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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Look for justices of the peace in the county courthouse. Otherwise, ask your religious leader to perform the ceremony.
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Consider calling a professional wedding chapel. You may be able to get a referral to a wedding officiant who can perform your wedding ceremony.
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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.
Although Texas is among the states that recognize common-law marriage, Texas law also restricts the persons authorized to officiate over or solemnize...
