How to Officiate a Wedding in Your State
Performing a wedding is an incredible honor! But it’s also a great responsibility, and the process is slightly more complicated than walking up to the altar and pronouncing the couple married. If you’ve been asked to officiate a wedding, it’s important to understand the full scope of your task – from getting ordained to getting the marriage license signed. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to performing weddings!
What Does It Mean to Become a Wedding Officiant?
A wedding officiant is the person legally authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony and sign the marriage license. Officiants can be religious ministers, civil officiants, or even a friend or family member who has been ordained. In most states, you don’t need to be a professional clergy member—you just need to get ordained online through a recognized organization, like the Universal Life Church.
The steps for officiating a wedding can vary depending on where the ceremony will take place, as each state has its own way of doing things. Using the interactive map below, simply click on any state to read a detailed step-by-step guide to officiating wedding ceremonies there.
Please utilize the search bar below to locate the appropriate page to learn more about performing a wedding in that area.
No matter where the wedding will take place, here are the common steps that everyone must follow:
1. Become Ordained as a Minister
The very first step in officiating a wedding is to get ordained online. Becoming a minister gives you the legal authority to perform wedding ceremonies across the United States. The good news? This process is free, fast, and easy—you can complete it in just minutes!
Get Ordained NowIf you're a soon-to-be newlywed searching for an officiant, use our Find a Minister tool on Get Ordained™ to find the perfect minister for your needs.
The ULC welcomes anyone to become ordained who feels so-called. The only requirements are that you must be over 18 years of age and promise to abide by the Church’s two tenets: do that which is right, and respect the freedom of others to worship however they choose.
2. Contact the Relevant Marriage Authority Office
Some states require wedding officiants to register before performing a ceremony. The local county clerk’s office (or another government authority) may ask for proof of ordination or other credentials.
- Check the marriage laws in your state before the wedding. Many states require an ordination certificate, while others may ask for a letter of good standing (both available in our minister store).
- Pro Tip: Call the office that issued or will issue the couple’s marriage license at least 30 days before the wedding to avoid last-minute surprises.
3. Officiate the Wedding Ceremony
Time to officiate! Most couples expect their officiant to lead the ceremony and write the wedding script.
Not sure where to start? We've got you covered.
- Browse our Wedding Script Hub for ready-to-use wedding scripts OR customize one to fit the couple’s style. Whether you want a traditional, romantic, or funny wedding ceremony, we have templates that make it easy.
- Pro Tip: Practice your script out loud at least twice before the ceremony.
4. Complete the Marriage License
Your job isn’t done yet! To officiate a wedding legally, you must sign and submit the marriage license.
Steps to Complete the Marriage License
1. Fill out the required sections immediately after the ceremony.
2. Ensure the couple and any required witnesses sign.
3. Return the completed license to the issuing county clerk’s office (by mail or in person) before the deadline.
Did you know? In some states, failing to file the license could invalidate the marriage—don’t skip this step!
After the marriage license has been signed and submitted, the wedding will be officially in the books!
Officiate a Wedding in Your State
Planning to officiate a wedding? The rules and requirements vary from state to state, so it’s essential to know what’s needed before performing a ceremony. Some states require officiants to register with a local authority, while others have no formal registration process at all. Additionally, factors like witness requirements, marriage license expiration dates, and processing times can affect the couple’s wedding plans.
To make it easy, we’ve compiled a state-by-state guide covering whether online ordinations are legally recognized, if officiant registration is required, how long the process takes, and any additional rules you should know. Simply find the state where the wedding will take place and discover how to get ordained and legally officiate weddings in that state.
FAQs About Becoming A Wedding Officiant
How much does it cost to become a wedding officiant?
Most online ordinations are free, but if your state requires officiant registration, there may be additional costs ranging from $20 to $100, depending on local laws.
How long does it take to get ordained?
Ordination through online organizations like ULC is typically instant and can be completed in just a few minutes. However, if your state requires registration, processing times may vary.
What are the legal responsibilities of a wedding officiant?
As a wedding officiant, your primary legal responsibility is to complete the marriage license correctly and submit it to the appropriate government office within the required timeframe.
What do I need to say during the ceremony?
Each state has different requirements, but in most cases, a wedding ceremony must include:
- Declaration of Intent (e.g., “Do you take this person to be your spouse?”)
- Pronouncement (e.g., “By the power vested in me…”)
- Want even more help writing your speech? Check out our Wedding Ceremony Script Generator
Can I officiate a wedding for a family member or friend?
Yes! Many people become officiants specifically to officiate weddings for friends or family. As long as you meet your state’s legal requirements, you can perform their ceremony.
Can I officiate a wedding for myself?
In some states (like Colorado and Pennsylvania), couples can perform a self-uniting marriage without an officiant. However, most states require a third party to officiate the ceremony.