How to Become a Wedding Officiant in the State of PA

Only ordained members of clergy, judges and mayors may perform weddings in the state of Pennsylvania.

The state of Pennsylvania requires that any officiant be an ordained minister, rabbi or officiant in a religious institution to legally conduct weddings. However, judges, former judges and mayors of any city within Pennsylvania may also perform wedding ceremonies. Within the state of Pennsylvania, you may also become an ordained member of a church online, which allows any person to legally perform a wedding in the state of Pennsylvania. Former mayors may also perform weddings, as long as they meet certain requirements.

Instructions

Traditional Clergyman

1. Research how to become a clergy member in your religion. This may involve schooling beyond college as well as an ordination ceremony.

2. Study and complete any required courses and pass any exams.

3. Spend time as an associate to another clergy member.

4. Become ordained within your religion.

Online Clergyman

1. Go to a website of a church that allows you to become a minister in minutes. The most popular include the Universal Life Church and Spiritual Humanism Church.

2. Click on "Become a Minister" and follow all the steps necessary.

3. Print out your document proving you are a minister within this church.

Mayor or Former Mayor

1. Serve as mayor your entire term. If you run again, you cannot be defeated, and can continue to perform marriage ceremonies.

2. Observe all laws while you are a mayor. A former mayor or current mayor cannot perform weddings if he has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony.

3. Do not resign while you are a mayor, specifically to avoid legal implications of wrongdoings. This disqualifies you from performing marriages in Pennsylvania.

References

• Pennsylvania General Assembly: Persons Qualified to Solemnize Marriage
• Universal Life Church: Become a Minister
• Spiritual Humanism: Online Ordination