Ministry / Ordination Requirements

Becoming an ordained minister does not automatically authorize you to officiate a marriage ceremony. Each organization is different.
Check with your ordination organization to verify that you are specifically qualified to officiate marriages.

The words spoken and the vows taken at the ceremony are in accordance with the religious organization you represent and the couple's personal choice only and have nothing to do with the legalization of the marriage. The pronouncement and the signing of your name on the Marriage License is what declares the marriage legal.

I tell couples there are no "rules" we have to follow in creating their ceremony. They have the freedom to create and personalize the ceremony of their dreams.

State Requirements

Solemnizing a marriage is a legal act that is regulated at the state level. The laws about who can officiate a marriage differ from state to state. To verify your state laws visit www.usmarriagelaws.com.

Some states require that you register with the Marriage License Bureau and receive a license number that you record on the filing copy of the marriage license. Other states only require the minister to be authorized by their ordaining organization to perform marriages with no state recording or registering process.

As long as you are authorized by your ordination, and the couple has a marriage license, you can marry them.

Marriage License

The marriage license is obtained from the License Bureau at the County Courthouse by the couple. Each state has different requirements. To know the Marriage License Requirements in your state visit www.weddingexpress.com. Read the license and follow its instructions for filing. For example, in Pennsylvania the Marriage License comes in three parts:

1. One is the filing copy - must be signed and returned to courthouse.
2. One copy is for the couples' records, completed and signed.
3. One copy is for your records

As you create your wedding business you will want to contact the Marriage License Bureau of your state and ask:

1. What does your state require to solemnize a marriage?
2. Is there a required waiting period from the date of issuance of the license to the day of the wedding ceremony?
3. How many days is the Marriage License valid after the issued date?
4. Are there any restrictions on who can be married?

You can expect to receive questions from the marrying couple as they develop their wedding plans and prepare to get their marriage license: contact the Marriage License Bureau website, www.weddingexpress.com for this information:

1. Is a blood test required?
2. What identification is required to obtain a license? (Usually a driver's license or picture ID is required.)
3. What are the requirements if one or both of the couple is divorced?
4. What is the cost of a marriage license?