Governor Kathy Hochul just signed legislation to approve a one-day-marriage officiant designation in New York State. Read about the new one-day officiant license, how to apply for designation with the Secretary of State, how long it takes to get approved to officiate, and how one-day authorization compares to online ordination through American Marriage Ministries when legally officiating a wedding in New York State, including NYC.

A sweet memorial ceremony script with sample wording for a bubble release or flower floating ceremony, written by AMM Minister Michelle Rojas. This sample speech is a great eco-friendly alternative to a traditional memorial balloon release, to capture the memory of the deceased and bring friends and family closer together. It includes a simple welcome, a heartfelt eulogy speech, a moment of remembrance, a bubble release / flower floating ceremony, and a sweet conclusion.

Creative vow ideas for your vow renewal ceremony! Choose from 10 vow examples to renew your marriage commitment, celebrate a wedding anniversary, marriage renewal, or second wedding ceremony. Use these sample vows as-is or as inspiration when writing your own vows, whether they be short and sweet, funny, child or family oriented, or romantic and heartfelt. Plus links to free full length vow renewal scripts.

Will lawmakers in South Carolina pass legislation to remove the 24-hour waiting period to marry in the state? Read about proposed changes to the marriage license application process in the state and Senate Bill 283 (SB 0283), prefiled for the 2023-2024 session.

Remember the one with Monica and Chandler’s wedding? Celebrate your marriage with romantic wedding vows inspired by your favorite Friends episode! Plus the full length funny wedding ceremony script, with quotes from Ross and wedding officiant Joey Tribiani to capture that classic 90s style.

Learn how to become a legally ordained minister, from free online ordination to a seminary or Master of Divinity degree (MDiv), in order to perform wedding ceremonies, funerals, baptisms, and other rites. There are many ways to get ordained, which one is right for you?

Will lawmakers in SC amend the state’s marriage license application process to limit legal grounds for divorce? Learn about the proposed Religious Freedom of Marriage Act, House Bill 3488, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Beach, and the impacts it might have on South Carolina marriage laws. (HB 3488, prefiled for the 2023-2024 session)

Are you a wedding content creator, or do you want to become one? Then get ordained online and be ready to officiate a wedding at a moment's notice! Why? Being a prepared backup officiant can help save a couple's day, and add a valuable skill to your resume. Take this advice from veteran wedding professionals and add ordination from AMM to your credentials!

Want to write a creative wedding ceremony script, but aren’t sure what wording to use for the declaration of intent? Let these 6 alternatives inspire you, from funny to formal examples, gender neutral to Spanish / bilingual, and more. The best ways for you and your wedding officiant to say, “Do you?”... “I do!”

We've added a fun new officiant script to AMM's free wedding ceremony scripts library! This script celebrates when 'opposites attract' in love and marriage, by celebrating differences that make you and your partner the perfect match. This outline includes a warm welcome and invocation, declaration of intent, exchange of rings and promises, and a simple pronouncement sealed with a kiss. Original wedding script written by ordained AMM Minister, songwriter, and professional officiant Karen E. Reynolds.

This simple wedding planning checklist and timeline will help you plan an unforgettable celebration, with a focus on the most important part of the day: the wedding ceremony! Includes when and how to choose a wedding officiant, when to apply for a marriage license, when to send out wedding invitations, choose a venue, vendors, and more.

How much does an officiant cost? Learn common rates and fees for different types of officiants and services, including local clergy and professional wedding officiants, and even what to pay a friend you ask to officiate. The price to hire an officiant varies based on type of ceremony, venue, location, travel costs, and if they attend a rehearsal ceremony.

New AMM Survey shows that the majority of wedding ceremonies will include a 'moment of silence,' 'moment of remembrance,' or memorial table with photos to honor deceased loved ones this year. We offer advice for officiants on how to officiate a wedding that includes this meaningful element, as well as links to articles and officiant scripts with examples of wording, when to include it, and creative ideas to help you honor family and friends.

Happy Marriage Equality Day! Celebrating 8 years of marriage equality: On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v Hodges that same-sex couples had a legal, constitutional right to marry, protected by the 14th Amendment, and struck down all remaining state bans that prohibited same-sex marriages. Today, we celebrate this win for love and the LGBTQIA+ community, and take a look at what's next.

It's official: The legal age to marry in Connecticut is 18 years old, effective July 1, 2023. There are no exceptions for minors, making CT the 9th state to fully ban child marriage. The legislation was signed into law by acting Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz on June 23, 2023. Read the amended statute and what AMM Ministers who wish to officiate weddings in Connecticut need to know to solemnize marriage there.

Six of our favorite colorful children’s books about same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ families. These kids books introduce the concepts of same-gender relationships, queer love, and diverse family structures, with a mix of nonfiction, true stories, adorable fiction, and even a modern fairy tale. Featuring Uncle Bobby's Wedding, Worm Loves Worm, Prince and Knight, and more!

Need some inspiration for a nontraditional wedding ceremony? Try one of these 5 unique ideas from Caelynn Miller-Keyes and Dean Unglert intimate and fun fall wedding celebration! Including a pet in the wedding procession, a small guest list, an original approach to the name change, wedding night tattoos, and more!

Creative alternatives to a flower girl, ring boy, or ring bearer for your non-traditional wedding ceremony! Get friends, relatives, and children involved in your marriage celebration with these unique ideas, including 'basket bearers' carrying decorative baskets of herbs and grain, gender neutral flower children, a flower man or flower dude, having your dog, cat, or other pets join in, asking a parent or grandparent to help, and more!

An AMM Minister performs a wedding high above the New River Gorge in an adventure wedding ceremony the couple will never forget. If you’re a new officiant and want to explore destination and adventure weddings, read on for inspiration!

A proposed law in Virginia aims to update marriage laws without addressing current minister discrimination

Meet AMM Minister Amber Olsen, a wedding officiant in North Dakota whose new ceremony planning book gives couples a unique perspective to create a day that reflects their personal love story.