Yes, you should give your officiant a thank you gift. Here’s how real couples did it. Read on for more and subscribe for the latest to your inbox.
If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, chances are you have hired an officiant to do the ceremony but have no idea what to give them in return. A thank-you card may feel too small. A pricey gift may seem… awkward. But you do know one thing: you want them to feel as appreciated for helping you with your ceremony. You’ve come to the right place! When it comes to what to give your wedding officiant, especially when it’s someone you love and trust, every couple wants to pick the perfect gift. From heartfelt to hilarious, this list is packed with meaningful wedding officiant thank you gift ideas couples actually give (and officiants actually love). Let’s get started!
Should You Give Your Wedding Officiant a Gift?
Absolutely, but it doesn’t need to be expensive or extravagant. Whether your officiant is a close friend, a sibling, or a hired professional, showing appreciation with a thoughtful thank-you gift is a meaningful way to recognize their role. Many couples feel unsure of what’s appropriate, especially when the officiant isn’t getting paid. Here’s what real couples did and what you can, too.
What to Give a Friend or Family Member Who Officiates Your Wedding
If your officiant is a loved one doing it as a favor, here are thoughtful, fun, and totally appropriate wedding officiant thank you gifts:
- Custom Notebook: A personalized hardcover book makes a beautiful gift they will cherish. Personalize the cover for an extra-special touch.
- Candle: A useful, sweet and thoughtful gift they’ll enjoy. This one is by InkNWaxCandle.
by inknwaxcandle Or opt for this one, “it’s giving officiant”. :) By PerfectMatchShop.
by perfectmatchshop - Match Their Role to the Wedding Party: Treat them like a groomsman or bridesmaid: same cooler backpack, tie, robe or pjs, etc. Many couples give their officiant a similar thank-you gift as the rest of the wedding party.
- Officiant Drinking Glass: A practical gift they’ll use again. The inside can be engraved with a special message (by HMGiftCollection).
- Gift Cards to a Favorite Spot: Whether it’s a $150 card to their favorite steakhouse, a wine bar, or even an airline, gift cards are top picks, especially for friend-officiants.
- Custom Hobby Gifts: Is your officiant a big fan of football? Golf? Fishing? Couples have gifted personalized bobbleheads, themed cufflinks, fishing lures, or engraved decanters related to their officiant’s interests.
- Booze, Cigars, or Coffee: A curated bottle of whiskey, a sampler of local brews, a personalized lighter, a high-end coffee set, or a personalized whiskey glass gift set are perfect.
- A Personalized Thank-You Letter: The most emotional gift? A handwritten letter expressing how much it meant to have them officiate. Many couples tear up just writing it and officiants love receiving it.
- Matching Jewelry or Accessories: For example, a bracelet with your wedding date, cufflinks or a tie bar engraved with ‘Officiant’, or this funny “Legalizer of Love” baseball cap from Meeeezily:
Also love this style, “I Can Marry People” (ha!) on the outside by DeDrinkie.
Do they prefer coffee? Opt for this mug by BellissiCasa.
Or a wine glass with ‘The Officiant’ on it by LOLGlass.
This officiant necklace is a beautiful everyday piece she’ll love to wear. By EmiviaJewelry.
Professional Wedding Officiant Thank You Gift Etiquette
If your officiant is a professional (or part of clergy), they may already be receiving payment. However, a small thank-you goes a long way.
- Give a Gift Card: A $25–$75 card to a coffee shop, bookstore, or local restaurant is always appreciated.
- Send a Thank You Note: Especially if you don’t see them often, a follow-up thank-you card makes a great impression. This thank you card is a perfect choice.
- Leave a Positive Review: One of the best ways to thank a professional officiant is by leaving a 5-star review on Google, The Knot, or WeddingWire.
Funny & Unique Officiant Gift Ideas from Real Couples
Want to make your friend-officiant laugh (and maybe cry)? Here are ideas that real couples have used:
- Custom Bobblehead: Their likeness in a suit, holding a script, is hilarious and very popular.
- Ordained Gift Box: Give your officiant a gift box including a flask, funny socks like these, and a candle.
- Inside Joke T-Shirt or Mug: Custom-printed with an officiating quote from your ceremony or reference they’ll understand.
Budget-Friendly Ways to Say Thanks
On a tight budget? You can still be heartfelt:
- Write a letter that explains why you chose them and how much it meant to you.
- Gift a framed photo of the three of you at the altar.
- Bake something yourself and pair it with a handwritten tag that says, “Thanks for making it official”.
How Much Should You Spend?
There’s no hard rule, but here’s a general breakdown:
- Friend/family officiating as a favor: $50–$200 in value is common.
- Professional officiant already being paid: $25–$75 gift is a nice token.
- If travel or hotel is involved: Covering those costs may serve as the main thank-you.
When to Give the Gift
Timing matters! Here are three great options:
- At the rehearsal dinner: Especially if your officiant is attending, this feels natural and intimate.
- Right after the ceremony: Hand it off with a hug and a thank-you in private.
- By mail, after the honeymoon: Especially good if you want to send a framed photo or longer note.
Real Wedding Gift Stories
“We gave our friend a decanter engraved with our wedding date and a thank you note inside the box.” – Tim H.
“My cousin officiated and wouldn’t take money. We surprised her with a vintage vinyl record to add to her collection. She loved the personal touch.” – Amy P.
“We gave our officiant the same thank-you gift as the groomsmen because he is friends with all of us. He definitely appreciated it.” – Michael A.
Wedding Officiant Gift Comparison Table
| Gift Idea | Best For | Budget | Personalization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Whiskey Decanter | Friend/Family Officiants | $$ | High |
| Gift Card to Restaurant | Professional or Friend | $$ | Low |
| Custom Bobblehead | Friend/Family Officicants | $$ | High |
| Handwritten Letter | Any Officiant | $ | Very High |
| Candle | Any Officiant | $ | Low |
| Drinking Glass | Friend/Family Officiants | $$ | High |
| Personalized Officiant Journal | Any Officiant | $ | High |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wedding officiant thank you gift doesn’t require a big budget: it just needs heart. Whether you gift a bottle of their favorite wine or write them a tear-worthy letter, showing gratitude will always be remembered. After all, they didn’t just stand at the altar—they stood with you in one of life’s biggest moments.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
Need more help with planning your ceremony? Check out our complete wedding checklist with a FREE printable for stress-free planning.
