What you need to do to legally perform weddings

To legally perform weddings, you must be ordained or registered with your state. The exact path depends on where the wedding takes place, because marriage law is set by state, not federal law. Some states require ordination through a religious organization. Others let you register as a secular officiant without any religious affiliation. A few states accept self-ordination through online churches. The fastest route is usually online ordination, which takes one to three days and costs between $0 and $50, but you must check your state's rules first — some do not recognize it.

Before you spend money or time, contact the county clerk's office where the wedding will happen. They will tell you exactly what your state requires: whether ordination is enough, whether you need to register locally, whether you need a license, and what paperwork you must file after the ceremony. This one phone call saves you from doing the wrong thing.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's county clerk determines what makes you a legal officiant, so call them before pursuing any ordination path.
  • Most states accept ordination through online churches, religious denominations, or secular organizations, but some require state registration on top of ordination.
  • Online ordination typically takes one to three days and costs under $50, though a few states do not recognize it.
  • After the ceremony, you must file the signed marriage license with the county within a set timeframe, usually 10 days.
  • Some states let you perform only one or two weddings without ordination if you are a friend or family member, so ask the clerk about exceptions.

How ordination works in different states

States fall into three categories. Religious ordination states require you to be ordained by a church, mosque, synagogue, or other recognized religious body. Examples include New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. You contact the religious organization, complete their process (which can be when ready online or take weeks in person), and receive ordination credentials. The organization itself is what matters — the state trusts their vetting.

A second group of states accepts online ordination from churches that operate entirely online. Universal Life Church, the American Marriage Ministries, and similar organizations ordain people in minutes through their websites. States like California, Florida, and Illinois recognize these ordinations. You fill out a form, pay a small fee or nothing, and receive a certificate when ready. The state does not verify the organization — it straightforward accepts ordination from any church.

A third group requires state registration on top of ordination. Colorado, for example, lets you get ordained through any church but then requires you to register with the state as a "deputy marriage commissioner" before you can perform weddings. This adds a second step and sometimes a second fee. A few states, including Washington, let you register as a secular officiant without any religious ordination at all.

Online ordination: the fastest path for most people

If your state accepts online ordination, the process takes one to three days. Visit the website of Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries, or a similar organization. Fill out a form with your name and address. Pay the fee if there is one (many charge $0 to $15 for basic ordination). You will receive a certificate by email, usually within hours. Print it and keep it with your records.

The certificate itself is not what makes you legal — your state's acceptance of the ordination is. That is why you must confirm with the county clerk first. If your state does not recognize online ordination, the certificate will not help you. If it does, the certificate is your proof that you are ordained and can perform weddings.

Some online churches offer paid upgrades like wallet cards, fancy certificates, or "minister packages." These are optional. The basic ordination is all you need legally. Do not pay extra unless you want the physical items for your own records.

Religious ordination through established churches

If you belong to a church, mosque, synagogue, or other religious organization, you can ask them to ordain you as a minister or officiant. The process varies widely. Some churches ordain anyone who asks. Others require classes, a background check, or a period of membership. Some charge a fee; others do not.

Contact the clergy or administrative office of your organization and ask what their ordination process is. They will tell you what steps to take and how long it takes. Once you are ordained, you receive credentials from that organization. Your state will recognize those credentials because the organization itself is established and known.

Religious ordination often carries more weight in conservative areas and with families who want a faith-based ceremony. It also gives you standing within your community. The downside is that it usually takes longer than online ordination and may require ongoing involvement with the organization.

State registration and local requirements

After you are ordained, check whether your state requires registration. Some states want you to register with the county clerk before you perform your first wedding. Others require registration only after you have performed a wedding. A few have no registration step at all.

Contact the county clerk in the county where the wedding will take place. Ask: (1) Do you recognize my ordination? (2) Do I need to register before performing a wedding, or after? (3) What paperwork do you need from me? (4) What is the important date for filing the marriage license after the ceremony? Write down the answers. These are the rules you must follow.

Some counties require you to file a form before the wedding. Others ask you to file only the signed marriage license after. A few require both. The clerk will tell you which applies to you. If you skip this step, the marriage license may not be processed, and the couple will not be legally married.

What happens after you perform the wedding

The couple signs the marriage license in front of you during the ceremony. You also sign it as the officiant. The license has two or three copies — one for the couple, one for the state, and sometimes one for you to keep. Your job is to deliver the signed license to the county clerk within the important date, usually 10 days.

Some couples ask you to mail it. Others ask you to hand-deliver it. Either way, you are responsible for getting it there on time. If it arrives late, the state may not process it, and the couple's marriage will not be recorded. Many officiants mail the license the day after the wedding to avoid delays.

Keep a copy for your records. If there is ever a question about whether the marriage was legal, you have proof that you filed it. Some officiants also keep a record of the couple's names, the wedding date, and the license number in a straightforward notebook or spreadsheet.

One-time and friend-of-the-family exceptions

A handful of states let you perform one or two weddings without ordination if you are a friend or family member of the couple. Michigan, for example, allows any adult to solemnize a marriage if they have the couple's written consent and file a form with the county. Iowa lets you perform a single wedding without ordination. These exceptions are rare and narrow.

Ask the county clerk whether your state has a friend-or-family exception. If it does, they will tell you what form to file and what important date applies. This route is useful if you want to officiate one wedding for a close friend but do not want to go through ordination. It does not work in most states, and it does not let you perform multiple weddings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I perform a wedding in a state where I am not ordained?

No. The state where the wedding takes place sets the rules. If you are ordained in California but the wedding is in Texas, Texas law applies. You must be ordained or registered according to Texas rules. Call the county clerk in the wedding county before the ceremony to confirm you are legal there.

Do I need a background check to become an officiant?

Most online ordinations do not require a background check. Religious organizations may require one, depending on their policies. State registration sometimes includes a background check, but not always. Ask the county clerk and your ordaining organization what they require.

How much does it cost to become a wedding officiant?

Online ordination costs $0 to $50. Religious ordination through a church may be free or may cost a small fee, depending on the organization. State registration, if required, usually costs $0 to $100. The total is typically under $100. Some couples pay the officiant's fees separately, but that is a matter between you and them.

What if I move to a different state after I am ordained?

Your ordination may or may not transfer. Some states recognize ordination from any source. Others recognize only ordination from organizations registered in that state. If you move, contact the new county clerk and ask whether your current ordination is valid there. You may need to get ordained again or register locally.

Can I perform weddings if I have a criminal record?

It depends on your state and the nature of the record. Some states have no restrictions. Others bar people with certain felonies from performing marriages. Ask the county clerk whether your record affects your ability to become an officiant. They can tell you whether you are may be able to access.