What Goes Into the Cost of a Wedding Officiant?
If you're planning your wedding budget, you’ve probably Googled: “How much does a wedding officiant cost?” And maybe you’ve wondered, why does it cost that much just to talk for 15 minutes?
Fair question—and one I’m happy to answer. Because when you hire a professional wedding officiant like me, you’re not just paying for 15 minutes of talking. You’re investing in experience, personalization, and peace of mind. Here's what you're really getting:

1. Planning and Preparation TimeEvery couple is unique—and so is every ceremony. I spend hours preparing before your wedding day:

• Writing or customizing your ceremony script
  
• Including your love story or personal elements
  
• Guiding you through writing your vows (if you choose to)
  
• Communicating via email, phone, or Zoom
  
• Reviewing ceremony logistics and coordinating with your venue
  

This time isn’t always visible to you—but it’s what makes your ceremony feel effortless and personal.

2. Professional Experience and SkillYou’re not hiring just anyone. You’re hiring someone who’s led hundreds of ceremonies, knows how to speak clearly and confidently, and can guide the moment with warmth and ease.
A professional officiant handles nerves, weather changes, last-minute updates, and even unplanned toddler cameos without missing a beat.
That level of calm confidence? It comes from years of experience—and it shows.

3. Licensing and Legal KnowledgeYes, there’s paperwork! A professional officiant understands how to properly:

• Sign and file your marriage license
  
• Ensure your ceremony meets state legal requirements
  
• Guide you through the process with no surprises
  

Making your marriage legally official is kind of a big deal—and I make sure it’s done right.

4. Travel and Time on SiteMost officiants (myself included) arrive 30–60 minutes early to connect with your photographer, DJ, and coordinator, double-check logistics, and ease any nerves.
Plus, if I’m traveling to your venue, that’s gas, drive time, and mileage—not to mention the cost of maintaining professional attire and equipment.

5. Business ExpensesBehind the scenes, I run a real business:

• Insurance
  
• Marketing and website fees
  
• Software to manage bookings and contracts
  
• Licensing and ongoing training
  

All of this helps ensure your ceremony is seamless and stress-free—and that I’m here for you every step of the way.

So, Is a Professional Wedding Officiant Worth It?Absolutely. Your officiant sets the tone for your entire wedding day. You deserve someone who can tell your love story with care, handle the legal details, and keep things calm, joyful, and meaningful.
When you invest in a pro, you're not just paying for words—you're paying for peace of mind.

Looking for a Professional Wedding Officiant in Michigan?
I’m Nichole Bertucci of A Simple I Do, and I specialize in small, meaningful, and affordable ceremonies throughout southeast Michigan. If you’re ready to have a ceremony that feels true to you (and runs like clockwork), reach out today.
Let’s make it official—and unforgettable.

Do I Need a Professional Officiant for My Wedding?
If you’re planning your wedding, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question: Do I need a professional officiant?
Short answer? Yes.
Long answer? Still yes—and here’s why.

1. They Know What They’re DoingA professional wedding officiant has performed hundreds (or in my case, thousands) of ceremonies. That experience means I know how to guide the ceremony from start to finish without awkward pauses, missed cues, or scrambling for the right words.
You don’t want your "I do" moment to feel like amateur hour. You want it to be smooth, heartfelt, and exactly what you imagined.

2. Legal Stuff? Handled.Marriage licenses, signatures, filing deadlines—there’s paperwork involved in getting married, and a professional officiant knows the ins and outs. I make sure your ceremony is not only meaningful, but also legally binding.
No second-guessing if the form was filled out right or filed on time. I've got you covered.

3. You Deserve a Ceremony That Reflects YouYour wedding ceremony should feel like you. Whether you want to keep it short and sweet, include your love story, or blend in personal traditions, I’ll work with you to create a ceremony that fits your vibe.
That’s something a friend or family member (while well-meaning) just can’t always pull off with confidence.

4. No Stress, No AwkwardnessA professional officiant knows how to handle nerves, big emotions, and even last-minute changes. I arrive early, bring backup copies of your ceremony, and coordinate with your other vendors to keep things on track.
When you hire me, you’re hiring calm, clarity, and confidence on a day that can otherwise feel chaotic.

5. This Is What I Do—and I Do It WellAs the owner of A Simple I Do, I specialize in creating intimate, personal, and unforgettable wedding ceremonies in Michigan. I’ve got over 300 five-star reviews for a reason. Couples trust me to deliver a ceremony that’s meaningful, professional, and uniquely them.

