Lawmakers in Tennessee introduced legislation that would create an alternate form of marriage restricted to ‘one man and one woman’ and eliminate the minimum age to marry. The bills have drawn criticism from marriage equality advocates and those opposed to child marriage. (SB 562, HB 233)

Learn the symbolism and meaning that have made the wedding bouquet toss one of the most popular wedding traditions for centuries, including the custom's English and Pagan roots, how to add tossing a bouquet to your big day, and how to avoid flower-filled mistakes and mishaps!

One-day marriage officiant designation is one step closer in New York as Senate Bill 729A heads back to the Assembly for review. (NY Senate Bill S739A, previous S3652) (SB 739/ AB 6300)

AMM Minister and wedding officiant Sam Heath describes his work with engaged couples as a premarital and relationship coach in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. His ‘Duet Sessions’ prepare partners for a happy and loving marriage by discussing tips for good communication and ways to increase connection, trust, and understanding.

Indiana Senator Mike Braun says Supreme Court should not have voted down interracial marriage bans in Loving v Virginia, in a stark reminder that the fight for marriage equality continues.

A step-by-step guide to getting married in Iowa - from finding an officiant and choosing a wedding venue, to how to apply for, complete, and return your Iowa marriage license.

Pagan wedding ceremony ideas: A list of Pagan gods / goddesses and common offerings to use during the marriage ritual, including candle lighting, herbs, wine, and ceremonial fire. This custom is part of traditional and modern Pagan weddings, including in Wiccan, Druid, Asatru and other Earth centered religions, to ask for blessings and protection, and to honor gods, spirits, and ancestors.

American Marriage Ministries welcomes ordained minister number 900,000! We’re committed to providing legal ordination online and minister credentials valid and recognized in every US state and territory, along with wedding officiant training tools, sample wedding ceremony scripts, and wedding planning articles.

How to tie a handfasting cord during a wedding ceremony: 3 simple handfasting knot examples for the handfasting officiant, engaged couple, or family members!

Prepare for your handfasting ceremony and wedding day with American Marriage Ministries’ handfasting quiz! Plus links to our most popular handfasting articles and ceremony scripts.

A step-by-step guide to getting married in Idaho - from finding a wedding officiant and choosing a wedding venue, to how to apply for, complete, and return your Idaho marriage license.

Tips for new or first time wedding officiant: Ask to review a couple’s written wedding vows before the ceremony to ensure compatible length and tone. This is especially helpful when a couple is keeping their vows a surprise, and helps avoid wedding day disasters and an awkward exchange of vows.

A look at the most popular wedding articles published on the AMM American Weddings blog this year! From current wedding trends, to creative and simple ways to personalize a wedding ceremony, to how to get married without a ceremony at all. Plus advice for wedding officiants and couples, wedding readings, and ideas on how to perform other rites like funerals and baby blessings.

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.

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.

Three tips for wedding officiants asked to officiate a secret wedding or elopement ceremony, including confirming your couple's identity and the details on their marriage license, choosing a private location, and more!

¿Va a casarse, pero no está seguro de quién puede oficiar su boda si no es en el juzgado o en una Iglesia? ¿Quién oficia una boda si es en casa, en un parque público o en un lugar privado? Descubra cuáles son sus opciones a la hora de elegir un oficiante para su boda: incluyendo contratar a un profesional o preguntarle a un amigo o familiar que se ordene para casarlo.

Asked to officiate a friend's wedding ceremony? Learn how to get ordained online and officiate a wedding for friends or relatives, including ordination, minister certification and registration, the basic outline and parts of a wedding, what to say, and your responsibility to sign and return the marriage license.

Want to try something new? Read how one Pennsylvania couple ziplined into their wedding ceremony and created a unique wedding ceremony.

Online ordination allows non traditional couples to find ministers that wont discriminate against them but some lawmakers are trying to change that

It's important to stay connected to AMM's community through the wedding ceremony planning process, and how to register as an officiant in New York City