Most couples want one number: what will an officiant cost? In Southern California, officiants commonly charge somewhere between $300 and $1,000, depending on experience, how personalized the ceremony is, and whether they handle the legal paperwork. Below are the actual packages and prices at Hernandez Weddings, followed by what drives price differences so you can compare any officiant fairly.
Hernandez Weddings Packages and Prices
I’m Gabriel Hernandez, a licensed California officiant based in San Dimas with 19 years of experience and 300+ ceremonies performed. Pricing is flat and listed up front.
| Package | Price | What’s included | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simply The Ceremony | $400 | Custom ceremony with customized vows, all planning meetings (in person, phone or email), help with obtaining the marriage license application. No wedding license needed for this package. | $200 |
| The Royal Wedding | $500 | Everything in Simply The Ceremony, plus I work with your witnesses on the big day for signatures and deliver the signed marriage certificate on your behalf. | $250 |
| Anniversaries / Vow Renewals | $300 | Customized ceremony and all planning meetings (in person, phone or email). | $150 |
Deposits are nonrefundable and secure your date and time. The remaining balance is due one week before the ceremony. If you need to change your date, I apply your deposit to the new date if I’m available. I serve couples within 50 miles of San Dimas with travel included; a small fee may apply beyond that.
Not sure which package fits? Call (626) 675-9904 to book a free consultation and we’ll talk through your ceremony.
What Affects Wedding Officiant Prices in Southern California?
- Experience and reputation: Officiants with a long track record and strong reviews often charge more.
- Personalization: Custom vows and a ceremony written around your story take more time than a standard script.
- Legal paperwork: Some officiants only perform the ceremony. Others also handle witnesses and return the signed certificate.
- Location, travel and season: Distance, peak wedding months and weekend dates can raise the price.
- Meetings and rehearsal: Ask whether planning meetings and a rehearsal are included or billed extra.
How to Compare Officiant Packages
A low price can hide extras, and a high price doesn’t guarantee a better ceremony. When you compare, check:
- Whether customized vows and a personal ceremony script are included.
- How many planning meetings you get, and whether they are by phone, email or in person.
- Who gets the marriage license signed and returned, and what that costs.
- The deposit, the due date for the balance, and what happens if you change your date.
- Travel fees for your venue.
- Reviews from couples with a ceremony like yours.
Religious, Secular and Civil Officiants
Religious officiants follow the traditions of a faith. Secular officiants write a non-religious ceremony around your values. Civil officiants, such as county clerks and judges, perform short legal ceremonies. A custom, non-denominational ceremony like the ones I perform sits between civil and religious: personal and flexible, and legally valid when the license is completed.
California Legal Basics
You need a California marriage license from a county clerk before the ceremony, and a valid officiant and witnesses at it. The officiant signs the license and it must be returned to the county recorder within 10 days. If an officiant offers to deliver the signed certificate for you, as I do in The Royal Wedding package, confirm that it’s included in the price. Always check the requirements with your county clerk, since fees and rules vary.
When Should You Book an Officiant?
Book at least 6 to 12 months ahead for peak season (spring through fall), and as soon as you set the date. Smaller weekday ceremonies can sometimes be booked sooner, but popular dates fill up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wedding officiant cost in Southern California?
Commonly $300 to $1,000, depending on experience and what’s included. Hernandez Weddings packages are $400 (Simply The Ceremony), $500 (The Royal Wedding) and $300 (Anniversaries / Vow Renewals).
Is there a travel fee?
Travel is included within 50 miles of San Dimas. A small fee may apply beyond that.
Can you help us write our vows?
Yes. Customized vows are part of the wedding packages, and we plan them together in our meetings.
How far in advance should we book?
6 to 12 months ahead for peak season. Call as soon as you have a date.
Ready to book? Call (626) 675-9904 for a free consultation, or see the full package details on the homepage.