Everything you need to know about getting certified to marry someone

 

 

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The first step to officiate a wedding, even before you start talking about the ceremony, is to make sure you're legally allowed to solemnize weddings in your state. 

 

Everyone has the legal right to perform marriage, but just as with other important life events, the government's found a way to involve itself in the process...

 

To perform a legal wedding as a wedding minister, you need to ensure that you meet your state’s requirements. 

 

 

En español : Cómo Obtener una Certificación para Casar a Alguien: Licencia Ministerial, Certificación y Ordenación explicados
 

 

 

First, you have to get ordained. 

 

You can get ordained online with AMM. Just fill out the application and submit it online. It's simple and free.

 

(We’ll wait for a second while you fill out and submit the form)
 

GET ORDAINED

 

 

 

Second, understand state-specific certification rules.

 

Once your ordination is taken care of and out of the way, the next step is learning whether or not your state requires minister certification and what it entails. 

 

The certification process may seem confusing at first, because different states and municipalities use the terms “certification” and “licensing” interchangeably. But don't worry -- It helps to know these words mean the same thing.

 

Many states do not require ministers to register before performing marriage, but many do -- and the laws regarding how a minister registers vary from state to state. 

 

The most important thing to remember is that certification, or licensing, requirements will depends on where the wedding is taking place, not where you live.

 

 

MINISTER REGISTRATION : WEDDINGS BY STATE

 

 

Currently, there are 15 states require ministers to register before performing a ceremony, listed below. 

 

Remember:

The laws regarding minister registration vary from state to state. And while many states do not require ministers to register before performing marriage, many do. This depends on where the wedding is taking place, not where you live.

 
States where Wedding Officiant Registration is Required*

 

*However, always check with your local county clerk before performing a ceremony, as many county-level offices have their own policies.

 

 

1. Arkansas
2. District of Columbia 
3. Hawaii
4. Louisiana
5. Massachusetts
6. Minnesota
7. Nevada
8. New Hampshire
9. New York
10. Ohio
11. Puerto Rico
12. Vermont
13. Virginia
14. West Virginia
     

 

Again, the most important thing to remember is that Certification, or licensing requirements will depends on where the wedding is taking place, not where you live.

 

Visit Minister Registration : Weddings By State for details on how to get certified by your state or local county government. 

 

 

 

And third, order your minister credentials and documentation.

 

If you're going to officiate a wedding in any of the states mentioned above, you should order your Minister Ordination Package for that state.

 

This package contains everything you need to successfully register, including Government Applications, your Ordination Certificate, and a Letter of Good Standing.

 

 

ORDER YOUR MINISTER ORDINATION PACKAGE 

 

 

If your state is not listed above, it’s still a good idea to make sure you have your ordination credentials on hand, since you are performing a legal function, and proof may be required at a later date. If you'd like to work as a traveling wedding officiant and perform marriages in other states, check their certification rules ahead of time, and read the two articles linked below. 

 

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Next: 

 

Can I Officiate Weddings in Other States?

 

 

 

You might also like: 

 

• A Wedding Officiant's Guide to Performing Destination and Cruise Ship Weddings.

 

Updated April 2022

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Asked to officiate?  

 

You only get one shot to deliver a perfect wedding ceremony.

 

 

There’s no ‘take-two’ when it comes time for a couple to say ‘I do’--  Wedding officiants only get one shot to perform a perfect wedding ceremony. 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL WEDDING OFFICIANT CERTIFICATION COURSE 

 

 

 

 

Give yourself the tools and training you deserve to succeed as a wedding officiant, so that you can stand beside the lucky couple with complete confidence on their big day. 

 

 

LEARN MORE

 

 

 

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Signature Wedding Officiant Package

 

 

AMM’s Signature Wedding Officiant Package gives you the most robust ordination available, combined with a full suite of training and officiating tools, including full accreditation and proof of your ordination, and step-by-step guidance through the process of ceremony creation and how to perform a wedding ceremony. 

 

VISIT OUR STORE 

 

 

 

 

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