So, Do You Need a Professional Officiant?
Yes—if you want your ceremony to feel personal, seamless, and legally legit.
Yes—if you want someone who’s done this before (a lot).
Yes—if you want to actually enjoy the moment without worrying about what comes next.

Let’s Make It Official
If you’re ready to say “I do” the simple, meaningful, and professional way, contact me today. I’d be honored to help make your ceremony unforgettable.

A Wedding That’s Big on Love and Easy on the Budget
Summer is here, love is in the air—and if you're ready to say “I do” without saying goodbye to your savings, I’ve got you. I’m Nichole Bertucci, a Michigan wedding officiant who’s helped hundreds of couples tie the knot in a way that’s simple, heartfelt, and totally stress-free.
Whether you're planning an elopement or just want to get married without all the extras, this post is for you.

Let’s Talk Real Love, Not Real Debt
Weddings don’t have to cost thousands to be beautiful. In fact, some of the most meaningful ceremonies I’ve ever officiated were the simplest ones—two people, a couple witnesses, a quiet park, and vows that make your heart burst.
If you’re ready to be married this summer, here’s what you don’t need:

• A venue that takes 12 months to book
• A guest list with your second cousin’s plus-one
• Stress over centerpieces

Here’s what you do need:

• A marriage license
• Each other
• A wedding officiant (that’s me!)
• Maybe a photographer to catch that magic moment

Introducing the 'Sign and I Do' and Intimate Wedding Options
Get married for just $150 with my weekday Sign and Go package.
We meet, sign your license, and you’re officially married—no stress, no ceremony, just love and legal.
Want something a little more personal? My Intimate Ceremony package includes a custom-written script that shares your love story, vows, and all the heart-melting moments you want to include.
All of this, without the high cost or the planning burnout.

Why Summer Is the Perfect Time
Michigan in the summer is pure magic. Parks are in full bloom, the light is golden, and the weather is perfect for a laid-back outdoor wedding.

Let’s Make It Happen
If you’re ready to skip the stress and step straight into your next chapter, reach out today. I’ve got weekday spots open this summer for couples ready to say yes to love, not debt.
✨ Click here to book your summer elopement or sign-and-go wedding today
📍 Serving southeast Michigan – Holly, Clarkston, Fenton & surrounding areas
💬 Questions? I’m happy to help you plan the affordable “I do” you’ve been dreaming of.

Planning to get legally married without the big production? Maybe you're saving your celebration for later or just want a no-fuss, meaningful moment to seal the deal. If you're looking for a courthouse wedding alternative in Michigan, I’ve got something even better: the Sign and Go.

I’m Nichole Bertucci, a professional wedding officiant with A Simple I Do, and I created the Sign and Go to be everything a courthouse wedding isn’t—easy, flexible, personal, and stress-free.

💍 What Is the Sign and Go Wedding?The Sign and Go is just that—sign and go! It’s a simple, affordable option for couples who don’t want a full ceremony but still want to make it official. For just $150, we meet during the week (Monday through Thursday, 9am–1pm), sign your marriage license, and you’re legally married.
There’s no ceremony involved—just a legal signing with you, your partner, and your two witnesses (or I can provide them upon request). It’s perfect for couples who want to:

• Get legally married before their big celebration
• Skip the courthouse lines and get a more personal experience
• Elope quietly but meaningfully
• Stay on budget while still doing something sweet

🌳 Where Does It Happen?I offer Sign and Go services at a few sweet, relaxed spots in and around Holly, Clarkston, and Fenton. We can meet at a local park, a cute public spot like Battle Alley in Holly, or even one of my private studio locations if you want a little more intimacy and style without the expense of a full venue.
It’s a far more peaceful (and prettier) alternative than the sterile courthouse setting—and the best part? You’re still married at the end of it!

💡 Why Choose This Over the Courthouse?Let’s be honest—courthouse weddings can feel rushed, impersonal, and difficult to schedule. With limited availability and lots of couples in line, it can feel like your big moment is just another box to check.
With A Simple I Do’s Sign and Go, you get:
✅ A quick, easy experience
✅ A beautiful backdrop for a photo or two
✅ A licensed officiant who actually cares
✅ Flexible weekday scheduling
✅ Zero stress
Plus, if you want to take a few photos after you say “we do,” you can absolutely bring a photographer to document the moment. (I highly recommend it!)

📷 Want to Make It Special?Even though this is a simple legal signing, it can still feel special. Dress up a little, bring a bouquet, or invite your two best friends to witness and celebrate with you. Or just keep it ultra-casual—you get to choose the vibe.
Want a photo or two to remember it by? I partner with incredible local photographers who can capture your quick elopement in a way that still feels totally magical.

