One of my newsletter readers asked me if they should be charging less than the market rate as a newly certified celebrant. My instinct is to say, “Charge more!” After all, you’re fresh, excited about your work, and you’ve just spent time learning how to be excellent. Of course, the reality is that deciding what to charge for our services as celebrants is big and requires consideration of many aspects.
Let’s break this down into some key areas that should guide your pricing decisions:
Perceived Value — Both Professionally and Personally
Your pricing tells a story. Not just about the service you offer but about how you view your own value. When you set your price, you’re shaping how others perceive you. Are you positioning yourself as an in-demand celebrant who will bring huge value, or are you sending out a message that you’re uncertain of your worth?
This applies to the profession as a whole, too. Celebrancy is a skilled, deeply personal service that changes lives. When we undercharge, we not only undervalue our own work but can inadvertently lower expectations across the board for what celebrants deserve to be paid.
Remember, it’s not just about charging what you think people will pay—it’s about charging what reflects the care, preparation, and professionalism you bring to every ceremony.
Market Average — And Who Wants to Be Average?
Checking the market average is a useful starting point, but it shouldn’t be your endpoint. I agree, it’s helpful to understand what others in your area are charging. But pricing at the middle of the pack doesn’t set you apart—it makes you blend in.
If you’re confident that you offer something special (and let’s be honest, you probably do!), let your pricing reflect that. Maybe your ceremonies are more personalised, your communication is top-notch, or your experience in another profession brings something unique to the table. Whatever your magic touch is, it’s worth something.
Costs Involved — More Than You Think
It’s easy to focus only on your time spent delivering the ceremony, but there’s so much more involved. Take into account:
- Initial client consultations
- Drafting and refining scripts
- Travel costs
- Professional memberships, insurance and ongoing education
- Marketing and business expenses
When you break it down, charging less than market rate might not even cover your costs, let alone reflect the value you provide.
The Confidence Factor
Ultimately, pricing is as much about confidence as it is about maths. Yes, you’ve just started out, but you’ve also invested in your training and taken a huge step toward building a business you care deeply about. That does make you valuable.
Start where you’re comfortable, but don’t be afraid to revisit your pricing regularly. As your experience and reputation grow, so should your rates.
Final Thoughts
Being confident about what you are charging as a new Celebrant is normal. We all questioned ourselves and it takes time to be confident to set realistic fees. Charging what you’re worth isn’t about arrogance—it’s about sustainability. It’s about ensuring that you can keep doing this incredible work without burning out or resenting it. If you’re still on the fence, remember this: people will value your work as much as you do. So, set your price with confidence and go out there and be the celebrant you were trained to be!
If you’re struggling to establish your celebrant business, it might be a good time to have some coaching sessions. Book a trial session into my diary today.