Virtual Wedding Officiants: Legality And Practicality

The short answer is yes, someone can officiate a wedding virtually. However, this depends on the state in which the wedding is taking place and the specific requirements that need to be met. In some states, there is no requirement for the person conducting the wedding to be a minister or state official. In other states, the officiant must be a religious or government official, or someone with a valid online ordination certificate. The specific requirements for each state should be checked before finalizing plans for a virtual wedding officiant.

Who can officiate a wedding virtually?

The short answer is that it depends on where you live. In some states, you don't even need to be a member of the clergy or a state official. You can simply apply for a license, pay a fee, and become a licensed wedding officiant. In other states, you need to be ordained by a religious organization.

Religious Leaders

Priests, ministers, rabbis, and imams can officiate weddings. Some states require that the officiant be a member of the clergy or a state official, so getting ordained online through a religious organization is a popular option. The Universal Life Church (ULC) and American Marriage Ministries (AMM) are two of the most well-known organizations that offer free online ordination. This option usually takes just a few minutes and allows you to perform all kinds of legal ceremonies, including weddings.

Government Officials

Judges and justices of the peace are also authorized to perform wedding ceremonies.

Friends and Family Members

In some states, friends and family members can get ordained online, which will allow them to perform a legally binding ceremony. This is a more budget-friendly option and a great way to personalize the wedding ceremony.

Other Options

Other options for wedding officiants include professional officiants and tribal leaders or shamans.

Things to Keep in Mind

It's important to check the laws in your state or country, as they can vary widely. For example, some states require that officiants register with the government, while others do not. Additionally, there may be age requirements for officiants, and marriage licenses often have validity periods and return deadlines that must be adhered to. Finally, keep in mind that the wedding service is optional—in many places, marriage is a legal contract between two people that simply needs to be signed and witnessed.

What are the legal requirements?

The legal requirements for officiating a wedding are dependent on the location of the wedding ceremony and the couple's place of residence. In the United States, marriage laws and regulations vary from state to state and even county to county. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific laws and requirements of the state and county in which the wedding will take place.

In general, there are two main factors that determine the legality of a marriage: complying with state officiant registration requirements and properly filing for, completing, and returning the marriage license.

State Officiant Registration Requirements

Different states have different requirements for who can legally officiate a wedding. For non-religious ceremonies, civil officiants such as justices of the peace, court clerks, and active or retired judges are typically authorized to perform the marriage. Some states, like South Carolina and Maine, also allow notaries public to officiate weddings. For religious ceremonies, clergy members like priests, ministers, rabbis, or leaders in Native American communities may officiate, though they may need to register with the county, especially if it is outside their usual jurisdiction.

In some states, like California and Massachusetts, any adult can officiate a wedding under specific circumstances. For example, California has a "deputy for a day" program that allows any adult to officiate a civil wedding for one specific couple on a particular day for a small fee. Most states also recognize officiants ordained online by religious groups, such as the Universal Life Church or American Fellowship Church, though a few states do not recognize marriages performed by ministers ordained online.

Marriage License Requirements

The couple is responsible for filing for the marriage license, typically obtained from the County Clerk, and presenting it to the officiant on the wedding day. The officiant and the couple must then complete and sign the marriage license in the presence of any required witnesses, and return it to the issuance office, either in person or by mail, depending on the state's requirements. The marriage license must be properly completed and returned for the marriage to be legally binding.

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining a marriage license may vary depending on the state and county. For example, some states may have specific requirements regarding proof of identity, witnesses, parental information, or previous marriages. There may also be a time limit on how long a couple can hold onto a marriage license before the wedding, which can range from 35 to 90 days. Therefore, it is crucial to check the specific laws and requirements of the relevant state and county.

Virtual Weddings

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states made special dispensations to allow virtual weddings via video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Skype. However, these dispensations may have expired, and the requirements for virtual weddings may have changed. As of June 2021, some states, like Florida, did not consider virtual weddings legal if the officiant was not physically present with the couple. Therefore, it is essential to check the current laws and requirements of the specific state and county to ensure that a virtual wedding will be legally recognized.

How do you get ordained online?

