{"id":25070,"name":"Meridian","state_id":19,"county_id":922,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:39:12.152-07:00","updated_at":"2023-10-14T00:14:41.569-07:00","meta_description":"Learn about officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Meridian, Ada County Idaho. For wedding ceremony planning, wedding license information,  venue and travel information and more","head_tag":"A guide for officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Meridian, Idaho","tagline":"Meet me in the middle...","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eAre you thinking about getting married in Ada County? Or, have you been asked to officiate a wedding of some friends in the area? You\u0026rsquo;ve come to the right place!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re lucky enough to live in beautiful southwestern Idaho, then you already know the area is chock-full of incredible locations to say your \u0026ldquo;I do\u0026rsquo;s\u0026rdquo;, whether you\u0026rsquo;re envisioning intimate barefoot ceremony by the lake, an epic party at the top of a mountain, or an opulent event in one of the area\u0026rsquo;s luxury resorts.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut before you start planning your dream wedding, there are some legal to-do\u0026rsquo;s that both the couple and the officiant need to get on top of, first. We have all the need-to-known info about how to get married in Ada County with the officiant of your choice right here in our guide, plus some tips to make sure your wedding day goes off without a hitch.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s jump into it, starting with getting your officiant ordained!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Ada County Clerk\u0026rsquo;s \u003ca href=\"https://adacounty.id.gov/clerk/license-permits/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewebsite\u003c/a\u003e, \u0026ldquo;an authorized clergy member, judge, or other designated official, like a mayor or the governor\u0026rdquo; can perform wedding ceremonies.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have been asked to perform a friend\u0026rsquo;s wedding but do not fall into any of these categories, no sweat! You can \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003eget ordained with AMM\u003c/a\u003e to become a minister with us! The process is free and takes just a few minutes.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn some states, you are required to register your ministerial credentials, but in Idaho, no registration is required. So, as soon as you have signed up with us, you\u0026rsquo;re legally allowed to perform weddings in the state.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Ada County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that the easy part is out of the way, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, but can feel like a lot of pressure. You will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a library of information to help you prepare for your first ceremony and ensure that it goes smoothly.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts, to brainstorming prompts, tips for preparation, and more.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes time to complete the marriage license, it\u0026rsquo;s the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to obtain it from the Ada County clerk\u0026rsquo;s office, but just be sure to double-check that they have a valid marriage license in their possession before you perform the ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you have performed the ceremony and notarized the marriage license, you have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. The couple will take care of the rest.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003eNow let\u0026#39;s focuse on the couple\u0026#39;s duties.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBefore heading into Ada County clerk\u0026rsquo;s office, the couple will need to first complete the \u003ca href=\"https://apps.adacounty.id.gov/ClerkAuditorRecorder/marriage\"\u003eonline marriage license application\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eScheduling an appointment for your marriage license is not required, but \u003ca href=\"https://dmvscheduling.adacounty.id.gov/qmaticwebbooking/#/\"\u003eonline appointments\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;are prioritized over walk-ins.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you schedule your appointment, make sure you\u0026rsquo;re not late to your time slot, as the office is scheduling appointments with couples every 15 minutes. When you go, just remember to bring:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eGovernment-issued ID card (driver\u0026rsquo;s license or passport)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003ePayment for fee of $30 (cash)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eSocial security number (you don\u0026rsquo;t need the physical card, just the number)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCompleted marriage licenses should be returned to the office using the provided mailing envelope. \u0026nbsp;Normally, you are permitted to deliver it in person, but because of the coronavirus, the office is only accepting them by mail for the foreseeable future.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is technically expiration date of your marriage license in Ada County, but if more than a year goes by and the office hasn\u0026rsquo;t received the notarized marriage license, you will have to contact the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics Office, so just send it in as soon as possible after the wedding so you don\u0026rsquo;t forget.