Who Can Officiate A Wedding? The Reverend's Role

A reverend is a religious title given to a member of the clergy in a Christian church, and they can officiate weddings. In fact, in many places, a reverend is the only official who can perform a wedding ceremony. The steps for officiating a wedding vary depending on the location, but generally, a reverend will need to be ordained as a minister and register with the local government before performing a marriage. This usually involves providing official credentials and documentation to the relevant marriage authority office, often the county clerk. The reverend may also need to file credentials with the local court, depending on the region. Once registered, the reverend can officiate the wedding ceremony and finalise the marriage by signing the marriage license with the couple.

Who can be a reverend?

The Reverend is an honorific title given to certain Christian clergy and ministers. The term is derived from the Latin 'reverendus', meaning " [one who is] to be revered/must be respected". The Reverend is an adjectival form that is traditionally used with first names (or initials) and surnames, such as "The Reverend John Smith".

The role of reverend is an important and honorific one within Christianity, and the specific definitions and duties of a reverend vary between different branches of the faith. In general, reverends are ordained members of the clergy who are allowed to oversee various religious events, including weddings, funerals, baptisms, and christenings.

To become a reverend, one typically needs to follow these steps:

• Attend divinity school: Divinity school is not a formal requirement, but it is helpful. Divinity schools teach a range of topics, including religious texts, sacred languages, and worship practices.
• Gain a relevant degree: A reverend typically needs at least an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, commonly Theology. Some churches may also expect candidates to have a postgraduate degree, such as a master's or PhD.
• Undergo checks from the church: Churches may conduct background checks, education verification, and religious history checks to determine an individual's commitment to the faith.
• Become ordained: The final step is to become ordained, which can be done through a theological education institution. The process and requirements for ordination may vary depending on the branch of Christianity.

Ordination

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

To be ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), one must be a member of a local DOC congregation for at least one year and receive a letter of recommendation/endorsement from the local congregation to the Commission on Ministry of the Region. They must also meet regularly with the Regional Commission on Ministry and provide a statement of faith, theological beliefs, and an explanation of their call to ministry/ordination. The educational requirements include completing an M.Div or its equivalent from a theological school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) or completing an apprentice track with at least 250 contact hours approved by the Region of care.

Episcopal Church

The Episcopal ordination process varies significantly by bishop and diocese. As a general outline, a baptized Episcopal member who feels called to ordination begins a conversation with their parish, which will reflect and decide whether to recommend them to the Diocese. If recommended, the candidate's file is reviewed by the Bishop, who will interview the individual and may approve their progress to become a postulant. The postulant then undergoes formation, after which their file is reviewed again before they are approved to become a candidate for Holy Orders. General Ordination Examinations are usually taken in the final year of theological study.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

The ELCA has two rosters of ordained ministers: Word & Sacrament (Pastors) and Word and Service (Deacons). Candidates for the former typically complete an M.Div. degree and serve a full-year internship in a congregation, while those who will serve as Deacons typically complete a Master's Degree in theology or a field relevant to their area of service. Ordination requires a "call" from a congregation or another form of non-parochial ministry.

American Baptist Church (ABC)

The requirements for ordination in the American Baptist Church vary by region and church/pastor. However, some common requirements include licensing, completion of an M.Div from an accredited seminary, and affirmation of the Covenant and Code of Ethics of ABC Ministers Council. Additionally, candidates must complete a course in professional ethics and meet with the regional department of ministry prior to licensing and ordination.

African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church

To become an ordained minister in the AME Church, one must be a regular member in good standing of an AME Church for two years. They must then make their wishes known to the pastor, who will determine whether they are pursuing the itinerant or local track. The pastor will issue a preaching license, valid for a year, after which the candidate will be taken before the District Conference to be voted on for admission into the Annual Conference. It takes five years to complete the Board of Examiners (BOE) process, and ordination typically follows after three years for Deacons and five years for Elders.

Universal Life Church

The Universal Life Church offers a quick and easy process to become ordained and perform legal wedding ceremonies across the United States. The only requirements are that individuals must be over 18 years of age and agree to abide by the Church's two tenets: doing that which is right and respecting the freedom of others to worship as they choose.

Marriage license

A reverend can officiate a wedding, but they must be ordained and registered to do so. The process for officiating a wedding varies depending on the state and county in which the ceremony will take place.

The marriage license is a crucial part of the wedding process and must be completed and returned within a specified timeframe for the marriage to be official. The officiant is usually responsible for filling out and signing the marriage license with the couple and ensuring it is returned to the relevant authority, such as the county clerk or city clerk. The timeframe for returning the marriage license varies by state and can range from 4 days to 3 months. For example, in California, the marriage license must be returned to the county clerk within 4 days after the marriage, while in Indiana, the marriage license must be returned to the clerk of the circuit court within 3 months.

It is important to note that the marriage license and marriage certificate are two separate documents. The marriage license must be completed and returned for the marriage to be legally recognized. The marriage certificate, on the other hand, is a record of the marriage and is typically provided to the couple as proof of their union.

In some states, the officiant may also be required to complete additional documentation, such as a marriage certificate or a certificate of marriage, which must be provided to the couple and/or the relevant authority. It is the responsibility of the officiant to be aware of the specific laws and requirements of the state and county in which they are performing the wedding ceremony.

Wedding ceremony script

Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of [Name] and [Name]. This is not the beginning of a new relationship but an acknowledgment of the next chapter in their lives together. [Name] and [Name] have spent years getting to know each other, and we now bear witness to what their relationship has become. Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly.

[Name] and [Name] will mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves but by also celebrating the love between all of us—including the love of their parents, siblings, extended family, and best friends. Without that love, today would be far less joyous.

Declaration of Intent

Ring Exchange

A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other.

[Name], place the ring on [Name]'s finger and repeat after me:

[Name], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

And now... [Name], place the ring on [Name]'s finger and repeat after me:

[Name], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

Pronouncement

Before these witnesses, you have pledged to be joined in marriage. You have now sealed this pledge with your wedding rings. By the authority vested in me by the great State of [State], I now pronounce you married!

Closing

You may now kiss!

I now present to you [Mr. & Mrs _________ or Mr. & Mr. or Mrs. & Mrs or our newlyweds [Name] and [Name]!

Post-Ceremony

If there is a bouquet, [Name] hands the bouquet back for the recessional walk.

The wedding party recesses down the aisle in the opposite order that they arrived.

Music plays while the wedding party recesses.

After the wedding party has left, please now join our newlyweds for cocktail hour, and then dinner under the tent. Have a wonderful evening!

Making the marriage official

Once the wedding ceremony is complete, the final step is to fill out and sign the marriage license with the couple. This is arguably the most important part of the process, as without it, the marriage is not yet official. The marriage license must then be returned to the office that issued it. The specific office will depend on the state in which the ceremony is taking place, as each state has its own way of doing things. In some states, for example, New Jersey, independent civil celebrants are certified by the government.

The marriage officiant, couple, and two witnesses will usually need to sign the marriage license. The officiant will then need to file the marriage certificate with the county clerk, recorder, or registrar. This final step seals the deal and makes the marriage official.

The requirements for who can be a witness vary depending on the jurisdiction. In some cases, the witnesses may need to be over a certain age or have certain qualifications. It is important to check the specific requirements for the location of the wedding.

After the marriage license has been signed and submitted, the wedding will be officially recognized. At this point, the couple is legally married and can obtain their marriage certificate.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for making a marriage official may vary depending on the location and type of ceremony. For example, in religious weddings, there may be additional requirements or rituals that must be performed to validate the marriage. It is always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities and religious organizations to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to make the marriage legal and binding.

Frequently asked questions