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Step 1
Become a wedding officiant when you are recognized by an established religious organization. You may be required to complete a series of studies, or a post-graduate degree may be necessary before you can perform the marriage ceremony.
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Step 2
Assume the position of pastor of a congregation and become recognized by the state as one who is qualified to be a wedding officiant. In most states, the role of pastor is adequate to meet the criteria.
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Step 3
Complete an application online to obtain certification as a member of the clergy. Read the information carefully to determine if the site is recognized in your state as a legal wedding resource.
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Step 4
Become a deacon to perform marriage rites. In some church denominations, such as Catholic and Episcopal, one in the position of deacon can legally perform a wedding ceremony. Some restrictions may apply based on the church's specific requirements.
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Step 5
Get a job as a ship captain on a cruise ship. You will have to pass rigorous exams following formal education requirements, but the result could be a career traveling to the most popular vacation spots with the authority to perform weddings at sea.
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Step 6
Take on the political journey to become a justice of the peace (JP). Becoming a recognized wedding officiant is just one of many roles of the JP. Elopements and those who desire non-religious marriage ceremonies often choose a justice of the peace to perform the ceremony.
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Step 7
Check with your state to determine if just anyone can perform a wedding. Some states will grant a permit for anyone to serve as Deputy Commissioner of Marriages for 1 day only. This provision allows a family member or friend to officiate the wedding. Check the Marriage Laws website to investigate (see Resources below).
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Step 8
Become a chaplain in the military to officiate at military weddings. This requires being a commissioned officer in some branch of the military.
Comments
Maureen318 said
on 9/26/2009 There is more to becoming a w competent wedding officiant than simply the licensing. You must be able to speak well in front of a large audience, handle last minute glitches with ease and efficiency and have access to a large array of ceremony wording options.
amygirlflorist said
on 8/27/2009 Also in some states, such as Massachusetts, a friend or family member can become a wedding officiant. My mom performed my wedding as an ordained minister, American Marriage Ministries, they were very helpful and informative. We had a great time.
Savvyone said
on 4/17/2009 This is great information, but there are other methods to becoming a minister online. Also, if you become a Notary Public in Florida, you can marry couples.
donnelly38 said
on 2/18/2009 Thank you. This was very helpful.