Franklin Dean
If you're planning a wedding in Vermont, you may be wondering if any adult can officiate the ceremony. The answer is a little complicated and depends on a few factors. Here's what you need to know: First, Vermont law requires all marriage officiants to be at least 18 years old. If you're a resident of Vermont, you don't need to register with any government office to officiate a wedding. However, if you're from out of state, you must register with the Vermont Judiciary and obtain authorization from the secretary of state or the probate division of the Superior Court. This process typically involves providing proof of your ordination and paying a filing fee. So, while any adult can officiate a wedding in Vermont, there are some important legal steps to follow, especially if you're coming from out of state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age of officiant | 18 years old |
| Residency requirements | Non-residents must register with the Vermont Judiciary and obtain permission from the Probate Division of the Superior Court |
| Registration requirements | Registration with the government is required for non-residents only |
| Registration cost | $100 |
| Registration processing time | Up to 7 days |
| Required documents | Ordination credentials, proof of out-of-state residency, valid ID |
What You'll Learn
Non-residents must register with the Vermont Judiciary
Vermont Law requires all non-resident wedding officiants to register with the Vermont Judiciary before performing a marriage. This registration costs around $100 and takes up to 7 days to process.
Who does this apply to?
Non-resident wedding officiants who are not members of the clergy. If you are a member of the clergy, you can get a certificate from the probate division of the Superior Court.
You will need to complete a "Petition for Non-Resident Minister to Perform Marriage Ceremony" application. This is a simple one-page form that should only take a few minutes to complete. You will need to enter:
- Your full name and mailing address.
- The couple's names and their respective mailing addresses.
- The wedding ceremony date and the town in Vermont where the wedding will take place.
- "American Marriage Ministries" and your state of residence.
You will also need to provide:
- Proof that you live out-of-state (e.g. a valid ID such as your driver's license, birth certificate, or military ID).
- Your ministry credentials, such as your ordination certificate or letter of good standing.
- A $100 filing fee, payable to the "Vermont Secretary of State".
Once you have gathered these documents, submit everything to the Probate Division of the Superior Court in the county where the wedding will take place.
Provided there are no complications, your application should be approved within a few days. Once your application is approved, you will have the authority to perform the wedding specified on your petition.
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Temporary officiant authorisation
Any adult can officiate a wedding in Vermont, provided they are at least 18 years old and have received authorisation from the secretary of state to serve as a temporary officiant. This authorisation is limited to a specific civil marriage of a specific couple and expires once the couple has received their marriage license.
Registration
To become a temporary officiant, you must register with the Vermont Judiciary. The registration cost is approximately $100, and the processing time is up to 7 days. The registration process is outlined on the Vermont Judiciary website, and you will need to provide the following:
- A completed "Petition for Non-Resident Minister to Perform Marriage Ceremony" form.
- Proof of out-of-state residency, such as a valid driver's license, birth certificate, or military ID.
- Ministry credentials, such as an ordination certificate or letter of good standing.
- A $100 filing fee, payable to the "Vermont Secretary of State".
Duties and Responsibilities
As a temporary officiant, you have two main duties on the wedding day:
- Conduct the wedding ceremony.
- Complete the marriage license, including signing it with the couple.
It is important to familiarise yourself with the Vermont marriage license handling and return guidelines. The marriage license must be returned to the Town Clerk within 10 days of the wedding to be in compliance with Vermont Law.
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Requirements for out-of-state clergy
If you are a member of the clergy and a non-resident of Vermont, there are two ways you can be authorized to perform a wedding in the state.
Register as a Temporary Officiant
Firstly, you can apply to the Vermont secretary of state for authorization to become a temporary officiant. This authorization will be limited to a specific civil marriage of a specific couple and will expire once the couple has received their marriage license.
