Who Can Officiate A Wedding In Georgia: Family Included?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and one of the most important parts of the process is finding the right person to officiate the ceremony. In Georgia, anyone can officiate a wedding as long as they meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years and are ordained by a religious organization. This means that a friend or family member can legally marry a couple in Georgia as long as they meet these requirements. The state recognizes online ordinations from organizations such as The Provenance Center and American Marriage Ministries, making it easy for individuals to become officiants. Georgia also does not impose any restrictions based on beliefs, church membership, or gender, providing a flexible environment for couples to create meaningful and personalized wedding ceremonies.

Who can officiate a wedding in Georgia?

In Georgia, officiating a wedding requires meeting a few essential criteria. The state does not require officiants to register with any government office, but they must be ordained ministers to perform marriages legally. Online ordination is recognised in Georgia, and there are no restrictions based on beliefs, church membership, or gender. The minimum age to officiate a wedding in Georgia is 18.

To become an officiant in Georgia, you must first get ordained online through a recognised organisation. Then, meet the age requirement of 18 years. Check the county requirements, as documentation may vary; some counties may require a copy of your ordination certificate. Have your ordination credentials on hand during the ceremony, and ensure you return the completed marriage license to the issuing county clerk's office within 30 days.

The role of the officiant in Georgia includes making a formal declaration that the couple is legally wed, requiring the couple's consent, and ensuring that all parties, including the couple, officiant, and witnesses, are physically present during the ceremony. The officiant is also responsible for filling out the marriage license in the presence of the couple and any required witnesses.

So, to answer the question directly, yes, a family member can officiate a wedding in Georgia as long as they meet the above requirements.

What are the requirements to officiate a wedding in Georgia?

To officiate a wedding in Georgia, there are a few key requirements that must be met. Firstly, the officiant must be at least 18 years old and cannot be related to either spouse by blood or marriage. There is no requirement for the officiant to be a Georgia resident, and online ordination is recognised in the state. While there is no requirement to register with the government, it is important to be ordained by a religious organisation, such as the American Marriage Ministries or Universal Life Church. This is because Georgia law specifies that only "ministers" can solemnise a marriage.

Once ordained, the officiant must complete a few legal steps to ensure the marriage is valid. The officiant must make a declaration that the couple is legally wed, such as "I now pronounce you [married]". The officiant must also ensure that the marriage license is signed by the couple and two witnesses, and then returned to the relevant county clerk within 30 days. It is also a good idea to keep records of your ministry credentials, as proof of ordination may be requested.

While Georgia law provides a basic framework, it is important to note that some counties and municipalities have additional rules. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with the local probate court or county clerk to ensure you are meeting all the necessary requirements to officiate a wedding in Georgia.

What are the responsibilities of the officiant?

The officiant is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, and their responsibilities can be summarised in the following ways:

Mirror of the Couple:

The officiant reflects the couple's desires and expectations for their special day. They help the couple flesh out their vision and assure them that their wishes are heard and supported.

A Friendly Reminder:

The officiant reminds everyone that the wedding is all about the couple. They gather as many details as possible about the big day, including the number of guests, apparel colours, and the couple's story. This information helps them reconnect the couple with the joy of their wedding day.

Anti-Stress Pill:

The officiant acts as an on-site "anti-stress pill" during the rehearsal and the wedding. They can offer reassuring words, a pat on the back, or a simple gesture like offering a bottle of water to ease any worries or agitation.

Master of Ceremony Flow:

One of the officiant's most important tasks is to explain and define the flow of the ceremony, including rituals, vows, and the exchange of rings. They add requests if needed and give the couple a sense of timing and space for the event.

Public Service Announcer:

The officiant becomes the spotlight during the ceremony, gathering the guests and asking them to become part of the ratification of the couple's union. They are the "public service announcement" that calls for the involvement of both the couple and the attendees in this joyful moment.

Legal Requirements:

The officiant ensures the wedding is legally binding by complying with state-specific rules and requirements. This includes ensuring the couple has filed for a marriage license, which is required before the marriage ceremony, and reminding them not to get the license too far in advance to avoid expiration.

Introduction & Closing:

The officiant sets the tone and runs the show, from the introduction and opening remarks to the closing remarks and recessional. They may introduce themselves, share how they know the couple, and read a poem or scripture that emphasises the significance of the commitment.

Declaration of Intent:

The officiant leads the couple through the declaration of intent, asking the traditional "Do you take...?" question, which is a key element in making the ceremony binding and legal.

Pronouncement of Marriage:

The officiant officially pronounces the couple as married, another essential component for a legally binding ceremony.

Return of Marriage License:

After the ceremony, the officiant is responsible for returning the signed and completed marriage license to the city or county clerk promptly to finalise everything. The couple will then receive the certified copy of their marriage contract by mail a few weeks later.

What is the process of becoming an officiant in Georgia?

To become a wedding officiant in Georgia, you must be an ordained minister. There are no legal restrictions on beliefs, church membership, or gender, and the minister does not need to be a Georgia resident. The minimum age to officiate a wedding in Georgia is 18.

There is no requirement to register with the government as an officiant in Georgia. However, you must be ordained by a religious organization, such as the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries. These organizations offer free online ordination, which can be completed quickly and easily.

Once ordained, you will need to check the county marriage laws in the county where the wedding will take place. This is because the requirements for marriage licenses vary across Georgia counties. The couple will be responsible for obtaining the marriage license, but as an officiant, you should familiarize yourself with the local laws.

In some cases, the county clerk may ask to see documentation of your ordination, so it is a good idea to keep a copy of your ordination credentials on hand. You may also want to order a minister ordination package, which includes an ordination certificate and letter of good standing. This package can be ordered through your religious organization.

After the wedding ceremony, you will need to sign the marriage license along with the couple and their two witnesses. Your title will be "minister," the ceremony type is "religious," and the denomination is "non-denominational." The completed marriage license must be returned to the issuing office within 30 days of the ceremony.

What is the cost of a marriage license in Georgia?

The cost of a marriage license in Georgia varies depending on the county. In Gwinnett County, the cost is $56.00, or $16.00 with proof of premarital education. In Douglas County, the cost is also $56.00, or $16.00 with proof of premarital education. In Fulton County, the cost is $68.50, or $28.50 with proof of a Qualified Premarital Education Program. This fee includes one mailed certified copy of the marriage certificate.

In Georgia, there is no waiting period for marriage, and couples can get married on the same day they apply for their marriage license. However, the time period in which the wedding ceremony must take place after the license is issued varies depending on the county. Couples should check with the issuing office to ensure their ceremony will be considered timely.

In all Georgia counties, the completed marriage license must be returned to the county where it was issued within 30 days of the wedding ceremony to be considered valid.

Frequently asked questions