Published Wednesday, Feb. 12th, 2020 Written by Lewis King
Este articulo en español What does it mean to get certified to marry someone. Learn about state requirements to perform marriage, and what you need to do.
T he first step to officiate a wedding, even before you start talking about the ceremony, is to make sure you're legally allowed to solemnize weddings in your state. Everyone has the legal right to perform marriage, but just as with other important life events, the government's found a way to involve itself in the process. To perform a legal wedding as a wedding minister, you need to ensure that you meet your state’s requirements. En español : Cómo Obtener una Certificación para Casar a Alguien: Licencia Ministerial, Certificación y Ordenación explicados
You can get ordained online with AMM. Just fill out the application and submit it online. It's simple and free. (We’ll wait for a second while you fill out and submit the form)
Once your ordination is taken care of and out of the way, the next step is learning whether or not your state requires minister certification and what it entails. The certification process may seem confusing at first, because different states and municipalities use the terms “certification” and “licensing” interchangeably. But don't worry -- It helps to know these words mean the same thing. Many states do not require ministers to register before performing marriage, but many do -- and the laws regarding how a minister registers vary from state to state. The most important thing to remember is that certification, or licensing, requirements will depends on where the wedding is taking place, not where you live.
Currently, there are 15 states require ministers to register before performing a ceremony, listed below.
The laws regarding minister registration vary from state to state. And while many states do not require ministers to register before performing marriage, many do. This depends on where the wedding is taking place, not where you live.
States where Wedding Officiant Registration is Required*
Again, the most important thing to remember is that Certification, or licensing requirements will depends on where the wedding is taking place, not where you live.
Visit Minister Registration : Weddings By State for details on how to get certified by your state or local county government.
If you're going to officiate a wedding in any of the states mentioned above, you should order your Minister Ordination Package for that state.
This package contains everything you need to successfully register, including Government Applications, your Ordination Certificate, and a Letter of Good Standing.
If your state is not listed above, it’s still a good idea to make sure you have your ordination credentials on hand, since you are performing a legal function, and proof may be required at a later date. If you'd like to work as a traveling wedding officiant and perform marriages in other states, check their certification rules ahead of time, and read the two articles linked below.
Watch now:
