Marriage Laws »
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Officiants Requirements
Usually the state laws provide any recognized member of the clergy (such as a Priest, Minister, Rabbi, Imam, Cantor, Ethical Culture Leader, etc.), or a judge, a court clerk, and justices of the peace have authority to perform a marriage. However in some states even the clergy must be first certified or licensed.
Some states have laws that permit other persons to apply for authority to perform marriage ceremonies. For example, California law permits anyone to apply for permission to become a Deputy Commissioner of Marriages -- the grant of authority is valid for one day -- and thus officiate at the wedding of family or friends on that one day.
In the United States, certain states and some counties have guidelines for
ministers who want to perform marriages. Here's a summary of what is involved to perform marriages in each state.
Alabama
Any licensed minister of the gospel in regular communion with the Christian
church or society of which he is a member may perform marriages. Also, marriages
may be performed by the pastor of any religious society according to the
rules of the religious society. --- Ministers must provide a certificate
of the marriage to the judge of probate within one month after the marriage.
--- For questions see the clerk for the judge of probate.
Alaska
The minister, priest or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state
may perform marriages. --- Ministers must provide marriage certificates to
the couple married and report the marriage to the Marriage Commissioner.
Arizona
Any licensed or ordained clergyman may perform marriages. --- Ministers must
record the marriage on the marriage license and return it to the clerk of
the Superior Court within 20 days after the marriage. - -- For questions
see the clerk of the Superior Court
Arkansas
Any regularly ordained minister or priest of any religious sect or denomination
may perform marriages. --- Ministers must have their ordination credentials
filed by the county clerk who will then issue a certificate to the minister.
--- The marriage license must be completed by the minister and returned to
the county clerk within 60 days from the date the license was issued. ---
For questions see the county clerk.
California
Any priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination, of the age
of 18 years or over may perform marriages. --- Ministers must complete the
marriage license and return it to the county clerk within 4 days after the
marriage. --- For questions see the county clerk.
Colorado
Marriages may be performed by any minister. --- Ministers must send a marriage
certificate to the county clerk. --- For questions see the county clerk.
Connecticut
All ordained or licensed clergymen belonging to this state or any other state
may perform marriages as long as they continue in the work of the ministry.
-- - Marriage license must be completed by the minister and returned to the
city or town clerk. --- For questions see the city or town clerk.
Delaware
Any ordained minister of the gospel and every minister in charge of a recognized
church may perform marriages. --- Ministers do not need to be licensed to
perform marriages but they must report their name and address to the local
registrar in the district in which they live. --- Ministers must keep the
marriage license or a copy for at least one year. Also, the minister must,
within 4 days, complete and return forms required by the State Board of Health
to the clerk of the peace. --- For questions see the clerk of the peace.
District of
Columbia
Ordained ministers of the gospel may perform marriages. --- Marriage licenses
are addressed to the minister who will perform the ceremony. The minister
must complete a marriage certificate for the bride and for the groom and
return another certificate to the clerk of the District of Columbia Court
of General Sessions within 10 days after the marriage. --- For questions
see the clerk of the Court of General Sessions.
If a member of your "religious society" is already registered as a minister
qualified to perform weddings, you fill out an application, get the
already-registered person to sign as "endorser", pay $35, and you're in.
Application is available by fax-back from 202-879-4840.
If your "society" does not already have a minister registered in DC, then
you have to assemble (I'm summarizing from the official information handout):
"The following documentation has been found by many judges of this court
to be sufficient evidence of affiliation with a religious society to support
the granting of an authorization to perform marriage ceremonies in the District
of Columbia."
A certificate from the headquarters of the religious body showing that you
are a minister
A copy of the charter of the society and a copy of the applicant's ordination
An affidavit from the applicant giving details on how long he has been a
minister, where and how often he conducts religious meetings, the congregation
size, whether or not he is a full-time minister, etc.
An endorsement from a "reputable" citizen of DC saying that the applicant
is known as a religious minister and is a person of good moral character.
"If any of the above documentation cannot be produced, it would be helpful
to the Court's determination to produce a written explanation of that omission."
Oh, and everything must be either "certified or notarized".
Official Information:
For more information, you can call (202) 879-4850.
Florida
All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel in communion with some church
may perform marriages. --- Ministers must complete a certificate of marriage
on the marriage license and return it to the office from which it was issued.
--- For questions see the county clerk.
Georgia
Any minister who is authorized by his or her church may perform marriages.
--- Ministers must complete a certificate of marriage and return it to the
ordinary within 30 days after the marriage. --- For questions see the ordinary's
clerk at the county courthouse.
