American Weddings Blog

Folks looking to officiate weddings in New Hampshire might be able to sign up for a special marriage officiant license -- if legislation introduced for the state’s 2020 legislative session passes. The proposed license would “temporarily authorize an individual to solemnize a marriage.” 

Each limited-use license would authorize someone to solemnize the civil marriage designated on the registration form, and provide the officiant with proof of such authority from the secretary of state. 

New Hampshire allows ordained ministers and judges to officiate weddings. But for folks that don’t want to get ordained online by organizations like American Marriage Ministries (we’re are all about options here), this new license would open up the space to officiate weddings. ...(continued)

Here at American Marriage Ministries, we are frequently asked questions regarding timelines of ordination and performing marriage.

Like, How long does it take to get ordained? How long will it take to complete officiant registration in New York City? When will my paperwork and credentials arrive? When should I meet with the couple? When should I start practicing and rehearsing the ceremony? (Hint: Several of these are answered in our FAQs.)

We realize that many folks are asked to officiate at the last minute (which is totally awesome/fine, and we're still here to help you in a time crunch!) - but in order to deliver the best ceremony possible, this is what an ideal officiant timeline should look like:

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If you’ve just gotten ordained with us, your Minister Ordination Package will get you squared away and ready to perform marriage in no time! Along with a copy of your official Minister Ordination Certificate, this package contains everything you need to get on your way to legally performing a wedding ceremony. Included in your AMM Minister Ordination Package is:

● (1) Ordination Certificate
● (1) AMM Minister's Manual
● (1) Letter of Good Standing
● (1) Certificate Holder
● Minister Registration Instructions (where applicable)
● Minister Registration Application Materials (where applicable)

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Hey Couples: whether you are hiring a professional officiant, or asking a friend or family member to officiate your wedding, regular communication is critical. Your officiant’s job is to lead the ceremony, and the better you communicate with him or her, the more powerful and memorable your ceremony will be!

In practical terms, this means that a certain amount of communication between the couple and the officiant should be scheduled right from the beginning. Regardless of who you pick, make sure they are committed to regular communication. Make sure they understand their role -- which is helping to translate your vision into words. 

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Hi Raquel! Tell us about yourself:

I live in Queens, New York, with my wife. I'm an office manager for a private investigation firm and I also run my own handmade business, Máquina 37. My company is named after my 1937 singer sewing machine, which I use to make custom look-alike cloth dolls and other sewn products.

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