How To Perform Weddings As A Licensed Minister

The requirements for ministers to perform wedding ceremonies vary from state to state in the US. In Texas, for example, a licensed or ordained Christian minister or priest can officiate a wedding. In other states, like Alabama, Arizona, and Arkansas, any licensed or ordained minister can perform marriages. While some states require ministers to register with a government office before the ceremony, most states allow ministers to perform marriages as soon as they are ordained. It is important to note that each state has its own laws and regulations regarding who can officiate a wedding, and it is the responsibility of the officiant to be aware of these laws.

State-specific requirements for licensed ministers performing weddings

Alabama

Any licensed minister of the gospel in regular communion with the Christian church or society of which he is a member may perform marriages. Marriages may also be performed by the pastor of any religious society according to the rules of the religious society. Ministers must provide a certificate of the marriage to the judge of probate within one month after the marriage.

Alaska

The minister, priest or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state may perform marriages. Ministers must provide marriage certificates to the newlyweds and report the marriage to the Marriage Commissioner.

Arizona

Any licensed or ordained clergyman may perform marriages. Ministers must record the marriage on the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the Superior Court within 20 days after the marriage.

Arkansas

Any regularly ordained minister or priest of any religious sect or denomination may perform marriages. Ministers must have their ordination credentials filed by the county clerk, who will then issue a certificate to the minister. The marriage license must be completed by the minister and returned to the county clerk within 60 days from the date the license was issued.

California

Any priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination, of the age of 18 years or over may perform marriages. Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the county clerk within 4 days after the marriage.

Colorado

Marriages may be performed by any minister. Ministers must send a marriage certificate to the county clerk.

Connecticut

All ordained or licensed clergymen belonging to this state or any other state may perform marriages as long as they continue in the work of the ministry. Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the city or town clerk.

Delaware

Any ordained minister of the gospel and every minister in charge of a recognized church may perform marriages. Ministers do not need to be licensed to perform marriages, but they must report their name and address to the local registrar in the district in which they live. Ministers must keep the marriage license or a copy for at least one year. Ministers must, within 4 days, complete and return forms required by the State Board of Health to the clerk of the peace.

District of Columbia

Ordained ministers of the gospel may perform marriages. Ministers must complete a marriage certificate for the couple and return another certificate to the clerk of the District of Columbia Court of General Sessions within 10 days after the marriage.

Florida

All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel in communion with some church may perform marriages. Ministers must complete a certificate of marriage on the marriage license and return it to the office from which it was issued

Online ordination and its legal validity

Online ordination is the process by which individuals become ordained via the internet, granting them the authority to carry out ministerial responsibilities, such as presiding over ceremonies. The Universal Life Church Ministries (ULC) is a pioneer of online ordination and has ordained over 20 million people worldwide. This type of ordination is legally recognised across the United States and confers the same rights and privileges as those offered to clergy members from traditional faith organisations.

Ordination is both a legal standing and a rite conferred by a religious organisation on members who meet its requirements. While every faith tradition has a different process surrounding ordination, the end result is the same from a legal standpoint. A person ordained by their religious organisation is considered a "Minister" and is granted the associated authority, including the ability to legally officiate weddings.

There is no legal requirement for what an ordination process must entail. Under the free exercise clause of the U.S. Constitution, religious bodies are free to structure their ordination process without government intrusion or interference. The ULC's online ordination method is a simplified version of other ordination processes, requiring individuals to complete the requirements, submit an application, and get approved.

Legal History of Online Ordination

The legality of online ordination has been questioned and challenged in courts, but it has been affirmed as a viable and wholly legal means of ordaining individuals for ministry service. In 1974, an early iteration of the ULC sued the United States Federal Government when its tax-exempt status was challenged by the Internal Revenue Service. The court ruled in the church's favour, stating that the manner of ordination did not nullify its validity.