Hawaii
Any minister may perform marriages if they are authorized by their church
to do so. --- Ministers must obtain a license from the department of health
before performing marriages. -Ministers must keep a record of all marriages
they perform. Ministers must report all marriages they perform to the department
of health. --- For questions see the department of health.
Idaho
Marriages may be performed by priests or ministers of the gospel of any
denomination. --- Ministers must give a marriage certificate to the bride
and to the groom. Also, the minister must complete the license and marriage
certificate and return it to the recorder who issued it within 30 days after
the marriage. --- For questions see the county recorder.
Illinois
Marriages may be performed by ministers of the gospel in regular standing
in the church or society to which they belong. --- The marriage license and
certificate must be completed by the minister and returned to the county
clerk within 30 days after the marriage. --- For questions see the county
clerk.
Indiana
Ministers of the gospel and priests of every church throughout the state
may perform marriages. ---Ministers must return the marriage license and
a certificate of marriage to the clerk of the circuit court within 3 months
after the marriage. ---For questions see the clerk of the circuit court.
Iowa
Ministers of the gospel who are ordained by their church may perform marriages.
--- Minister must give a certificate of marriage to the bride and to the
groom. Also, the minister must report the marriage to the clerk of the district
court within 15 days after the marriage. -For questions see the clerk of
the district court.
Kansas
Any ordained clergyman of any religious denomination or society may perform
marriages. --Ministers are required to file credentials or ordination with
the judge of a probate court before performing marriages. --- Minister must
return the marriage license and a certificate of marriage to the probate
judge who issued the marriage license within 10 days after the marriage.
--- For questions see the clerk of the probate court.
Kentucky
Marriages may be performed by any minister of the gospel or priests of any
denomination with any religious society. --- Ministers must be licensed before
performing marriages. See the local county clerk for a license. --- Ministers
must return the marriage license and marriage certificate to the county clerk
within 3 months after the marriage. --- It is illegal to solicit marriages.
--- For questions see the county clerk.
Louisiana
Ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination in regular communion
with any religious society may perform marriages. --- Ministers must register
with the clerk of the district court of the parish or with the health department
if in New Orleans. --- After performing a marriage, the minister must complete
a marriage certificate and return it to the clerk of the district court.
--- For questions see the clerk of the district court.
Maine
"A marriage, solemnized before any known inhabitant of the State professing
to be a justice, judge, justice of the peace or notary public, or an ordained
or licensed minister of the gospel, is not void, nor is its validity affected
by any want of jurisdiction or authority in the justice, judge, justice of
the peace, notary or minister or by any omission or informality in entering
the intention of marriage, if the marriage is in other respects lawful and
consummated with a full belief, on the part of either of the persons married,
that they are lawfully married." (Title 19A § 657)
Whether a resident or nonresident of this State and whether or not a citizen
of the United States:
An ordained minister of the gospel; A cleric engaged in the service of the
religious body to which the cleric belongs; or A person licensed to preach
by an association of ministers, religious seminary or ecclesiastical body.
(Title 19A § 655)
"Every person authorized to unite persons in marriage shall make and keep
a record of every marriage solemnized by that person in conformity with the
forms and instructions prescribed by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics
..." (Title 19A § 654)
"A person who solemnizes a marriage when not authorized to do so under section
655 commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $100 for
each offense may be adjudged. Forfeitures collected must be distributed to
the municipality in which the offense occurred." (Title 19A § 659)
Official Information:
• Maine's State Legislature (search statutes)
If questions should arise concerning any aspect of the marriage process or
marriage laws in the State of Maine, the Department of Human Services, Bureau
of Vital Records is the state agency which handles information for this
particular area. You may contact this office at:
Department of Human Services
Bureau of Vital Records
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
(207) 287-3181
Maryland
In Maryland, any adult can sign as clergy, as long as the couple who are getting
married agree that he is a clergy. The celebrant doesn't have to be a resident,
register in advance, or fulfil any other requirements.
Massachusetts
Ordained ministers of the gospel may perform marriages. --- Before performing
marriages, ministers are required to apply for a certificate from the state.
For applications write to: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Office of the
Secretary, Supervisor, Commissions Division, State House, Boston, Massachusetts
02133. You must file a copy of your ordination certificate and a statement
from the church saying that you are in good standing. Please let us know
well in advance if you need a statement from us. --- Ministers must keep
records of all marriages they perform. Also, ministers must return a certificate
of the marriage to the town clerk or registrar who issued the marriage license
and to the town clerk of the town where the marriage was performed. --- For
questions see the town clerk or registrar or write to the Secretary of State.
