How to Officiate a Wedding in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa is exactly what you expect for a city that abuts the foothills of the Ozark mountains, on the Arkansas River. This midwest metropolis is famous for its art deco buildings and midwestern hospitality. Its well-earned nickname “Oil Capital of the World” gave rise to a generation of buildings that capture design styles throughout the 20th century. 

With temperate weather year round, Tulsa is a great place to visit and is highly ranked as one of the best cities in the US. Tulsa has grown a lot since its early days in the beginning of the 20th century and we think its a fabulous destination to hold your wedding celebration.

You already know what a great city Tulsa is, and you’re really just here to learn about officiating weddings, or planning your wedding. So, we’ll jump right into the nuts-and-bolts of getting ordained, getting the paperwork squared away, planning your ceremony, and finally having that awesome ceremony when the big day arrives!

Step 1: Get Ordained with American Marriage Ministries

Per the Tulsa County Clerk’s website, wedding officiants need to be ordained through a religious organization. If you are not yet a clergy member or affiliated with a religious organization, you are in luck. You can get ordained with AMM -- the process is free and will take just a few minutes. Our doors are open to everyone of every religious background. Get that box checked, and then we’ll get to the good stuff.

Step 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Tulsa County

Now that you’ve got your credentials taken care of, we can help you prepare for the wedding ceremony itself. Being asked to officiate a ceremony is a true honor, but requires a bit of preparation. 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. 

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

Step 3: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License

When it comes time to sign the marriage license, the couple has the responsibility to obtain their marriage license. That said, double-check that they have a valid marriage license before the ceremony and that all the names and other details are correct.

Once you have performed the ceremony and signed the marriage license, you have successfully performed all of your functions as the wedding officiant. As the officiant, it is your duty to return the completed marriage license to the Tulsa County Clerk’s office by mail, and within 30 days of the ceremony. The marriage license you get from the couple should include a return envelope, otherwise, mail it back to the address listed below.

To get your marriage license, both members of the couple will need to visit the Tulsa County Clerk’s office at:

Tulsa County Courthouse
500 South Denver Avenue
Tulsa, Oklahoma

If you or your partner live in Oklahoma, you can apply in one of the counties where either or both of you live. If you obtain a marriage license in Tulsa County you can perform the wedding anywhere in Oklahoma.

When you go, remember to bring the following:

• $50 cash
• Photo ID
• Social Security Number

Once you’ve completed your marriage application and obtained your license you have 30 days to conduct the ceremony and return the completed form. We recommend that you return the completed marriage license at the first available opportunity, so that the marriage can be entered into the state’s records and the process finalized.

The Basics

Tulsa has a vibrant arts community and a fine arts museum that ranks in the top 50 in the US. Tulsa is the cultural and arts capital of the State of Oklahoma and is home to art museums, professional opera and ballet companies, and one of the nation's biggest concentrations of art deco architecture. Tulsa is known nationally for its barbecue joints, and southern cuisine, and sure to satisfy the foodies in your wedding party.

Just check the city’s event pages before you pick your wedding date. There are lots of activities in Tulsa, including the Linde Oktoberfest Tulsa, which was named by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the five biggest Oktoberfests in America! 

If you are ready to start looking at venues, Tulsa has a wide array of options, like the traditional A-frame chapel at Camp Loughridge that overlooks Lake Parthenia. We’re talking 25-foot vaulted ceilings with solid wood beams that create a dramatic, elegant and lovely space to tie the knot with your loved one. Originally built in the early 1900s, it has been tastefully updated to retain its historic charm.

For a traditional ceremony, you could host your wedding reception at the White House Mansion, a historic mansion that offers the country setting without driving far out of downtown Tulsa, as it is located just 20 minutes from downtown Tulsa. With the mansion containing 10,000 square feet of space and the estate covers 10 acres, you will have a private and intimate ceremony for you and all your guests. They offer an indoor sunroom for colder months, and a large ballroom to share your first dance.

Transportation

The best way to get around Tulsa is with a rental car, as the bus system does not operate in all areas, and most residents of Tulsa commute via car. Not the most eco-friendly option, but that’s how things work sometimes… There are interconnected paved bicycle routes for cyclists and Tulsa does have an active cycling community, including free bicycle loan depots that allow 24-hour rentals for free. So if you or your guests what to offset some of those carbon emissions, look into bicycles!

Weather

Winters are manageably cold in Oklahoma with temperatures dropping down to just below 30 at night from December till February, and 50 degrees during the day. During the summer it can get quite hot, and temperatures can climb to the 90s. The best time to visit Tulsa is during the fall.