Who Can Perform Weddings In Washington County, Utah?

If you're planning to officiate a wedding in Washington County, Utah, you'll need to follow a few steps to ensure the ceremony is legally recognised. First, you'll need to get ordained as a minister, which can be done online through organisations like the Universal Life Church. Once ordained, you'll need to contact the Washington County Clerk's Office to inquire about any specific credentials or documents they require from officiants. The couple will also need to obtain a marriage license from this office, which is valid for 32 days and requires both parties to be present with proper identification and proof of age. With the legal matters taken care of, you can then plan and perform the ceremony, ensuring it meets the requirements of Utah marriage law.

Who can officiate a wedding in Washington County, Utah?

Washington County, Utah is a popular wedding destination, known for its arid desert landscapes and red rock cliffs. If you've been asked to officiate a wedding in Washington County, you may be wondering where to start. This guide will cover everything you need to know about who can officiate a wedding in this unique location.

Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Washington County?

The great news is that anyone can officiate a wedding in Washington County, Utah, as long as they are ordained first. This means that couples can ask a friend or loved one to perform their wedding ceremony, which is an increasingly popular way to personalise the ceremony and cut costs.

To officiate a wedding in Washington County, you must be an ordained minister. Ordination can be obtained online through organisations such as Universal Life Church, Open Ministry and Get Ordained. These organisations offer free ordination with minimal requirements and a simple application process. Once ordained, you will have the authority to perform legal wedding ceremonies.

Requirements to Officiate a Wedding in Washington County

In addition to ordination, there are a few other requirements to officiate a wedding in Washington County. These include:

• Minimum age: To officiate a wedding in Utah, ministers must be at least 18 years old.
• Registration: It is recommended that ordained ministers register with the local marriage authority (usually the county clerk) and inquire about any additional documentation requirements.
• Marriage license: A marriage license must be obtained from the Washington County Clerk's Office before the ceremony. The couple must appear in person with proof of age and identification, and a license fee of $50. The license is valid for 32 days and there is no mandatory waiting period.

Types of Wedding Officiants in Washington County

According to Washington County, the following types of individuals can perform weddings in the county:

• Any ordained minister who is at least 18 years of age
• Native American spiritual advisors
• The Governor
• Mayors
• Justices of the Peace
• Judges or Commissioners
• County Clerks
• President of the Senate
• Speaker of the House of Representatives
• Retired Judges or Magistrates
• U.S. Judges or Magistrates

In conclusion, officiating a wedding in Washington County, Utah is a straightforward process that can be completed by anyone with the right qualifications and registration. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that the wedding ceremony you perform is legally recognised and enjoyed by all.

How to get ordained in Washington County, Utah

If you're planning to officiate a wedding in Washington County, Utah, you'll need to follow a few steps to ensure that the ceremony is legally recognised. Here's a guide on how to get ordained in the county:

• Get ordained: Your first step is to become an ordained minister. You can do this by getting ordained online with the Universal Life Church (ULC). The ULC provides free ordination and the process only takes a few minutes to complete. The ULC ordains people from all walks of life and offers you the authority to perform legal wedding ceremonies.
• Contact the local marriage authority: Once you're ordained, you'll need to get in touch with the local marriage authority, which is typically the county clerk's office in Washington County. Let them know that you're an ordained minister and ask about any specific requirements or documentation they need from you to officiate a wedding. The address for the Washington County Clerk's Office is 111 East Tabernacle St. George, Utah 84770, and you can reach them by phone at (435) 301-7220. Their office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
• Order necessary documentation: After confirming the requirements with the county clerk's office, you can order any necessary documentation or supplies. For Washington County, it is typically recommended to get an Ordination Package, which includes proof of your ordination. This step may provide peace of mind for the couple and can be helpful in ensuring your marriage ceremonies are legally recognised.
• Understand marriage requirements: In Washington County, there are specific requirements for marriages. Both parties must appear at the County Clerk's Office with proof of age, proper identification, and pay a license fee. The license fee is typically $50 and includes one certified copy. There is a 2.5% transaction fee for debit/credit card payments, with a minimum charge of $1.50. The marriage license is valid for 32 days and must be returned within this time frame.
• Officiate the wedding: With all the legal requirements met, you can now officiate the wedding! Remember that in Washington County, you will need to schedule a separate appointment with an officiator for the marriage ceremony, as they are not performed in the Clerk-Auditor office.

By following these steps, you can become ordained and legally perform wedding ceremonies in Washington County, Utah.

What are the requirements to officiate a wedding in Washington County, Utah?

To officiate a wedding in Washington County, Utah, you must be an ordained minister or a religious/civil official. Here are the requirements to officiate a wedding in Washington County, Utah:

Become an Ordained Minister

Firstly, you need to get ordained as a minister by an organization such as the Universal Life Church (ULC). The ULC provides free online ordination and accepts people from all walks of life. This process is simple and only takes a few minutes to complete.

