{"id":33947,"name":"Louisville","state_id":24,"county_id":1418,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:41:47.523-07:00","updated_at":"2026-10-02T12:38:12.006-07:00","meta_description":"learn how to legally perform weddings in Louisville KY as an AMM Minister ","head_tag":"A guide for officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Derby City","tagline":"Derby City Wedding Time","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eThese days, Kentucky is known as the birthplace of Bourbon and the international fried poultry sensation KFC, but there\u0026rsquo;s more to this quiet corner of the Southern Midwest than its iconic culinary innovations \u0026mdash; the culture and history of this state is steeped thicker than a glass of your Southern grandma\u0026rsquo;s sweet tea. It\u0026rsquo;s the birthplace of Bluegrass music (so you can thank Kentucky for your folksy hipster summer Spotify playlist), the oldest horse race is the country, and everyone\u0026rsquo;s favorite A-list actor, Johnny Depp.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile many think of Kentucky as a conservative state, it\u0026rsquo;s largest city, Louisville is a multicultural oasis, with amenities like museums, universities and a diverse array of restaurants, with the benefit of having the quaint feel of a small Southern town. So whether you\u0026rsquo;re from the area or you\u0026rsquo;re marrying a Kentuckian, we think it\u0026rsquo;s the perfect spot to kick off a lifetime of marital bliss.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere at AMM, it\u0026rsquo;s our job to help you take care of the logistics of your marriage ceremony, \u0026nbsp;like getting your officiant of choice licensed and obtaining your marriage license, so you can focus on planning a good old fashioned (or new fashioned) Kentucky wedding your guests will never forget. Without further ado, let\u0026rsquo;s get started.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the legal basics: who can officiate a wedding in Kentucky? In addition to various judges and justices, Kentucky allows all ministers, including \u003cstrong\u003eonline ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries\u003c/strong\u003e, to perform weddings there\u0026nbsp;(\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/kentucky/217\"\u003eKentucky Revised Statutes \u0026sect; 402.050\u003c/a\u003e).\u0026nbsp;Getting ordained online with AMM is free and only takes a minute. Click the link below to begin.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/weddings-by-state/kentucky/get-ordained\"\u003eGET ORDAINED IN KENTUCKY\u0026nbsp;\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/bodas-por-estado/kentucky/ser-ordenado\"\u003eC\u0026Oacute;MO ORDENARTE EN KENTUCKY\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMinister registration is not required to perform weddings in Arizona, which means that once you\u0026rsquo;re ordained, you are legally allowed to officiate throughout the state! No additional paperwork is needed.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, we recommend that all new ministers \u003cstrong\u003eorder a copy of their ministry credentials\u003c/strong\u003e to keep in their personal records. These documents demonstrate your standing as an ordained minister with American Marriage Ministries. You may wish to \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/custom-wood-certificate-frame\"\u003eframe and display them\u003c/a\u003e in your office, or provide them to your wedding couple and Fayette County officials as proof of your authority to solemnize marriage in the state.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store#credentials\"\u003eORDER YOUR MINISTER CREDENTIALS\u0026nbsp;\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003ePURCHASE THE\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/minister-ordination-package\"\u003e AMM\u0026nbsp;MINISTER ORDINATION PACKAGE\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eCOMPRE EL \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/minister-ordination-package-en-espanol\"\u003ePAQUETE DE ORDENACI\u0026Oacute;N MINISTERIAL DE LA AMM (EN ESPA\u0026Ntilde;OL)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Jefferson County\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that we\u0026#39;ve covered how to become a wedding officiant, let\u0026#39;s talk about how to prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. This is the fun part!\u0026nbsp;And while being asked to officiate a ceremony is an honor, it does require\u0026nbsp;some special preparation. We strongly recommend that you start with our wedding officiant training pages to get a good idea of your role (and what a wedding officiant actually does on the wedding day): \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003eAMM Wedding Officiant Training\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThen, dig into our comprehensive collection of resources linked below to write a personalized wedding ceremony script, collaborate with the couple, and practice your public speaking skills:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/2897-the-ultimate-guide-for-first-time-wedding-officiants-all-our-best-resources-in-o\"\u003eThe Ultimate Guide for First-Time Wedding Officiants: All Our Best Resources in One Place!\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/ceremony-scripts\"\u003eAMM\u0026#39;s Wedding Ceremony Script Library\u003c/a\u003e (Hundreds of free sample wedding officiant scripts)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003eWedding Officiant Training\u003c/a\u003e (Online\u0026nbsp;training guides)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/blog\"\u003eAMM\u0026#39;s American Weddings Blog\u003c/a\u003e (Thousands of articles on officiating, wedding planning, and more)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/2848-the-ultimate-guide-to-wedding-unity-ceremony-ideas-all-in-one-resource\"\u003eThe Ultimate Guide to Wedding Unity Ceremony Ideas: All-In-One Resource\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/asked-to-officiate\"\u003eAsked To Officiate: Your Complete Guide to a Perfect Ceremony \u003c/a\u003e(Wedding officiant guide book)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/the-book-of-wedding-vows-and-ceremonies\"\u003eThe Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies\u003c/a\u003e (Printed collection of ceremony scripts).\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn the day of the wedding, it\u0026rsquo;s the officiant\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to guide the couple through their wedding ceremony and then complete the marriage license along with two adult witnesses. The completed marriage license must be returned to the office where it was issued within 30 days of the wedding.