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the office receives and files your marriage license, a certified copy of your marriage license will be mailed to the address on file.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFirst things first! If you\u0026rsquo;re still trying to pointpoint your wedding date, you can start to narrow it down by crossing out the dates of some of the major events, which draw in big crowds throughout the year.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Meridian-Boise area, the Teton Valley Balloon Rally and Snake River Stampede both take place in July. Then comes the Festival at Sandpoint in early August, followed by the Shoshone Bannock Indian Festival the same month. You don\u0026rsquo;t want your guests to experience trouble with traffic and parking if your venue happens to be on the same street as a parade (yikes!) so just peruse some local events calendars before committing to a wedding date or venue.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to picking a venue, you may have some trouble choosing a favorite. Southwestern Idaho is basically a treasure trove of hidden gems -- especially for couples that love the outdoors.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe\u0026nbsp;beautiful\u0026nbsp;Lucky Peak State Park\u0026nbsp;is just 20 minutes from Meridian and a perfect setting for a lowkey ceremony and reception. Its peaceful rolling hills and views of the lake make for a gorgeous backdrop for photos. You do have to obtain a license to have a wedding in the state park, but the fee is only about $50, so if you\u0026rsquo;re on a budget, this option is perfect. Contact the park for more information \u003ca href=\"https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/lucky-peak\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to capture the natural beauty of the Treasure Valley but avoid potential crowds at public parks, check out the historic \u003ca href=\"https://bogusbasin.org/group-dining-and-event-spaces/\"\u003ePioneer Lodge\u003c/a\u003e located at the base of Bogus Basin about an hour outside of Meridian. This barebones venue may be less frilly than other private options but has absolutely epic views of the mountain range and privacy for you and your guests at a very affordable rate. Score!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003ePilgrim Cove is another \u0026ldquo;must\u0026rdquo; to check out in the area. The property recently started offering weddings during peak wedding season, as it is primarily used to host campers. Now, you can rent out the entire camp with room for up to 90 people and invite your guests to stay the entire weekend. Just imagine the memories you\u0026rsquo;ll make here!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThose are some of the more unique wedding spots in the vicinity of Meridian. If you do some googling, you can find some gorgeous traditional wedding venues in and around the Meridian-Boise area, as well. Regardless of your taste, you\u0026rsquo;re sure to find something that will suit your fancy.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re attending a wedding in Meridian and you don\u0026rsquo;t have a car, there are some other options for getting around. The city\u0026rsquo;s \u003ca href=\"https://meridiancity.org/community-development/planning/transportation/public-transportation/\"\u003ewebsite\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;has all the need-to-know info about public transit fares and routes, as well as any service alerts that you\u0026rsquo;ll want to know about. Of course, you can always rely on Lyft and Uber if you don\u0026rsquo;t want to bother with figuring out the public transit or renting a car.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSouthwestern Idaho has a fairly moderate climate and four distinct seasons. It\u0026rsquo;s known for its hot, dry summers, which last from June until August. Temperatures normally climb to the 80s and low 90s. During the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, but average in the 30s and 40s.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMost consider the best time to visit the region to be during the summer and early fall, when you can really enjoy the great outdoors. This is also peak wedding season, so rates can be a bit higher. If you want to try to get the lowest rates from venues and vendors, consider a spring or winter wedding. Otherwise, try to book early because there may be some competition for wedding dates!\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo we need to be residents of Idaho to obtain a marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNope! But you can only use your Idaho marriage license to get married in state lines.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat methods of payment are accepted for the marriage license fee?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ada County clerk\u0026rsquo;s office only accepts cash, but you can hit their ATM machine inside the building if you forget to go to the bank.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo we have to wait before we can use our license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, you may get married the very same day you apply!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen we receive the marriage license, are we married?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo. In Idaho, an authorized clergy member, judge, or other designated official, like a mayor or the governor, must perform a ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e 252 E Front St., Suite 199\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $30\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e None\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e None\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e by Couple\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}