Contact the Relevant Office

After getting ordained, you must contact the Washington County Clerk's Office, which handles marriage licenses. Inform them that you are an ordained minister and inquire about the specific credentials or documents they require from wedding officiants. The contact information for the Washington County office is:

197 East Tabernacle St. George, UT 84770

Order Necessary Documentation

Based on the information provided by the County Clerk's Office, you can order any required documents or supplies. For Washington County, a Classic Wedding Package is typically recommended, but the specific requirements may vary.

Perform the Wedding Ceremony

With all the legal requirements met, you can now focus on the wedding ceremony itself. If this is your first time officiating, consider visiting online resources or wedding training centers for helpful tips and tools to guide you through the process.

Complete and Return the Marriage License

After the ceremony, ensure that the marriage license is correctly filled out and returned to the issuing office within the specified timeframe. In Washington County, the marriage license is valid for 32 days, and there is no mandatory waiting period. Remember to double-check for errors before returning the license, as it is a legal document.

Additional Requirements for Minors

If the marriage involves a minor (16 or 17 years old), additional requirements apply. The minor must obtain signed consent from a parent or legal guardian, which must be given in-person to the County Clerk. The couple must also petition the juvenile court to approve the marriage, and the juvenile court may impose additional conditions such as premarital counseling or continued education.

By following these steps and meeting the requirements, you can legally officiate a wedding in Washington County, Utah, creating a memorable and personalized experience for the couple.

How to ensure the wedding is legally recognised in Washington County, Utah

To ensure a wedding is legally recognised in Washington County, Utah, there are a few key steps you need to take. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:

Become an Ordained Minister:

The first step is to get ordained as a minister with an organisation like the Universal Life Church (ULC). The ULC provides free online ordination and grants you the authority to perform legal wedding ceremonies in Washington County, Utah. The process is simple and only takes a few minutes to complete.

Contact the Local Marriage Authority:

Once you are ordained, you need to get in touch with the local marriage authority, which is typically the county clerk's office in Washington County. Inform them that you are an ordained minister and inquire about the specific requirements and documents needed to officiate a wedding in their jurisdiction. The contact information for the Washington County Clerk's Office is:

197 East Tabernacle St. George, UT 84770

Obtain Necessary Documentation:

After understanding the local requirements, you can proceed to obtain any necessary documentation. In Washington County, ministers usually require a Classic Wedding Package, which includes important documents and supplies for the wedding ceremony. It is recommended to allow sufficient time, usually about three weeks, for your order to arrive before the wedding date.

Familiarise Yourself with Wedding Requirements:

It is important to be aware of the specific marriage requirements in Washington County, Utah. Both parties must appear at the County Clerk's Office with proof of age, proper identification, and pay a license fee. The marriage license is valid for 32 days from the date of purchase and must be used within this timeframe. There is no mandatory waiting period after obtaining the license, so the wedding can take place immediately.

Officiate the Wedding:

On the wedding day, ensure that all legal requirements are met. This includes having two witnesses over the age of 18 present at the ceremony. As the officiant, you will need to pronounce the couple legally married out loud in the presence of the witnesses.

Complete and Return the Marriage License:

After the ceremony, your final crucial task is to ensure the marriage license is correctly filled out and returned to the issuing office within the specified timeframe. The person who solemnises the marriage must sign a certificate of marriage and return it, along with the completed marriage license, to the county clerk who issued the license. This step must be completed within 30 days of solemnising the marriage.

By following these steps and adhering to the local requirements, you can ensure that the wedding is legally recognised in Washington County, Utah.

Where to obtain a marriage license in Washington County, Utah

To obtain a marriage license in Washington County, Utah, you must visit the Washington County Clerk's Office in person. The address is 111 East Tabernacle St. George, Utah 84770, and the office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note that you must be seated with a Deputy Clerk no later than 4:00 p.m. for your license to be processed the same day.

Both parties must appear at the County Clerk's Office with proof of age, proper identification, and the $50.00 license fee. This fee is non-refundable and includes one certified copy. Debit and credit card transactions incur a 2.5% transaction fee with a minimum charge of $1.50.

The marriage license is effective immediately and must be used within 32 days from the date of purchase. No refunds or extensions can be granted. A license issued in Washington County is valid in any county in the state of Utah.

If either party is a minor (16 or 17 years old), they must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian must provide sworn consent in person at the time of application and present proper identification. If the minor's parents are divorced, consent must be given by the parent with legal custody or, if joint custody is in place, the parent with physical custody the majority of the time. If the minor is not in the custody of a parent, the legal guardian must provide consent and proof of guardianship by court order, along with an oath of affirmation. A certified birth certificate of the minor must also be provided. Once all the necessary documentation has been submitted, the Petition for Authorization to Marry and Court Order forms must be submitted to the 5th District Juvenile Court for approval. After the Court Order has been signed by a juvenile judge, bring the paperwork back to the Clerk's Office to obtain the marriage license.

Frequently asked questions