How to Officiate a Wedding in Cheyenne, Wyoming

There’s no place quite like the great state of Wyoming. For most of the year, it’s one of the most sparsely populated states in the U.S. which creates an unrivaled remote, backwoods feel. But during the summer, thousands of visitors from around the world make the journey to behold the state’s undeniably epic natural wonders, like Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole Valley.

It’s Wyoming’s raw spirit, beauty, and tranquility that capture the hearts of those who visit, which is why we think the Cowboy State is the perfect spot for you and your soulmate to say your vows. We’ll help you get your paperwork squared away, so you can start scouring Pinterest for a classy pair of cowboy boots to wear on the big day. Let’s get started.

STEP 1: Get ordained with American Marriage Ministries

Let’s start with the ordainment process. The following persons may perform wedding ceremonies in Wyoming:

• Justice of the Peace
• County/district/federal judge or court commissioner
• Any ordained minister

If you’re not a justice or a federal judge, we’ve got you covered. You can get ordained with AMM to become an officially ordained minister. The process is free and takes just a few minutes.

Unlike some other states, Wyoming doesn't require an ordained minister to register separately with the government, but you should be officially certified in case the county clerk’s office asks you for documentation.

STEP 2: Prepare for the Ceremony in Laramie County

Now 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 requires some preparation. You might like 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, it’s the couple’s responsibility to obtain and complete the marriage license, but just be sure to double-check that they have a valid marriage license before the ceremony.

In Wyoming, once you have performed the ceremony and notarized the marriage license, your job is to ensure the marriage license is complete and return it to the county clerk’s office within 10 days of the ceremony.

File for the Marriage License from the Laramie County Clerk's Office

The County Clerk’s office issues Wyoming marriage licenses, which are valid anywhere in the state. You’ll have to take a trip down to their office in order to start the application process.

When you go, just remember to bring:

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state-issued ID, or Passport)
• Social Security numbers
• Dates and places of birth
• Residence addresses
• Parents’ places of birth
• Mothers’ maiden names

There is no waiting period for processing your marriage license, so you’ll be officially married the same day your finish your application!

The Basics

Summer is the ideal time of year in Wyoming and the best season to plan a wedding. But it’s also the time of year in which thousands of tourists come to visit Yellowstone National Park and partake in some of the state’s long-held events, like the Jackson Hole Old West Days in May, the Cody Stampede Parade, and the Cheyenne Frontier Days, both in July. You’ll want to avoid planning a wedding these days, as the extra traffic can get in the way of wedding festivities.

Wyoming has plenty of venues to offer, so take your pick by combing through the options. There are a plethora of gorgeous outdoor ranch-style wedding venues that truly capture the spirit of the state. The Diamond Cross Ranch is a stunning example, with vast green pastures, majestic horses roaming the grounds, and covered facilities including a classic red barn that has been renovated for parties and a ballroom.

There are also a number of resorts and golf clubs, like the Little America Hotel and the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club if ranches aren’t quite your cup of tea. 

Weather

Wyoming is notorious for its long, cold winters, with an average of 64 inches of snow per year. But its beautiful summers make it worth it, with temperatures averaging in the 80s and climbing into the 90s in July and August. Spring is a bit cooler, hovering in the 50s and 60s on average, so it would be a bit of a gamble to plan an outdoor wedding even as late as June. 

Transportation

If you’re planning a Wyoming wedding in the winter, you’ll need to be prepared for snowy conditions. However, Cheyenne is well equipped for these circumstances. You’ll be able to rely on Lyft and Uber pretty much year-round, and public transportation within the city limits is decent. However, if you’re from out of town, the best bet is to rent a car, regardless of the season, especially if you’ll be spending time in multiple towns as they are quite spread out.