{"id":32468,"name":"Missoula","state_id":35,"county_id":1848,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:41:22.973-07:00","updated_at":"2023-10-23T06:34:24.091-07:00","meta_description":"Learn how to perform wedding ceremonies in Missoula as an AMM minister","head_tag":"Learn how to perform wedding ceremonies in Missoula","tagline":"Big Sky Weddings","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s no wonder that so many couples choose Missoula as the location for their wedding. Big Sky Country is one of the most stunning states in the nation, home to Yellowstone National Park and more species of mammals than any other state. But its urban epicenter, Missoula, also has a lot to offer from a more cosmopolitan standpoint. You\u0026rsquo;re sure to find the perfect venue in the city\u0026rsquo;s diverse range of luxurious and rustic accommodations.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe\u0026rsquo;re excited you\u0026rsquo;ve chosen to have a friend or family member perform your wedding ceremony, and we\u0026rsquo;re here to help. First, let\u0026rsquo;s get the logistics of your special day in motion, so you can start planning a honeymoon getaway in a cozy Montana cabin on the lake. (Just remember to read up on bear etiquette first.)\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\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the ordainment process. According to Montana\u0026rsquo;s state website, the following persons may perform wedding ceremonies:\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\u003eA judge of a court of record\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eA public official whose powers include solemnization of marriages\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eA mayor, city judge, or justice of the peace\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eA tribal judge, or in accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination, Indian nation or tribe, or native group.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nIf you do not fall into any of these categories, no sweat. You can \u003ca href=\"/ordination-application\"\u003eget ordained with AMM\u003c/a\u003e to fall within the priest or minister category. 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\u003eMissoula County may ask you to present documentation, which AMM provides for a fee.\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 Missoula 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. If you\u0026rsquo;re stumped on what to do to prepare, you will appreciate our wedding training pages, which are a great source of information to help you ace your first ceremony.\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\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nSTEP 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 sign the marriage license, it\u0026rsquo;s the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to obtain and complete the marriage license. Just double check that they have a valid marriage license before the ceremony.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Missoula, once you have performed the ceremony and notarized the marriage license, you\u0026rsquo;ve done your part. The couple will take care of the rest, so you can put your feet up and crack open a refreshing Montucky Coldsnack.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003ch3\u003eFile for the Marriage License from the Missoula County Clerk\u0026#39;s Office\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou can start by filling out a marriage application \u003ca href=\"https://webapps.missoulacounty.us/marriageapplication/index.php\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e. Once completed, both members of the couple must appear in the Clerk of Court office at 200 W Broadway to sign the marriage application and pay the fee of $53 with cash, Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Note that no checks are accepted.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen you go, just remember to bring:\u003c/strong\u003e\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\u003eState issued ID (i.e., driver\u0026#39;s license or certified copy of a birth certificate or passport)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eBirth city, county, state, or country of both applicants\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eFather\u0026#39;s first, middle, and last name along with current city and state of residence\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eMother\u0026#39;s first, middle, and last name along with current city and state of residence\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eState or foreign country where parents were born\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\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\u003eThere is no shortage of different styles of wedding venues in Missoula.\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/cheff-ranch-charlo-mt-2057266\"\u003eCheff Ranch\u003c/a\u003e offers an open air, country-style wedding venue that has a lot of options for beautiful wedding photos with a variety of backgrounds to choose from.\u0026nbsp;You should also consider the \u003ca href=\"https://missoulawineryandeventcenter.com/\"\u003eMissoula Winery and Event Center \u003c/a\u003ewhich offers sweeping green views and of course, delicious wine, that will provide the ingredients for the romantic wedding of your dreams. But if you really want to capture the Montana spirit, there are a number of lodges available that will give your event that rustic aesthetic.\u0026nbsp;\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\u003eBe warned that winter snowstorms can sometimes cause transportation problems in Missoula in the winter. If you\u0026rsquo;re from out of state, driving in these conditions could present problems. However, the city is pretty well equipped for these circumstances. You\u0026rsquo;ll be able to rely on Lyft and Uber pretty much year-round, and public transportation within the city limits is decent.\u0026nbsp;\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\u003eMontana is known for its cold and snowy winters, but Missoula\u0026rsquo;s are usually milder than the rest of the state due to its location to the west of the Rockies. Summers are sunny and dry, and spring and autumn are fairly brief. July and August are regarded as the best months to visit, as the temperatures are nice and warm and the tourism is moderate, so your best bet is a summer wedding.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if I\u0026#39;m unavailable to apply for a marriage license in person?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Montana, if you cannot apply for a marriage license in person, you can have your co-applicant or a legal rep act as your proxy.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eAre witnesses required at my ceremony?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Two witnesses must be present at the marriage ceremony to sign the marriage license.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office: \u003c/strong\u003e200 W Broadway\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $53\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period: \u003c/strong\u003eNone\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration: \u003c/strong\u003e180 days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn: \u003c/strong\u003eby 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":""}