How to Find an Officiant for Your Wedding

An officiant is a person who is able to perform a marriage according to the laws and customs of the state in which the wedding occurs. In legal-speak, this is known as solemnizing the marriage. Read on to learn how to find an officiant for your wedding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Learn the marriage laws of the state in which the wedding will take place. Each state has differences in their laws governing a civil union, including who may be an officiant at the ceremony.
   
2. Search the law for references of who may legally solemnize a marriage in that state. Solemnizing is simply putting the required signatures on the marriages license.
   
3. Make a list of the people that can legally officiate your wedding. Generally, any ordained religious official or justice of the peace can legally perform a marriage.
   
4. Look for justices of the peace in the county courthouse. Otherwise, ask your religious leader to perform the ceremony.
5. Consider calling a professional wedding chapel. You may be able to get a referral to a wedding officiant who can perform your wedding ceremony.
6. Book a time for your wedding. Although you may be able to perform a walk in and go ceremony with a justice of the peace, you should schedule the wedding ahead of time with the officiant.

Tips & Warnings

• Some states allow any judicial official to perform a wedding ceremony, even if they are retired, while other states allow only active judges to solemnize the wedding. Still, other states allow notary publics to be officiants at a wedding.
• A small number of states allow more flexibility in the choice of officiants, and allow a wedding to be performed by someone that both the bride and groom believe to have the power to perform a wedding.
• Some states require religious officials to be registered with the county or state to perform a legal wedding ceremony. Make sure to read the laws and statutes concerning marriage carefully.

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