In 2001, the state of Utah passed a law barring ministers ordained online or by mail from performing legal marriage ceremonies. The ULC filed a lawsuit, and a U.S. District Court ruled in their favour, declaring such a rule unconstitutional and unenforceable. The ruling affirmed that ordinations issued online are legally no different from those issued by other means.

Where is Online Ordination Legal?

Today, online ordination is recognised as a legitimate avenue to ordination and is legally recognised in almost every U.S. state. However, it's important to note that each state and even county may have its own laws and requirements regarding who can perform weddings. While online ordination is generally accepted, it is essential to check the specific regulations of the state and county where you intend to officiate.

Registering as a wedding officiant

The process of registering as a wedding officiant will vary depending on your location and whether you are performing the ceremony as a religious or non-religious officiant.

Religious officiants

In some states, religious officiants are required to register with the government before performing a marriage. For example, in Nova Scotia, religious officiants must be registered with Vital Statistics to perform a marriage ceremony. They must also submit a Registration of Marriage Form and supporting documents within 48 hours of the marriage ceremony.

The National Association of Christian Ministers provides an overview of the requirements for ministers performing wedding ceremonies in each state. For example, in Alabama, any licensed minister of the gospel in regular communion with the Christian church may perform marriages. They must provide a certificate of marriage to the judge of probate within one month of the marriage. In contrast, in Arkansas, any regularly ordained minister or priest of any religious sect or denomination may perform marriages, but they must first have their ordination credentials filed by the county clerk.

Non-religious officiants

In some states, non-religious officiants, such as judges or justices of the peace, may also be required to register with the government before performing a marriage. For example, in Nova Scotia, judges and justices of the peace must be registered with Vital Statistics to perform a marriage ceremony.

It is important to note that the laws regarding minister registration vary from state to state, and it is the responsibility of the officiant to know the laws that regulate the state (and sometimes county) where they are providing services.

Online resources

Some websites, such as American Marriage Ministries, offer free ordination and resources for wedding officiants. They also provide a list of states that require wedding officiant registration.

The process of officiating a wedding ceremony

Understand the Legal Requirements:

Before officiating a wedding, it is crucial to ensure compliance with legal requirements. The specific rules vary depending on the state and county, so it is essential to review the regulations in the location where the wedding will take place. Some states require ministers to register at the state level, while others leave this process to individual counties. It is the officiant's responsibility to be knowledgeable about the applicable laws.

Get Ordained:

To solemnize a wedding, you usually need to be an ordained minister. You can achieve this by affiliating yourself with a legitimate organization recognized in the state where the wedding will take place. There are many online programs that offer a simple application process for ordination, such as the Universal Life Church. Remember to review the organization's principles and transparency before selecting one that aligns with your values.

Register with the State or Local Government:

In some states or counties, officiants are required to register with a government office before performing marriages. This typically involves submitting credentials and completing necessary applications. It is important to plan ahead and allow extra time for processing the required paperwork.

Meet with the Couple:

Sit down with the couple to understand their vision and expectations for the ceremony. Discuss their overall vision, including religious or secular preferences, and any unique elements they wish to include. This meeting will help you tailor the ceremony to their desires and ensure a memorable experience.

Create a Timeline:

Developing a clear timeline will help you stay organized and ensure that all necessary steps are completed on time. Mark important deadlines, such as when documents need to be submitted, fees paid, and the couple's marriage license turned in.

Write the Ceremony Script:

Start writing the ceremony script by infusing it with sweet stories, jokes, and heartfelt sentiments about the couple. Include the introduction, readings, exchanging of vows and rings, and the pronouncement of marriage. Collaborate with the couple to create a customized script that reflects their personalities and relationship.

Determine Your Attire:

Discuss your attire with the couple to ensure it aligns with the style and formality of the wedding. As the officiant, your appearance should be considered in the context of your role and not just as a wedding guest. Avoid prints and opt for neutral colours to minimize distractions.

