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Billings, Montana Wedding Guide

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

How to Officiate a Wedding in Billings, Montana

If you are getting married or hope to perform a wedding ceremony in southern Montana, then Billings is a spectacular place to do it. Billings sits on the Yellowstone River, which shaped the nearby sandstone cliffs and helped define the city as “Montana’s Trailhead.”

While it is close to iconic western landmarks like the Little Bighorn Battleground and Pompeys Pillar, it is also a bustling city of 100,000 people chock full of shopping, restaurants and bars.




Montana Wedding Tips and Tricks

Become a Wedding Officiant

For The
Wedding Officiant

STEP 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries

 

First up, the ordainment process. Montana law states that in order to officiate a wedding, you must be one of the following:

 

  • a judge of a court of record
  • a public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages
  • a mayor, city judge, or justice of the peace
  • a tribal judge
  • or in accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination, Indian nation or tribe, or native group


The good news is if you get ordained with AMM, you will fall under the last category as a licensed minister. We are the only IRS Certified 501c3 Non-Profit that offers free online ordinations. The process is fast and free. 
 

STEP 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Yellowstone County

 

Once you have the official paperwork wrapped up, it’s time to prepare for the wedding itself. It’s an honor to be asked to officiate, but it can also feel overwhelming. Even if you are a seasoned professional, we recommend you check out our wedding training pages, where you’ll find a library of information to help prepare for your ceremony and ensure that everything goes as planned. 

Here you can find everything from sample wedding ceremony scripts and brainstorming prompts to tips for preparation and more.
 

STEP 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

 

It is actually the couple’s responsibility to obtain and complete the marriage license, but as the officiant, you should make sure it is a valid marriage license before the ceremony. That means checking that the document is still valid, that the names are spelled correctly, and that all the other information is correct.

In Yellowstone County, once you have performed the ceremony and notarized the marriage license, you have successfully performed your duties. The newly-married couple will go from there. Good work!



Montana Wedding

How To Get Married in Billings

For The
Couple

File for the Marriage License from the Yellowstone County Clerk of District Court

 

The fastest and easiest method is to fill out the online application; otherwise, you’ll have to request a paper application at the Clerk’s office. Once you’ve filed your application, you can make an appointment using their online scheduler, or by calling (406) 256-2869. The Clerk’s office is located at 217 N. 27th Street in Room 702. When you go for your appointment, the fee will be $53.00, payable by cash, money order, cashier's check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Both applicants will need to provide: 

 

  • ID’s A driver’s license, state ID, certified birth certificate or passport
  • Place of birth and social security number
  • Father’s first, middle and last name along with current city and state of residence
  • Mother's first, middle and last name along with current city and state of residence
     

The marriage license is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance to the ceremony.

Yellowstone County Marriage License Info

Important Facts to know before filing for a marriage license in Billings, Montana.

Issuance Office: 217 N. 27th Street, Room 702
Fee: $53.00 
Expiration: 180 days
Return: by the couple

Billings Wedding Tips and Tricks

Wedding Venue and Planning Tips

For The Couple
& Officiant

The Basics

 

Everything is within reach around Billings, no matter what style of venue you’re considering. If you’re looking to get the most out of the big skies and beautiful vistas that the countryside offers, you might want to check out Camelot Ranch, with its picturesque riverside setting and rustic barn and cabin accommodations.

On the other hand, if you’re hoping for a more elegant option within the city proper, take a look at DanWalt Gardens, a tranquil garden with a sophisticated indoor pavilion that feels secluded but is close to all the restaurants and nightlife Billings has to offer.

 

Transportation

 

Billings has an airport with car rental kiosks and is also served by buses running within the city operated by Billings Metropolitan Transit. There are several cab services along with the usual ride-share options like Lyft and Uber.




Billings Officiant FAQ

Billings Officiant & Couples FAQ

For The Couple
& Officiant


In Billings, Is there a waiting period after you’ve completed the marriage license before you can use it?

No, there is no waiting period. You can start the wedding right after you obtain the license.

 

How much does a marriage license cost in Billings?

The cost is $53.00.

 

Do both members of the couple need to be present in order to apply for a marriage license in Billings?

Yes. Both members must also present an ID (driver’s license, state ID, certified birth certificate or passport).

OFFICIANT CEREMONY
PREPARATION IN

Montana City Guides

  1. Billings
  2. Missoula

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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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.

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WITH AMM

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