Who Can Officiate A Wedding In Indiana?

Indiana has a range of requirements for those looking to officiate a wedding. While Indiana law does not require officiants to register with any government office, they must be ordained ministers. This can be done online through organisations such as the Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries, and Open Ministry. Indiana law specifies that officiants can be elected officials, judges, clerks, or religious leaders, including priests, ministers, bishops, and rabbis. The state also allows for out-of-state couples to marry, but charges a higher fee for their marriage license.

No registration required

In Indiana, wedding officiants are not required to register with any government office before performing a marriage. There are no laws, offices, or procedures requiring officiants to register with any government body.

However, according to Indiana law, only specific people are authorised to perform wedding ceremonies. This includes all ministers, including online ordained ministers, as well as elected officials, judges, and clerks.

While registration is not required, it is recommended to keep personal records of official ministry credentials. Proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue. This proof can be obtained through an Ordination Package or Minister Ordination Package, which includes an Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing.

Additionally, it is important to note that, in Indiana, wedding officiants must be ordained ministers to legally perform marriages. Local regulations stipulate that officiants under the designation of "Minister" must be ordained by a religious organisation.

Therefore, while there is no registration requirement, ensuring proper ordination and maintaining records of credentials are crucial steps for anyone looking to officiate a wedding in Indiana.

Who can officiate

Indiana has a wide range of options when it comes to choosing who can officiate a wedding. The state allows for a variety of religious and non-religious officials to preside over marriage ceremonies.

Religious Officiants

Any member of the clergy of a religious organization can officiate a wedding in Indiana. This includes ministers, priests, bishops, archbishops, and rabbis. The state also recognizes imams of a masjid (mosque), in accordance with the rules of the Islamic religion.

Non-Religious Officiants

Indiana also permits several non-religious officials to perform wedding ceremonies. These include elected officials such as mayors, clerks, clerk-treasurers, and judges. Specifically, a mayor, clerk, or clerk-treasurer may officiate a wedding within their respective county. Additionally, a clerk of the circuit court is authorized to solemnize marriages.

Other Officiants

Indiana also recognizes certain religious groups to officiate weddings according to their own rules. These include the Friends Church, German Baptists, the Baha'i faith, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Online Ordination

It is important to note that online ordination is recognized in Indiana. For example, ministers ordained by the Universal Life Church are considered religious actors and may legally officiate weddings, regardless of their personal beliefs, gender, or place of residence.

Registration and Documentation

While Indiana does not require officiants to register with any government office, it is recommended to keep personal records of official ministry credentials. Proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue. Additionally, when registering, Indiana County Clerks may require officiants to attach a statement to the marriage license that includes the following information:

• The time and location of the wedding.
• The names and places of residence of official witnesses.
• The religious organization with which the officiant is ordained.
• The printed name and address of the officiant.

Age Requirement

To officiate a wedding in Indiana, the minimum age requirement for a minister is 18 years old.

Get ordained online

To get ordained online in Indiana, you can follow these steps:

• Check County Marriage Requirements: Each county in Indiana may have different requirements for officiants, so it is important to contact the specific county clerk's office where the wedding will take place. They will be able to inform you of any necessary documents or requirements.
• Obtain a Minister License: You can become a legal minister by getting ordained online through organizations like the Universal Life Church (ULC) or American Marriage Ministries (AMM). The process is typically free, fast, and easy.
• Order Necessary Materials: Depending on the requirements of the specific county, you may need to order certain materials, such as an ordination certificate or a minister's license. These can often be purchased from the organization through which you are ordained.
• Register with the County: While Indiana state law does not require officiants to register with any government office, it is a good idea to keep personal records of your official ministry credentials. The county clerk may request proof of your ordination before giving permission to perform the wedding.
• Understand Marriage License Requirements: As the officiant, it is your responsibility to understand the rules governing marriage licenses in Indiana. Marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk's office and are valid for 60 days. There is no mandatory waiting period, but the signed license must be returned before the expiry date for the wedding to be legally valid.

By following these steps, you can become ordained online and legally officiate a wedding in Indiana.

Local marriage authority

The local marriage authority is typically your county clerk. You should contact the office of your local marriage authority and let them know that you are a minister of the Universal Life Church in Seattle. Ask what they will require of you to officiate a legal marriage.

Although Indiana Law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office, local regulations in Indiana stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" be ordained by a religious organization.

While you are not required to register with any Indiana government office as a wedding officiant, it is a good idea to keep personal records of your official Ministry Credentials. Proof of your ordination may be essential in the event that the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue request to see proof of your ordination.

After you've contacted your marriage authority, you should visit their online store to purchase whatever documentation will be required. We typically advise ministers in Indiana to get an Ordination Package. While Minister registration is not technically required in Indiana, you may be required to present proof of your ordination to the county clerk before the marriages you perform will be accepted as having been legally solemnized.

Having this proof of your ordination will also provide peace of mind to any couple that you intend to marry. Additionally, please attempt to leave at least three to four weeks between the date of the wedding ceremony and your order, to ensure that you receive all of your materials in advance.

Credentials and documentation

Indiana law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office. However, to be able to legally perform a marriage, you must be an ordained minister. Local regulations in Indiana stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" be ordained by a religious organization.

While you are not required to register with any Indiana government office as a wedding officiant, it is a good idea to keep personal records of your official Ministry Credentials. Proof of your ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

You can order an Indiana Minister Ordination Package to receive your official ministry credentials, including your Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing. The latter is signed by a church officer, dated, and notarized.

After becoming ordained, you should contact the office of your local marriage authority (usually your county clerk) and inform them that you are a minister. Ask what documentation they require from you to officiate a legal marriage.

You can then purchase the necessary documentation, such as an Ordination Package, which serves as proof of your ordination. This documentation may be required by the county clerk before they accept the marriages you perform as legally solemnized.

Some county clerks in Indiana may require wedding officiants to attach a statement to the marriage license, including the following information:

• The time and location of the wedding
• The names and places of residence of all official witnesses
• The religious organization in which the officiant is ordained
• The printed name and address of the officiant

Indiana State may request that you use the title "Minister" or "Reverend" when filling out a marriage license. If you do not state a denomination, you can use "Non-Denominational".

Once the wedding has taken place, the officiant must complete the marriage license by filling in information about themselves, the couple, and the ceremony. This includes the date, time, and county of the ceremony, as well as the addresses and names of the couple.

The officiant must then return the completed marriage license to the clerk's office that issued it within 30 days of the ceremony and before the 60-day expiration date.

Frequently asked questions