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003eBefore the wedding: Confirm the KY marriage license is valid\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBefore the wedding begins, confirm that the couple has their marriage license with them at the ceremony, and that the marriage license is valid. You must check that the names printed on the marriage license match the couple\u0026rsquo;s IDs, and that the marriage license has not expired.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003eDuring the wedding: Delivering the wedding officiant script\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the wedding, remember to take your time and enjoy this special moment. We recommend that you print a copy of your wedding script to read from, so that you don\u0026rsquo;t forget any parts of the ceremony. If you make a mistake, smile and keep on going - it\u0026rsquo;s ok! Like most live events, weddings don\u0026rsquo;t always go exactly to plan, but we know you\u0026rsquo;ll do a wonderful job at handling whatever surprises the day brings.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003eAfter the wedding: Fill out the Kentucky\u0026nbsp;marriage license with signatures \u0026amp; details\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs mentioned above, it\u0026rsquo;s your responsibility as the officiant to complete the marriage license, along with two witnesses.\u0026nbsp;You and the witnesses will\u0026nbsp;print and sign your names in the spaces marked.\u0026nbsp;We have two detailed guides to help you complete the marriage license correctly:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training/how-to-fill-out-a-marriage-license\"\u003eHow To Fill Out A Marriage License As An Officiant\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;(General Info)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/2948-how-to-fill-out-a-kentucky-marriage-license-with-samples-faqs\"\u003eHow to Fill out an Kentucky Marriage License with Examples \u0026amp; FAQs\u003c/a\u003e\u0026nbsp;(State-Specific Info)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSTEP 4: Returning a Kentucky Marriage License\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026#39;s Kentucky, the wedding officiant to return the completed marriage license within 30 days of the wedding (\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/kentucky/637\"\u003eKRS \u0026sect; 402.220\u003c/a\u003e). You must return the license to an office in the same county where it was issued, and can return it by\u0026nbsp;mail or in person. According to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/Legal-Records/Marriage-License-Frequently-Asked-Questions\"\u003eJefferson County Clerk Marriage License FAQs\u003c/a\u003e, you can return your marriage license to any of these Jefferson County branch offices:\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDixie Branch\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n4919-F Dixie Highway\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eHours:\u003c/strong\u003e 8:30 to 4:30 T, W, Th, F\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Hours:\u003c/strong\u003e Monday 8:30 to 6:30\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessional License\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n527 West Jefferson St, Room 100A\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nLouisville, KY 40202\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEast Branch\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n12312-A Shelbyville Road\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nMiddletown Plaza\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eHours:\u003c/strong\u003e 8:30 to 4:30 T, W, Th, F\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Hours:\u003c/strong\u003e Monday 8:30 to 6:30\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFairdale Branch\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n10616 Manslick Road\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nFairdale Playtorium\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eHours:\u003c/strong\u003e 8:30 to 4:30 M, W, Th, F\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Hours:\u003c/strong\u003eTuesday 8:30 to 6:30\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighview Branch\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n7813 Beulah Church Road\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nBeulah Church Shopping Center\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eHours:\u003c/strong\u003e 8:30 to 4:30 T, W, Th, F\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Hours:\u003c/strong\u003e Monday 8:30 to 6:30\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJeffersontown Branch\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n10420 Watterson Trail,\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nBremer Ehrler Bldg.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eHours:\u003c/strong\u003e 8:30 to 4:30 M, T, W, F\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Hours:\u003c/strong\u003e Thursday 8:30 to 6:30\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWest Branch\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n228 Amy Avenue\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nFrench Plaza\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eHours:\u003c/strong\u003e 8:30 to 4:30 M, W, Th, F\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Hours:\u003c/strong\u003e Tuesday 8:30 to 6:30\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWestport Plaza Branch\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n9455 Westport Road,\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nWestport Plaza Shopping Center\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eHours:\u003c/strong\u003e 8:30 to 4:30 M, T, Th, F\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Hours:\u003c/strong\u003e Wednesday 8:30 to 6:30\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003ch3\u003eHow to Get a\u0026nbsp;Marriage License in Jefferson County, Kentucky\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow let\u0026rsquo;s turn our attention to the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities. All couples must purchase a KY marriage license to get married in Kentucky, and marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk Office. You can purchase a license from any county clerk, and once issued, your marriage license can be used anywhere in the state.