church membership or if the wedding is at a distance that takes him away from his other duties, then yes, at least some "token" to cover costs or a set price for non-members is appropriate.

We moved to another state about 2 months before our wedding and due to complications with our first wedding site ended up making all new arrangements. The minister we arranged was no longer available and we had to get a new officiant. We couldn't reasonably settle in a new church and become members, so we expected that there would be at least some cost to any officiant we chose. Though ministers are called they are payed and/or supported by their church or members, and are generally not expected to be working another job to support themselves. So if it is not wrong to accept payment for the standard services he/she provides in the course of his/her time as a minister, why would it be wrong in this case?

Answer 2

My grandfather was a minister and he never asked anyone to pay him for a wedding, but out of generosity for his time most couples gave him something whether it was a gift or money.
At my wedding I gave the minister who officiated my wedding $50.00.
I think it would be nice to be given something. Just to show that you've been appreciated for sharing in your time. You can even make it as a donation to the church that you're using.
Also, even though your husband is being called by God he still needs something in return only because its a way of life for both you. I know its sometimes difficult to survive on a ministers wages, but all I can say is pray about it and if its Gods will it will be done.

Answer 3

you could request that a donation be given to the church for your husband's services. Most people are more apt to give a donation rather than pay a minister outright. I say you are definitely entitled to some kind of amount and make it known upfront for his services. Justices of the peace and notaries do!

Answer 4

My dad was a minister and almost always got a small payment (like 5 to 25 dollars.)

I see no problem with this, except it should be more along the lines of 50+, especially if you have to travel etc.

Answer 5

Though they are just doing what he is called to do. Ministers live on a meager salary and tokens of appreciation are valued and as I wouldn't say expected but they are necessary.

Answer 6

yes he should be paid for this service. I think we paid our minister $50 for it and that was years and years ago. Just cause he was called doesnt mean he should not make some money for it. Life requires money.

Answer 7

Of course the bible even says pay for what you receive he is not called to do anything other than preach your husbands an ***.Maybe your husband thinks he deservers a rebatefor marrying you tell him to quit being so tight.

Answer 8

It's customary for ministers to be paid for the expenses they incur in officiating, even when their faith precludes their accepting a fee for the ceremony itself.

Answer 9

I say your husbands a fool. How can the minister pay his bills or eat or support those he loves if he don't get payed? That is his job after all. Maybe your husband shouldn't get payed either.

Answer 10

It's customary to pay a minister, but you shouldn't ask a man to compromise his principals.