What you need to do to legally perform marriages
To legally perform marriages, you must be ordained or registered in the state where you will conduct ceremonies. The exact path depends on your state's laws—some require ordination through a religious organization, others allow registration through secular channels, and a few accept both. You cannot straightforward decide to marry people; the state tracks who is authorized, and marriages performed by unauthorized people are not legally valid.
The fastest route for most people is online ordination through organizations like the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries, which takes a few minutes and costs $0 to $50. However, your state must recognize online ordination for this to work. Some states do; others require in-person ordination, a waiting period, or membership in a specific religious body. Before you spend money or time, check your state's requirements—they vary significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Your state determines whether you can be ordained online, through a church, or by registration, so verify your state's rules before pursuing any path.
- Online ordination through organizations like the Universal Life Church works in most states but not all; some states require in-person ordination or religious affiliation.
- After ordination, you typically must register with your county clerk or local government office before you can legally perform marriages.
- You do not need to be religious or belong to a faith tradition to become a marriage officiant in most states, though some states have specific requirements.
- Fees vary by state and organization but usually total under $100 for the entire process.
How state laws determine your path
Each state sets its own rules for who can perform marriages. Some states recognize ordination from any religious organization, including online churches. Others require ordination from a specific denomination or a church that has been established for a minimum time. A few states allow secular officiation through a registration or notary-like process. A handful of states have no formal ordination requirement at all—they straightforward require you to register with the county.
The best first step is to contact your county clerk's office or your state's vital records office and ask: "What do I need to do to become authorized to perform marriages in this state?" They will tell you whether online ordination is accepted, whether you need to register afterward, and what documents you need to provide. This conversation takes five minutes and saves you from paying for ordination that your state does not recognize.
If you cannot reach the clerk by phone, check your state's vital records website or search "[your state] marriage officiant requirements." Most states publish this information online, though the wording varies—look for terms like "solemnizer," "authorized person," or "person authorized to perform marriages."
Online ordination: how it works and where it is accepted
Online ordination through organizations like the Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries, or the Open Ministry Foundation typically involves filling out a form with your name and address, paying a small fee (usually $0 to $50), and receiving an ordination certificate by email within minutes or days. These organizations are real—they have been operating for decades—but they are not affiliated with any government agency. They are private organizations that issue ordination credentials.
Most states recognize online ordination from these organizations, but not all. States that generally accept it include California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. States that do not include Connecticut, Delaware, and a few others that require ordination from a church with a physical presence or a specific religious tradition. Some states have no clear rule, which means the county clerk's office makes the decision—and their decision can vary by county.
After you receive your ordination certificate, you will usually need to register it with your county clerk or submit it as part of a registration form. Some counties ask for nothing more than a copy of the certificate; others require you to fill out a form and pay a registration fee (typically $0 to $50). A few states require you to notify them before each marriage you perform.
Religious ordination and church-based paths
If you belong to a religious tradition, you may be able to pursue ordination through that church or denomination. This path is more formal and usually takes longer—anywhere from a few weeks to several months—but it is recognized in every state. Some traditions require classes, interviews, or a waiting period before ordination is granted.
If you do not belong to a religious organization but want to pursue this path, you can contact a church or denomination and ask about their ordination process. Some churches ordain people who are not members, though this is less common. Others require membership for a set period before ordination is possible. The time and cost vary widely depending on the organization.
Religious ordination is particularly useful if you plan to perform many marriages or if you live in a state where online ordination is not recognized. It also carries more weight in some communities and may be preferred by couples who want a religious element to their ceremony.
Registration with your county after ordination
Once you have your ordination certificate, you will usually need to register with your county clerk or local government office before you can legally perform marriages. The process is straightforward: you submit a form (often called a "Notification of Intent to Solemnize Marriages" or similar), a copy of your ordination certificate, and sometimes a small fee. Some counties do this online; others require you to visit in person or mail documents.
Contact your county clerk's office to ask what they need. Have your ordination certificate ready, and ask whether they require a form, a fee, or advance notice before each marriage. Some counties ask you to notify them within a few days after performing a marriage; others do not track individual ceremonies. The clerk will tell you what the local rules are.
After registration, you are legally authorized to perform marriages in that county. If you plan to perform marriages in multiple counties or states, you may need to register in each one. Some states allow you to register statewide; others require county-by-county registration.
What you need to know before performing a marriage
Before you perform your first marriage, understand that you are responsible for following your state's marriage laws. This includes checking that the couple has a valid marriage license, that they meet the state's age and residency requirements, and that there are no legal impediments to the marriage (such as an existing marriage). You will need to sign the marriage license as the authorized officiant, and the couple will sign it as well. The signed license is then filed with the county clerk to make the marriage legal.
You should also understand what you are and are not required to do. You are required to solemnize the marriage—meaning you must perform some kind of ceremony that the couple recognizes as binding. You are not required to be religious, to use specific words, or to follow any particular format. Many officiants write their own ceremonies or work with couples to personalize them. The only legal requirement is that you perform a ceremony and sign the license.
Some officiants charge a fee for their services (typically $100 to $500 or more, depending on the couple and the ceremony), while others perform marriages for free or for a donation. There is no legal requirement about fees—that is between you and the couple.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is pursuing ordination without first checking whether your state recognizes it. People spend money on online ordination only to learn that their state does not accept it. Avoid this by calling your county clerk before you do anything else.
The second common mistake is not registering with the county after ordination. You may have a valid ordination certificate, but if you have not registered with the county, you are not legally authorized to perform marriages there. The couple's marriage license will not be valid if you sign it without being registered.
A third mistake is not checking the couple's marriage license before the ceremony. You are responsible for verifying that the license is valid, that both people on it are present, and that the license has not expired. If you perform a ceremony without a valid license, the marriage is not legal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a marriage officiant if I am not religious?
Yes. Most states do not require you to be religious or belong to a faith tradition. Online ordination through secular organizations like the Universal Life Church is available to anyone and is recognized in most states. Some states do require ordination from a religious body, so check your state's rules first.
How long does it take to become a marriage officiant?
Online ordination can be completed in minutes to days, and county registration usually takes a few days to a few weeks. Religious ordination through a church can take weeks to months. The total time depends on your state's requirements and the organization you choose.
Do I need a background check or any special training?
Most states do not require a background check or formal training to become a marriage officiant. However, some states or counties may have additional requirements, so check with your county clerk. Many officiants take optional courses on ceremony planning or marriage law to improve their skills.
Can I perform marriages in another state if I am ordained in my state?
Not automatically. Each state has its own rules about who can perform marriages. You may need to register separately in each state or county where you want to perform ceremonies. Contact the county clerk in the state where you want to perform marriages to find out what is required.
What if I make a mistake on the marriage license?
Contact the county clerk when ready. They can usually correct minor errors like misspelled names or wrong dates. Do not cross out or white-out anything on the license yourself—the couple and the clerk must approve any changes. The clerk will guide you through the correction process.