How Much to Tip Your Wedding Officiant

Secular officiants

For a friend who got ordained online, a gift is nice but not required. For a professional officiant, $50 to $100 is standard. If they customized the ceremony, met with you multiple times, or helped write your vows, lean toward the higher end.

Religious officiants

For a priest, rabbi, imam, or other religious leader, you don't tip them personally. Instead, make a donation to their house of worship. $100 to $500 is common, depending on the ceremony's complexity and your connection to the congregation.

When to tip or donate

For secular officiants, hand the tip in an envelope after the ceremony. For religious officiants, make the donation before the wedding or have a family member deliver it the same day. Write a note expressing your gratitude.

Friend officiants

If a friend or family member officiated, a tip feels weird. A thoughtful gift is better. Something meaningful, not just a gift card. They took time to prepare and practice. Acknowledge that effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it rude not to tip an officiant?

For secular professionals, yes, a tip is expected. For religious leaders, a donation is expected. For friends, a gift is thoughtful. Skipping all three would be noticed.

What if the officiant fee was already high?

A smaller tip is fine if you paid a premium rate. $50 is still a nice gesture regardless of the fee.

Wedding Officiant Tipping Guide