Petition the Probate Division of the Superior Court
Alternatively, you can file a petition with the probate division of the Superior Court in the county where the marriage will take place. To do so, you must:
- Show that you reside out of state (with a valid ID such as a driver's license, birth certificate, or military ID)
- Complete a 'Petition for Nonresident Minister to Perform Marriage'
- Provide proof that you are a member of the clergy (e.g. an Ordination Certificate or Letter of Good Standing)
- Pay a $100 filing fee, payable to the "Vermont Secretary of State"
Additional Information
Please note that Vermont law has special requirements for ordained ministers who live outside of Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Quebec. Ministers from these jurisdictions must obtain permission from the Probate Division of the Superior Court before performing a marriage ceremony. This requires paying a fee and providing documentation.
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Vermont marriage license rules
Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Vermont?
Vermont has specific rules about who can officiate a wedding. The following people are authorized to solemnize a marriage:
- A Supreme Court Justice
- A Superior Judge
- A Judge of Probate
- An Assistant Judge
- A Justice of the Peace
- A Magistrate
- A Judicial Bureau hearing officer
- A temporary officiant registered with the Vermont Secretary of State
- A member of the clergy ordained, licensed, or authorized by their faith or denomination who:
- Resides in Vermont
- Resides in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, or Quebec and has a parish, church, temple, mosque, or other religious organization in Vermont
- Resides outside of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, or Quebec and has obtained special authorization from the Probate Division of the Superior Court
Vermont Marriage License Requirements
To obtain a marriage license in Vermont, at least one member of the couple must appear before a town or county clerk and complete an application. The couple must also pay a $60 fee. Both parties must sign the application and provide a government-issued photo ID. There is no waiting period after receiving the license, and the marriage ceremony can take place on the same day. The license is valid for 60 days, and the completed license must be returned to the town or county clerk within 10 days of the wedding.
Officiant Registration
Vermont law requires all non-resident marriage officiants to register with the government before officiating weddings. Non-resident officiants must register with the Vermont Judiciary and pay a $100 fee. Resident officiants are not required to register with any state office but should keep personal copies of their official ministry credentials.
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Registration for non-residents
Vermont Law requires all marriage officiants to be registered with the government before officiating weddings. However, this registration requirement is only for non-residents. Vermont residents are not required to register as wedding officiants with any state office.
The Vermont Statutes § 5144 requires that all non-resident wedding officiants must register with the Vermont Judiciary before performing a marriage. This process costs around $100 and takes up to seven days to be approved.
The first step to registering as a non-resident officiant is to order your Ministry Credentials, which include your Ordination Certificate and Notarized Letter of Good Standing. These documents are required for successful registration in Vermont. You can do this by purchasing a Vermont Minister Ordination Package.
Once you have received your package, you will need to complete the "Petition for Non-Resident Minister to Perform Marriage Ceremony" application. This is a simple one-page form that should only take a few minutes to complete. You will need to enter your full name and mailing address, the couple's names and their mailing address(es), the wedding ceremony date, and the town in Vermont where the wedding will take place.
You may also want to include an affidavit from the couple. This is not required, but it helps to communicate the seriousness of your intent to perform the marriage. The couple would need to be present when the affidavit is notarized, or they can have it drafted and notarized without your signature.
Finally, submit your non-resident minister application to the Probate Division of the Superior Court in the county where the wedding will take place. You will need a copy of your valid government ID and a $100 filing fee, payable to the "Vermont Secretary of State".
Once your application is approved, you will have the authority to perform the wedding specified on your petition.
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Frequently asked questions
To officiate a wedding in Vermont, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are a resident of Vermont, you are not required to register with any government office. However, it is a good idea to keep personal copies of your official Ministry Credentials. If you are a non-resident, you must register with the Vermont Judiciary before performing a marriage.
To register as a non-resident officiant in Vermont, you will need to submit a Petition For Non-Resident Minister To Perform Marriage Ceremony, proof of out-of-state residency, your Ministry Credentials, and a $100 filing fee payable to the "Vermont Secretary of State".
As a wedding officiant in Vermont, you have two main duties: conducting the wedding ceremony and completing the marriage license. It is your responsibility to ensure that the marriage license is handled correctly and returned to the Town Clerk within 10 days of the wedding.
Vermont has some restrictions on ministers who live in another state. Non-residents must obtain permission from the Probate Division of the Superior Court and may be required to provide proof of ordination. This restriction does not apply to individuals who reside in New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Quebec.