🗓 Ready to Sign and Go?If you’re ready to ditch the courthouse and say “yes” to an easy, affordable, and intimate way to get married, let’s chat!
The Sign and Go is just $150 and available Monday through Thursday, 9am to 1pm. I handle the legal part, and you walk away officially married
.
📍Serving couples in Holly, Clarkston, Fenton, and nearby areas
​
📅 Booking now — limited weekday slots available!
→ Message me to book your Sign and Go!

​A Sweet & Intimate Wedding at Central Park in Milford, Michigan
If you’re dreaming of a beautiful, low-stress wedding that feels personal and warm, let me introduce you to one of my favorite hidden gems: Central Park in Milford, Michigan. Right in the heart of this charming little town, there’s a community gazebo that’s just begging to be the backdrop of your "I do’s." It’s quaint, cozy, and perfect for a short guest list—exactly the kind of setting where every hug, every tear, and every laugh gets to matter.

When I say intimate, I mean a wedding day that’s about you, your love, and the few people who really get you. Bring along your parents, a couple best friends, maybe a sibling or two. And for the rest of the crew? Set up a Zoom link and let them join the celebration virtually—cheers, happy tears, and all.

I’ve had the honor of officiating beautiful ceremonies in Milford, and there’s something about Central Park that feels just right. The gazebo adds a lovely focal point for your ceremony without needing a ton of extra decor. With a well-crafted ceremony (hi, I’m Nichole from A Simple I Do—I specialize in creating ceremonies that feel like you), this setting turns into something unforgettable.

And let’s talk photos. Just because you’re keeping it small doesn’t mean you skip out on the magic. Hire a professional photographer who knows how to capture the heart of your day. Shelby from Monnette.co is one of my favorites—her style is warm, candid, and absolutely stunning. She’ll catch every sweet glance, every joyful moment, and all those little things you’ll want to remember forever.

So if you’re planning an intimate wedding in Milford, Michigan, let’s make it personal, beautiful, and completely yours. I’d love to be part of your story.

OFFICIANT: NICHOLE BERTUCCI 
PHOTOGRAPHER: SHELBY MONNETTE.CO
VENUE: CENTRAL PARK, MILFORD MI 

Skip the Courthouse: Small, Affordable Michigan Weddings That Feel Just Right
So, you’re engaged and ready to say “I do”—but a big traditional wedding just isn’t your vibe. Maybe you're looking for something small and sweet, maybe you’re watching your budget, or maybe you just want to be married already! Whatever your reason, I’ve got options that make your wedding meaningful without the stress (or the courthouse chaos).

I get a lot of emails asking about pricing for small weddings in Michigan, so let’s talk about the two packages I offer most often and what they include. Whether you want something super simple or a little more personal, there's a perfect fit waiting for you.
The Sign & I Do – Just $150If you're looking for a courthouse alternative, this package is for you. At just $150, the Sign and I Do is short, sweet, and oh-so-sincere. We meet at one of our beautiful local outdoor spots--Baycourt Park in Clarkston, Battle Alley in downtown Holly, or Bush Park in Fenton—and hold a brief but heartfelt ceremony with vows and rings (don’t worry, I’ve got the script ready for you). This package is ideal for around 10 guests and gives you the chance to get married without the hassle of a courtroom or a long wait. It's a favorite for couples looking for a small wedding that’s still special.

The Intimate Ceremony – Starting at $400Looking for something more personalized? The Intimate Ceremony is for couples who want to include their love story, custom vows, and all those little touches that make your day feel like you. Starting at $400, this package includes a custom-written ceremony script, coordination of your ceremony, and can be held at any location in Southeast Michigan (yes, I’ll travel!). Whether you’re planning a cozy backyard wedding or a charming elopement spot, this is a flexible and affordable way to celebrate your love with more guests and a more formal feel—think walking down the aisle, music, the works.

Let’s Create Your Perfect DayNot sure which option fits your plans? Just reach out and tell me:

• Where you want to get married
• How many guests you’re inviting
• Whether you’re leaning casual or formal

I’m happy to create a custom quote that fits your vision and your budget.
Affordable Michigan Weddings Made EasyIf you’re searching for an affordable Michigan wedding, something more meaningful than a courthouse wedding, and a way to celebrate with the people who matter most, I’ve got you covered. Let’s keep it simple, beautiful, and all about the two of you.

​Reach out today—I'm here to talk all things wedding!
❤️
Nichole Bertucci
Your Michigan wedding officiant where all love is celebrated