Practice Public Speaking:

Take time to practice reading through the script to familiarize yourself with the content and improve your delivery. Make notes, practice pacing, and work on making eye contact with the couple and the audience. This preparation will help you feel more confident and composed during the ceremony.

Connect with the Wedding Planner:

Reach out to the couple's wedding planner or on-site coordinator to discuss your needs, such as equipment requirements and setup. Understanding the ceremony flow, including your entrance and any announcements, is essential for a smooth and well-coordinated event.

Finalize the Ceremony:

Even if you have written the ceremony, it is essential to allow the couple to review and finalize the plan. Encourage them to read through your introduction and any statements about their relationship and the meaning of marriage. Be receptive to their feedback and accommodate any changes they request.

Rehearse the Ceremony:

Participate in the wedding rehearsal to ensure that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities. Go over the logistics, including timing, cues, and the procession. This is also an opportunity to ensure that all necessary elements, such as rings, unity ceremony items, and music, are in place.

Prepare for the Wedding Day:

On the wedding day, arrive early to check in with the couple and ensure that everything is ready. Conduct final checks on music cues, equipment, and the wedding space setup. Make sure you have the ceremony script, the couple's vows, and any other necessary documents with you.

Officiate the Wedding:

When the big day arrives, it's time to put your preparation into action. Guide the couple and their guests through the ceremony with confidence and poise. Remember to bring extra copies of the ceremony script and the couple's vows in case they are needed.

Complete the Marriage License:

After the ceremony, remember to sign the marriage license along with the couple and witnesses, if required. Follow the provided instructions for filing the marriage license with the appropriate authorities to make the marriage official.

Legality of a friend officiating a wedding

Having a friend officiate your wedding is a great way to make your special day more personal and meaningful. While it is possible for a friend to officiate a wedding, there are legal requirements that vary across different states and counties. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process and ensure that your friend can legally officiate your wedding.

Understanding Wedding Officiants:

Only specific individuals are authorized to perform a wedding ceremony and legally bind a marriage. For non-religious ceremonies, this can include justices of the peace, court clerks, judges, and in some states, notaries public. For religious ceremonies, clergy members such as priests, ministers, or rabbis can officiate, but they may need to register with the local county, especially if it is outside their usual jurisdiction.

Online Ordination:

If your friend is not a clergy member or public official, they can explore online ordination options. Many interfaith and non-denominational organizations offer free or paid online ordination services. However, it is important to note that some states do not recognize marriages officiated by ministers ordained online. Therefore, it is crucial to check with the county clerk where the wedding will take place to ensure that online certification is accepted in that jurisdiction.

State and Local Requirements:

Each state has its own laws and requirements for wedding officiants. For example, in California, any "authorized person of any religious denomination" may officiate a wedding, including those with online ordination. On the other hand, states like Ohio require ordination papers from a church recognized in that state. It is essential to research the specific laws and regulations of the state and county where the wedding will take place.

Registration and Licensing:

In some states, officiants may need to register with a government office or obtain a license before performing a wedding. For instance, in Massachusetts, officiants need to apply for a certificate from the state, while in New York, they must register with the city clerk. Check with the relevant authorities to ensure your friend meets all the necessary registration and licensing requirements.

Handling the Marriage License:

It is important to properly handle the marriage license to ensure the legality of the marriage. Determine how soon before the wedding you need to obtain the license and how quickly after the ceremony it must be filed. The county clerk can provide this information. Make sure your friend officiant is aware of these requirements and that the completed license is returned to the appropriate office within the specified timeframe.

Declaration of Intent:

During the wedding ceremony, ensure that it includes a declaration of intent, where the officiant asks the couple, "Do you take so-and-so...?" and each person responds with, "I do." This declaration is a legally required component of the wedding ceremony.

Other Considerations:

When choosing a friend to officiate your wedding, consider their comfort with public speaking. It is important that they feel confident and prepared to preside over the ceremony. Additionally, be sure to set clear expectations and provide them with all the necessary information, such as readings, vows, and music selections.

Frequently asked questions