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you apply for a marriage license in Louisville, KY, you and your partner will visit the\u0026nbsp;Jefferson County Clerks Office. You can visit the Professional License Department to purchase your license - located at\u0026nbsp;Metro Hall, 527 W. Jefferson St., Room 100A - or walk into\u0026nbsp;any of the county\u0026#39;s seven branch locations:\u0026nbsp;Dixie Branch, Professional License Office, East Branch,\u0026nbsp;Fairdale Branch, Highview Branch,\u0026nbsp;Jeffersontown Branch, West Branch, or\u0026nbsp;Westport Plaza Branch.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKentucky Marriage License Requirements:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eBoth applicants must appear in person and be 18 years old or older. (Applicants who are 17 years old can get married with special permission, contact the clerk directly with questions.)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eGovernment-issued, original identification is required\u0026nbsp;for both applicants. Clerks recommend bringing\u0026nbsp;multiple pieces of ID if possible. Accepted forms of ID indlude your\u0026nbsp;driver\u0026rsquo;s license, passport, REAL ID, birth certificate, or court papers with name and birthdate.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e$60 (Check, Credit Card, Cash or Money Order)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eThe marriage license can be used anywhere in the Commonwealth of Kentucky\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere\u0026#39;s no marraige waiting period in Kentucky, so you can get married as soon as your marriage license is issued. \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/1262-can-you-get-married-on-the-same-day-you-get-a-marriage-license\"\u003eSame-day weddings\u003c/a\u003e are allowed in Kentucky!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no waiting period after your application is accepted, so you can technically get married the same day that you walk into the county clerk\u0026rsquo;s office to obtain your marriage license.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Basics: Getting Married in Louisville, KY\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen choosing your wedding date, you may want to plan around Louisville\u0026rsquo;s major events, which draw in crowds and hike up hotel prices. At the top of the list is, of course, the Kentucky Derby, which draws in more than 150,000 people the first Saturday of each May. It\u0026rsquo;s best to choose another weekend if you\u0026rsquo;re planning a spring wedding. Besides the Derby, be sure to comb through Louisville\u0026rsquo;s \u003ca href=\"https://www.gotolouisville.com/events-calendar/annual-events/\"\u003eevent pages\u003c/a\u003e to make sure nothing major is happening close to your venue of choice to save your guests from traffic or parking issues.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSpeaking of wedding venues, Louisville, KY has a diverse array of options.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re dreaming of a more classic wedding, you\u0026rsquo;ll love venues like \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/btwnpointe/\"\u003eThe Pointe\u003c/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/crowne-plaza-louisville-louisville-ky-969438\"\u003eCrowne Plaza\u003c/a\u003e. But if you want to mix it up, there are some unique, non-traditional options, as well. For the couple that loves nature, check out the \u003ca href=\"https://www.yewdellgardens.org/weddings-at-yew-dell/\"\u003eYew Dell Botanical Gardens \u003c/a\u003ein Crestwood. Or, if you really want to incorporate the spirit of Louisville, you can tie the knot at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.derbymuseum.org/museum-rental/wedding-packages.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw44jrBRAHEiwAZ9igKDmqQE5UbP_Gf_xJ4-axmmIAhifEmG0ymVSTYqcGiCpfosYg7OHk4BoC9_MQAvD_BwE\"\u003eKentucky Derby Museum\u003c/a\u003e. If it sounds a bit goofy, check out the photos -- they might change your mind.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eTransportation\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eMost Lousvillians drive to get around town, as the city\u0026rsquo;s public transit system is not the best or most reliable. If you or your guests are coming in from out of town and do not have a car, the best option is to rent one or save a little money by using rideshare services, which are available in the area.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWeather\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eKentucky has four distinct seasons: hot, humid summers, moderately cold winters, colorful chilly autumns, and mild springs. Be warned that Kentucky is part of Hoosier Alley and storms are known to occur around April and May, so if you\u0026rsquo;re planning a spring wedding, you are running a risk, but it\u0026rsquo;s a minute one. Locals say that the best time of year to visit Louisville is during the fall when the leaves are changing and the heat of the summer heat has dissipated.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to bring a birth certificate to get a marriage license in Louisville, KY?\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, unless you\u0026rsquo;re under 18 years old. You will need to bring valid ID showing your full name and birthdate, however, such as a Drivers License, passport, state ID card, military ID, etc.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need to bring my divorce decree to get a marriage license in Jefferson County, KY?\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, you don\u0026#39;t need to bring your divorce decree.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003eCan we get married without witnesses in KY?\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNo, you must have at least two people,\u0026nbsp;in addition to yourselves\u0026nbsp;and the person solemnizing your marriage (the wedding officiant), must be present at every marriage ceremony. Your marriage ceremony will not meet the state\u0026#39;s legal requirements without witnesses.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office: \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eVisit any of the county\u0026#39;s 7 branch offices to purchase a marriage license.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary office: \u003c/strong\u003eProfessional Licensing Department at Metro Hall, 527 W. Jefferson St., Room 100A.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $60\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period: \u003c/strong\u003eNone\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 30 Days from Issuance\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e By Officiant, 30 Days from Wedding\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":""}