Full-Time celebrant for weddings and life ceremonies

Couples, families and wedding planners or venues who hire you as their regular officiant.

Tiered packages per ceremony (basic, full planning and rehearsal, destination or elopement), plus fees for travel and extras. Bookings are seasonal, so many celebrants add off-season ceremonies.

• Confident public speaking and ceremony writing
• Marketing yourself and networking with wedding vendors
• Handling bookings, contracts and payments

• Rules on who can officiate vary by state and county, so check each place you plan to work
• Income is seasonal and bookings can be slow at first, so plan a cash buffer
• Get a written contract with deposits and a cancellation policy
• Check whether you need general liability insurance, a local business license or an LLC
• Set aside money for self-employment and income taxes, and ask an accountant or the IRS guidance

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your website, marketing, insurance and ceremony materials. Also check whether you need general liability insurance, a local business license or an LLC.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $8,000, depending on how many ceremonies you book and the packages you offer. Income is seasonal and bookings can be slow at first, so plan a cash buffer.

Plan on at least around 25 hours a week. That covers meeting couples, writing ceremonies, officiating, and networking with planners, venues and photographers to keep your calendar full beyond peak wedding season.