How to Get a License to Perform Weddings

Even people who aren't judges or ministers can officiate at weddings.

While the focus of any wedding will be on the bride and groom, considerable attention probably will be given to the person leading the celebration. Some wedding parties prefer to personalize their event by having a family member or friend officiate at the ceremony.
Generally, these individuals need to be ordained or else the marriage may not be legally validated. State laws govern whether a minister or church representative needs a license to perform a marriage ceremony.

Instructions

1. Contact your county clerk and health department to determine what credentials are needed to officiate at a wedding ceremony. For example, Connecticut has no licensing requirement for ordained individuals to perform weddings; Hawaii law, however, requires ministers to present a document on official church letterhead and photo identification prior to licensing by the state's Department of Health.

2. Obtain a letter of good standing regarding your relationship with the church. The letter should be signed by the denomination's board of directors. Alternatively, if not already an ordained minister, study and seek affiliation with a church. Some religious groups, in an effort to expand their flock and promote their philosophy, offer free or low-cost ordination online. Recognition of religious ordinations may vary by state.

3. Collect all other required information and file an applications with local government officials to obtain your license. A filing fee may be required; for example, the current cost of an Authorization to Celebrate Marriages in the District of Columbia is $35.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to verify the credentials of any online ordination site prior to submitting personal information. Some sites promising "free" ordination may have hidden fees or contractual obligations, or may simply be scams. Check with your local authorities to ensure affiliation is accepted for licensing purposes.

References

• Office of Legislative Research Report; License to Peform Marriage; Adam Wolkoff; May 2, 2006
• State of Hawaii Department of Health: Licensing of Marriage Performers in the State of Hawaii
• Superior Court of the District of Columbia: Marriage Bureau