What Is Legally Ordained?

Two people must be married by a person legally ordained.

Weddings and civil unions are the happiest days of our lives. We hope to have one beautiful ceremony and to live happily ever after as a married couple. Unfortunately, uninformed brides and grooms may fail to have their wedding legally officiated (or conducted) by a person authorized to perform marriages in their state.

Marriage Requirements

In order to be legally married, a couple must submit required paperwork and receive a wedding license. The actual wedding ceremony must be witnessed or performed by an officiant. This officiant is someone whom, under the laws of your state, is legally allowed to perform a valid marriage ceremony. After the wedding, the officiant usually signs and submits your marriage license to the government. This registers you as legally married to your spouse.

Legally Ordained vs. Legal Officiant

In some states, such as Connecticut, in order to be a legal officiant, a person must be legally ordained through a religion and have a congregation. Therefore, if a family friend become ordained online, he may not be legally ordained in your state.

On the other hand, legal officiants are those people registered and approved by the state to perform wedding ceremonies. They may or may not be affiliated with a particular religion. Check with your officiant or county clerk to make sure your officiant can legally perform your union.

Types

There are two different types of legally ordained individuals: traditional members of the clergy, such as priests, imams and rabbis; and those individuals legally ordained online. Depending on your state, one or both are legally allowed to marry you.

Considerations

If your marriage is not properly solemnized, it may be invalid in your state. This will impact your ability to receive inheritance benefits and, if you filed joint taxes with the IRS, could get you into trouble.

Warnings

Consult your county marriage license bureau or a family law attorney in your state to determine if your officiant is legally able to perform your ceremony.

References

• Great Wedding! But Was it Legal?; Divan Sipher; New York Times; August 5, 2007
• Wedding Cram; Marriage License Requirements by State