Weekend wedding celebrant

Engaged couples, many of them not religious or from mixed backgrounds, plus families who want a naming or vow renewal ceremony.

A flat fee per ceremony, usually bundling a planning call, a custom script and a rehearsal. You can charge extra for travel, rehearsals or add-ons like unity rituals.

• Comfortable speaking in front of a crowd
• Warm listener who can turn a couple's story into words
• Calm, organized and on time on a big day

• Rules on who can officiate vary by state and sometimes by county, so check with the county clerk where each wedding takes place
• Some states have extra registration steps, and online ordination is not accepted everywhere
• You are usually responsible for filing the marriage license correctly and on time, so confirm the process
• Consider general liability insurance and check whether venues ask for proof of it
• Check whether you need a local business license or to register a business name

Startup costs are typically around $150 to $750, depending on what you need to set up and how much you spend on promotion. Also check whether you need a local business license or to register a business name.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many ceremonies you book and what you offer, such as vow renewals and naming ceremonies. You can start from around 4 hours a week, mostly on weekends.

Rules on who can officiate vary by state and sometimes by county, so check with the county clerk where each wedding takes place. Also check for extra registration steps, whether online ordination is accepted, and how to file the marriage license correctly and on time.