Minister-Performed Weddings: Legal In Mississippi?

Mississippi is known as the Magnolia State, and it has a long and rich cultural history. The state is full of rules and regulations, especially when it comes to marriage. A marriage in Mississippi can be solemnized through civil or religion-based traditions, depending on the preferences of the applicants. The state recognizes the following persons as legally allowed to solemnize a union: pastors, rabbis, and other clergy who are in good standing with their specific religious organizations; judges of all courts within the state, including the Supreme Court; and Universal Life Church ministers. Anyone can be ordained online with the ULC, and as a ULC minister, one may be expected to furnish credentials to a circuit clerk before the ceremony, depending on the specific county where it will take place.

Who can perform a wedding in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, a marriage can be solemnized through civil or religion-based marriage traditions. The state recognizes the following persons as legally allowed to solemnize a wedding:

• Pastors, rabbis, and other clergy who are in good standing with their specific religious organizations
• Judges of all courts within the state, including the Supreme Court
• Universal Life Church ministers
• Licensed or ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries

While Mississippi law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office, local regulations stipulate that wedding officiants designated as "Minister" be ordained by a religious organization. It is also recommended to keep personal records of official Ministry Credentials, as proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

Do ministers need to register with the government?

In Mississippi, ministers are not required to register with any government office to officiate a wedding. However, they must be ordained by a religious organization and may need to present their credentials to the relevant authorities.

Mississippi Law on Minister Registration

Mississippi law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office. There is no dedicated office for the registration of wedding officiants, and no laws requiring officiant registration.

Requirements to Officiate a Wedding in Mississippi

While registration is not necessary, there are some requirements that must be met for someone to legally officiate a wedding in Mississippi. These include:

• Being an ordained minister of a religious organization, such as the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries.
• Contacting the local county clerk and providing them with a physical copy of your ordination record.
• Presenting proof of ordination to the couple and wedding venue, if requested.
• Complying with any additional requirements specified by the county, such as attaching a statement to the marriage license with specific details about the wedding.

The Bottom Line

In summary, while ministers in Mississippi are not required to register with the government, they must ensure they meet the legal requirements to officiate weddings, including ordination by a recognized religious organization and compliance with local regulations.

What documents do ministers need?

In Mississippi, ministers are not required to register at the state level. However, it is not uncommon for the county clerk to ask for proof of ordination before granting approval to perform marriage ceremonies. This means that ministers should keep personal records of their official ministry credentials, including their ordination certificate and a letter of good standing. These documents may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

To obtain these documents, ministers can order a Mississippi Minister Ordination Package from an organisation such as American Marriage Ministries (AMM). This package will include the necessary credentials to prove their ordination.

Additionally, ministers should be prepared to provide other documents that may be requested by county officials. These requirements often vary from county to county, so it is advisable to contact the marriage licensing office in the specific county where the wedding will take place.

In general, ministers should familiarise themselves with the marriage laws in Mississippi and the specific county where the wedding will occur. This includes understanding the rules governing marriage licenses, as it is the minister's responsibility to ensure that the marriage certificate is properly endorsed and returned to the applicable clerk of issuance within the required timeframe.

Where do couples get a marriage license?

To get married in Mississippi, couples must first apply for a Mississippi marriage license at any clerk of the circuit court office. The application should include names, ages, addresses, and other personal details for both applicants. For minors, names and addresses for parents or guardians must also be provided.

The application fee for a marriage license in Mississippi is between $20 and $23, depending on the county in which the license is procured. This is one of the lowest marriage license costs in the country.

Both parties must apply in person, and provide photo ID and proof of age documents. State-sanctioned ID includes a driver's license, military ID card or discharge papers, birth or baptismal certificate, school record, insurance certificate, or life insurance policy. Circuit clerks can technically accept any legal document proving name and age, such as a passport.

Once the information has been furnished to the clerk's satisfaction, they will provide a marriage license and file a record with the State Board of Health's Office of Vital Records. There is no waiting period to get married in Mississippi once the license has been issued, and the license does not expire.

What happens after the wedding?

Once the wedding ceremony is complete, the minister has a few more steps to take to ensure that all the paperwork is correctly filed. The minister must complete the final section of the original marriage license, including their title, the ordaining body, and their home address. The minister and the newlyweds must then sign the completed marriage license and return it to the office from which it was issued within five days of the ceremony. The minister should also keep a record of the marriage license for their own personal records.

The minister should also follow up with the newlyweds after a few weeks to see how they are doing. This is a good time to memorialize the moment by gifting the couple a personalized marriage certificate. The minister can also ask the couple to share their story, including how they chose the minister to officiate their wedding and what it meant to them.

The minister can also take some time to reflect on the experience of officiating the wedding. How did the couple tell their story? What were the vibes like? Did family and friends participate? Sharing these reflections with other ministers and couples can be a great way to connect and inspire others.

Frequently asked questions