How to Perform a Wedding in Guam

A simple guide for Guam Wedding Officiants & couples planning a destination wedding

 

Dreaming of travel & a dreamy Guam destination wedding? Want to officiate a Guam wedding ceremony? Learn the requirements for officiating a beautiful island wedding and completing the marriage license! 

 

 

Quick Facts for Guam Wedding Officiants & Couples:

 

• Can AMM Ministers perform marriage in Guam?        

Yes

• Do they need to register first?                                       

Yes

• Do Ministers file/return the license?                             

Yes

• Guam Marriage License waiting period?                                 

5 days*

• Guam Marriage License expiration period?                                            

60 days

• Guam Marriage License return period?                                                  

10 days

 

*In some cases, the waiting period can be waived. Read on to learn more! 

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If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding on the paradise island of Guam, or if you live on the island and want to start performing marriage ceremonies there, you’ll want the facts first! 

 

Here’s a breakdown of what wedding officiants will need to do before and after a Guam wedding ceremony, and how couples can apply for a marriage license. 

 

First thing’s first: AMM ordination is recognized in Guam, and AMM Ministers are authorized to solemnize marriage there.

 

19 G.C.A. § 3204
§ 3204. Who May Solemnize.

 

(3) all ordained clergymen and priests of whatsoever religious faith who are recognized as such by the religious body whose faith they represent”

 

Minister Registration Requirements in Guam: Ministers will need to register with the Division of Public Health’s Office of Vital Statistics ahead of the ceremony, by providing a valid government issued photo ID, such as a state issued driver’s license, and their minister credentials). Ministers are encouraged to contact the office directly to ask if additional documentation is needed. (Email [email protected] at the Office of Vital Statistics.)

 

Before the wedding ceremony, ministers should verify the correctness and validity of the couple’s marriage license. They can ask the couple to swear to its correctness, and review their photo ID. 

 

19 G.C.A. § 3207
§ 3207. Requirements, Solemnizing.

 

The person solemnizing a marriage must first require the presentation of the marriage license, and if he has any reason to doubt the correctness of its statement of facts he must first satisfy himself of its correctness, and for that purpose he may administer oaths and examine the parties and witnesses in like manner as the Director of Administration does before issuing the license.

And lastly, ministers are responsible for returning the license to the Office of Vital Statistics within 10 days after the ceremony, to finalize the marriage. 

 

Read All About the Marriage License on our Officiant Training pages for more details on how to fill out the license.

 

 

About the Guam Marriage License

 

Guam marriage licenses are issued and processed by the Division of Public Health’s Office of Vital Statistics. Couples should bring all the needed paperwork and apply together in person at: 

 

Rancare Commercial Building CBU Box 7
761 S. Marine Corp Drive
Tamuning, GU  96913
(Across Golden Marketing Office Supplies)

There is a 5 day waiting period for the marriage license, and it will cost approximately $30.00.

 

In some cases, an expedited same-day marriage license is available for an additional fee, for a total of $80.00. After paying the waiver fee, the Director of Public Health and Social Services or his delegate may authorize the immediate issuance of a marriage license.

 

Licenses must be used within 60 days, after which they will expire. 

 

The Office of Vital Statistics also offers marriage certificates for $10.00 to commemorate the ceremony.  

 

For more information on the marriage license process in Guam, couples are encouraged to contact Maria Quinata, of the Office of Vital Statistics, directly at [email protected].

 

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More destination wedding ideas & adventure elopement inspiration:
 

• 876 feet in the air: Officiating an adventure wedding on the New River Gorge Bridge

 

• Up, Up, and Away! How Wedding Officiants With Unique Career Paths Create Unique Wedding Ceremonies

 

• Zipping Down the Aisle: Are Zipline Ceremonies the Future of Weddings?

 

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

 

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Get Ordained Online to Become a Wedding Officiant with AMM!

 

Get ordained online free with AMM and learn how to become a wedding officiant for friends and relatives! 

|* custom-button, "https://theamm.org/ordination-application", "ORDAINED MINISTER ONLINE APPLICATION" *|

Why AMM? American Marriage Ministries is an inclusive nondenominational internet church that ordains and trains ministers to officiate marriage ceremonies. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit church, and help people from all backgrounds and beliefs become ordained ministers for weddings. Our online ordination is free, accessible, and never expire.

 

Officiating weddings is an incredible honor, and a great way to show your love and support for the people getting married. As a wedding officiant, you will help to create memorable ceremonies and memories that last a lifetime.

AMM Ministers can legally officiate weddings in every state* (it's much harder in Virginia, where we're looking into our options). After getting ordained with AMM, you might need to register your ordination with your local county clerk’s office. Click the link above to get started! 

 

 

Become an ordained minister online with American Marriage Ministries and officiate wedding for friends and relatives. (Photo: Anchiy / iStock)

 

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