The process of getting ordained online is often straightforward and quick. It usually involves the following steps:

• Checking if online ordination is allowed in your state or country, and finding out about any additional requirements.
• Choosing an organisation to get ordained through. There are a variety of options, including the Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries, and the Church of the Open Road.
• Applying for ordination, which is often as simple as filling out a form with your name, email, and address.
• Receiving your documents. Some states may require physical proof of ordination, while others don't. Most organisations will either send you a digital certificate for free or allow you to purchase physical documents and additional credentials if necessary.
• Registering as an ordained officiant with the state, if necessary.

The exact process and requirements will vary depending on your location and the organisation you choose, so it's important to check the specific rules that apply to you.

A note on fees

Many organisations offer free online ordination, while others charge a small fee. If your state or country requires officiants to have additional credentials, such as a letter of good standing or a minister license, these may be available as add-ons for an additional cost.

A note on timing

The time it takes to get ordained online will depend on the organisation you choose. Some will provide immediate approval and send your credentials by email, while others may require approval that can take a couple of weeks.

A note on age requirements

In most places, you must be 18 to legally officiate a wedding, but some places, like Minnesota, require officiants to be over the age of 21.

What documents do you need?

The documents required to officiate a wedding virtually vary depending on the state and county. Here is a general overview of the documents you may need:

• Proof of identity: Typically, a driver's license or passport is required.
• Witness: Not all states require a witness to be present, but it is always a good idea to have at least one witness present during the ceremony.
• Parental information: This includes the full names, dates of birth, birth state, and dates of passing (if applicable) of the couple's parents.
• Certificate of previous divorce or partner death: If either member of the couple has been previously married, a certificate of divorce or partner death may be required.
• Presence of a parent if under 18: If either member of the couple is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present during the ceremony.
• Marriage license fee: There is usually a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license, which varies by state and county.
• Officiant signature: In some states, the officiant's signature is required on the marriage license. This may need to be done in person, while other states allow the document to be mailed back and forth.
• Additional state-specific requirements: For example, New York allows residents to obtain marriage licenses virtually through Project Cupid, while California's requirements vary by county.

It is important to note that the requirements for virtual weddings may have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic, so it is always best to check with the relevant state and county authorities to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some states may have specific requirements for officiants, such as ordination or registration. Therefore, it is essential to research the laws of the state and county where the wedding will take place to ensure you have all the necessary documents.

What are the next steps?

Now that you know that it is possible to officiate a wedding virtually, here are the next steps to make it happen:

Check your State Laws:

The first step is to check the laws of your state. While some states, such as Texas, allow anyone to officiate a wedding as long as the couple believes that the person has the ability to do so, other states have stricter rules. For example, in Nevada, it is difficult to get ordained online, while in Colorado, it is very easy. Additionally, some states require the officiant to register with the government, such as in Massachusetts, while others do not, like in Wyoming.

Choose an Organization for your Ordination:

There are a variety of organizations that can ordain you online, such as the Universal Life Church and American Marriage Ministries. It is important to choose an organization that aligns with your beliefs. Some organizations may require a small fee for their services, while others are completely free.

Apply for your Ordination:

The next step is to apply for your ordination by filling out an application form. This usually requires basic information such as your name, email, and address. Some organizations may also ask for details about your intentions and beliefs. The approval process can take a couple of weeks, so if you are in a time crunch, look for organizations that offer immediate approval.

Receive your Documents:

Once you are approved, you will receive your ordination documents. These may be sent digitally or physically, depending on the organization and your state's requirements. Some states may require physical proof of your ordination, so be sure to check beforehand. You may also need to purchase additional credentials, such as a letter of good standing or a minister license.

Register with the State (if required):

If your state requires officiants to register with the government, you will need to submit your documents and wait for approval. This process can take anywhere from 7 to 30 days, depending on the state.

Understand the Marriage License Requirements:

As an officiant, it is important to understand the marriage license requirements in your state. Marriage licenses are typically obtained from a government office, such as the courthouse or the county clerk's office. There may be a waiting period between when the couple files for the license and when they can have their ceremony. The signed license must then be returned to the issuing office by the expiration date.

Prepare for the Ceremony:

Before the ceremony, take the time to write a personalized ceremony that reflects the couple's story and includes any special touches they may want. Practice the ceremony out loud to build your confidence and edit your script as needed.

Officiate the Wedding:

On the day of the wedding, remember to begin the ceremony by inviting the guests to be seated. During the couple's vows, step to the side to allow for a more intimate moment and better photos. Finally, sign the marriage license along with the couple and witnesses, if required, and return it to the issuing office.

Frequently asked questions