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Fresno, California Wedding Guide

Become a Wedding Officiant in Fresno as an AMM Ordained Minister. Learn more about getting ordained in California, officiant training, wedding ceremony planning, and more.

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How to Officiate a Wedding in Fresno, California

If you’re thinking about a California wedding, you might want to consider the city of Fresno. For such a modern state, it’s rich with history and culture. The city is also peppered with gardens that bloom throughout the year, making it a great “off season” spot.

 
On this page, we provide the information you’ll need to get ordained, get your marriage license, and other tips to help you all the way from the proposal to the promises. Let’s tackle the bureaucracy now, so that you can focus on the fun stuff like what flavor of cake you’ll be serving...




California Wedding Tips and Tricks

Become a Wedding Officiant

For The
Wedding Officiant

Step 1: Get Ordained with the American Marriage Ministries 

 

According to California marriage law, the following individuals are allowed to officiate a marriage ceremony within the state:

 

 

  • A person over 18 of any religious denomination, such as a rabbi, priest, etc. 
  • Judge, retired or actively serving
  • Justice of the peace
  • Commissioner of civil marriages
  • A member of congress
  • A city clerk 

 
Not on this list? No worries, we’ve got you covered. You can get ordained in just a few minutes, for free right here on this website and you'll be an ordained minister of American Marriage Ministries.
 

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Fresno County

 

Once you’re legally ordained, it’s time to prepare for the ceremony.  If you have been asked to do this by the bride and groom, we offer a list of great training tools on our website that will have you confident that you can perform a memorable ceremony. 

 

The most important piece of advice we can impart at this point is -- start early. Our bestselling book Asked to Officiate holds your hand every step of the way, starting with an important meeting with the couple to discuss what sort of ceremony they want, to rehearsing and delivering the final version on the big day.

 

Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

 

On the wedding day, your responsibilities include managing the ceremony, and ensuring that the wedding is carried out in a legally binding manner. That means checking to see that the marriage license is accurate and has not expired. Once you sign the document, your job is done, and the couple is legally married. 



California Wedding

How To Get Married in Fresno

For The
Couple

The couple is responsible for registering and obtaining a marriage license before the ceremony. 

 

The couple must both be there in person to register for a marriage license at the county clerk's office located at 2281 Tulare Street. 

 

Remember to bring these documents with you during the registration process:

 

  • Photo identification 
  • Parents full names 
  • Fees: Public Marriage License: $58, Confidential Marriage License: $69, Civil Ceremony Fee: $21

Fresno County Marriage License Info

Important Facts to know before filing for a marriage license in Fresno, California.

Issuance Office: 2281 Tulare Street
Fee: $58, $69, $21
Return: by Couple

Fresno Wedding Tips and Tricks

Wedding Venue and Planning Tips

For The Couple
& Officiant

The Basics

 

Couples planning a wedding in Fresno will want to check the city’s calendar of events , as there is always something exciting happening. The problem is, some of the bigger events might drive hotel prices. Outside markets, garden tours, and outside theaters or festivals can cause some roadways to be shut down during the weekend you have planned. Basically, plan ahead...

 

Your choice of venues is pretty extensive, so it shouldn’t be hard to find something that works. Holland Park West is a scenic, outdoor space that offers a lot to the couple that want to enjoy fresh air and good times. The Grand 1401 is just as the name implies, grand. It is a luxury destination that many choose for their wedding because of the lavish appeal that it offers.

 

Weather

 

California has some of the calmest, most beautiful weather in the country, which makes having a wedding in this state, especially the city of Fresno a great choice. You’ll find that many of the outdoor venues have shady areas, and are well suited for the hotter days. 

 

Transportation

 

California is a pretty car-centric state still, so there’s always the option of renting for out of town guests, since rideshares can get pretty expensive. There is also public transport.




Fresno Officiant FAQ

Fresno Officiant & Couples FAQ

For The Couple
& Officiant


Do I have to pay a fee to obtain a marriage license?

There are a number of fees associated with a marriage license. The prices can range between - $58, $69, $21.
 

Do I have to use the civil office to become married?

The $21 fee is for those that wish to get married in the office by the clerk. This is not a required fee or process. 
 

Does my identification have to have a photo on it?

Yes, it is important that your identification has your photo, but also your date of birth on it for verification purposes.

OFFICIANT CEREMONY
PREPARATION IN

Professional Wedding Officiant Certification Course

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Will You Marry Us? Gift Package

Who Will Officiate Your Wedding?

Choose Your Officiant with our "Will You Marry Us?" Gift Package.

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Our premiere package contains everyting you need to officiate like a pro.

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

It's finally here! Timeless scripts and heartfelt vow inspiration to bring life to your ceremony.

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Checkout the AMM Blog

Stay up-to-date with the latest wedding industry trends.

Read our sample wedding ceremony scripts online

Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts

Need inspiration? Check out our free ceremony scripts!

Wedding Officiant Training

Wedding Officiant Training

Everything you need to know to officiate.

Take Our Quiz

Test your understanding of California Marriage Laws.

GET ORDAINED
WITH AMM

Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!