Pastors and ministers need options to increase their bottom line income. One way is to offer your services as an officiant; performing the wedding ceremony. Many of our pastors and ministers study for years just like any other profession. They may have college loans, and then a term of study for their chosen religious field. You would think with all this education, they would be paid more. Not true. People in the ministry field need to supplement their income and performing weddings for additional income is one way you, as a minister or pastor, can achieve this. Here are some tips to start you on the journey of wedding income:

Online wedding sites in your vicinity offer a start. Just go to Google and type in your city and "wedding guides." Larger cities, will usually have multiple sites. Most wedding guide sites offer two choices, you can advertise, which will cost you anywhere from $100 to $250 to show your ad on their home page. You do not need a website to do this.

You can also get a free listing. Free listings require you to have a website where your credentials are posted. Most wedding guides will require you to put a link to their website when you submit the free listing. It is worth it, especially when you are getting started.

Contact local wedding planners. You can find them online or in the Yellow Pages. Wedding planners need resources and as the officiant, let's face it, you're one of the most important people at a wedding-you're performing the ceremony! Arrange to meet them to discuss your skills and experience. Create a resume with detailed references on weddings you have performed, even if it's at your church.

What should you charge as a fee? Don't undersell yourself. You have the training and experience needed to design ceremonies and personalize wedding vows. So set a fair wedding fee that includes your time, mileage, and experience. Charge extra for rehearsals. Tips are also acceptable, but should not be expected if you have a set fee. Other wedding vendors also receive gratuities.

There are also websites that include many wedding officiants. Some cities have sites where several ministers work together cooperatively. Look into joining one of these organizations. This will enable you to be listed as a wedding officiant on their site at a reasonable cost. This will require a resume that lists your experience, education, and fees. Look at several of these sites before joining. It may also give you a good idea of what other ministers in your area are charging.

Many pastors and ministers have chosen to take a proven short-cut and purchase a wedding ministry course. This type of course teaches not only how to perform weddings, but also how to work with couples and wedding professionals. It teaches how to start your own part-time wedding ministry business. The courses we found ranged from $100.00 to $1,500.00. If you are already ordained then the least expensive course is the way to go.

If you will follow these insights you can begin earning the income you need and deserve. You should also create an evaluation form. Ask the bride and groom to fill it out and return it to you. Ask if they liked your wedding vows and ring vows. Give them a prepared and stamped envelope with the form. Doing this will give you the insights you need to improve.