Michigan
A minister of the gospel who is ordained or authorized by his or her church
to perform marriages and who is a pastor of a church in this state, or continues
to preach the gospel in this state may perform marriages. --- Ministers must
complete a marriage certificate and give one to the couple. Another marriage
certificate must be returned to the county clerk who issued the license within
10 days after the marriage. --- For questions see the county clerk.
Minnesota
Any licensed or ordained minister of the gospel in regular communion with
a religious society may perform marriages. --- Ministers must file a copy
of their credentials of ordination with the clerk of the district court of
any county. --- Ministers must give a marriage certificate to the bride and
groom and also file a certificate with the clerk of the district court in
the county which issued the marriage license. --- For questions see the clerk
of the district court.
Mississippi
Any ordained minister of the gospel who is in good standing with his or her
church may perform marriages. --- Ministers must send a certificate of marriage
to the clerk who issued the marriage license within three months after the
marriage. --- For questions see the clerk of the circuit court.
Missouri
Marriages may be performed by any clergyman who is a citizen of the United
States and who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state.
--- Ministers must keep a record of all marriages they perform. They must
give the couple a marriage certificate and must complete the marriage license
and return it to the recorder of deeds within 90 days after the marriage
license was issued. --- For questions see the recorder of deeds.
Montana
Ministers of the gospel of any denomination may perform marriages. --- Ministers
must complete and return a marriage certificate to the clerk of the district
court within 30 days after the marriage. Also the minister must provide marriage
certificates to the bride and groom upon request. ---For questions see the
clerk of the district court.
Nebraska
Any ordained clergyman whatsoever, without regard to the sect to which they
belong may perform marriages. --- Ministers must report marriages they perform
to the county judge who issued the marriage license within 15 days after
the marriage. Also the minister must provide marriage certificates to the
bride and groom upon request. --- For questions see the county clerk.
Nevada
Any ordained minister in good standing with his denomination, whose denomination
is incorporated or organized or established in the State of Nevada may perform
marriages. --- Ministers are required to apply for a certificate of permissions to perform marriages. Among other
requirements, the applicant's ministry must be primarily one of service to
his congregation or denomination and his performance of marriages must be
incidental to such service. See Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Certificates of Permission to perform marriages.
New Hampshire
Marriages may be performed by any ordained minister of the gospel who resides
in the state and is in good standing with his church. Ministers not residing
in the state may obtain permission to perform a marriage upon application
to the Secretary of State. --- Ministers must send a copy of the marriage
certificate to the town clerk. ---For questions see the town clerk.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, "[various government officials] and every minister of every
religion, are hereby authorized to solemnize marriage between such persons
as may lawfully enter into the matrimonial relation; and every religious
society, institution or organization in this State may join together in marriage
such persons according to the rules and customs of the society, institution
or organization." It is a misdemeanor for someone not so authorized to
"solemnize" a marriage and it is a misdemeanor for someone who is authorized
to perform a marriage without the presentation of a license. (Title 37:1-13,15)
As in most states, the prospective bride and groom give the marriage license
directly to the minister: "Before a marriage can be lawfully performed in
this state, the persons intending to be married shall obtain a marriage license
from the licensing officer and deliver it to the person who is to officiate,
but if the marriage is to be performed by or before any religious society,
institution or organization, the license shall be delivered to such religious
society, institution or organization, or any officer thereof." (Title 37:1-2)
A clergyman is also permitted to do "work of a psychological nature consistent
with the accepted standards of their respective professions" and "work of
a marriage and family therapy nature, ... , when acting within the scope
of the person's profession or occupation and doing work consistent with the
person's training". (Title 45:14B-8, 8B-8)
Official Information:
• The Commissioner of the Department of Human Services
• New Jersey State
Legislature (search statutes)
New Mexico
Any ordained clergyman whatsoever, without regard to the sect to which he
or she may belong may perform marriages. --- Ministers must provide the county
clerk with a marriage certificate within 90 days after the marriage. ---
For questions see the county clerk.
New York
Important Note: The City of New York has significantly different
laws and procedures from the rest of the state. See "New York City" below.
Ministers must complete a marriage certificate and return it to the town
or city clerk who issued the marriage license within 5 days after the marriage.
--- For questions see the town or city clerk.
To be valid, a marriage ceremony must be performed by any of the individuals
specified in Section 11 of the New York State Domestic Relations Law. These
include:
Various government officials;
a member of the clergy or minister who has been officially ordained and granted
authority to perform marriage ceremonies from a governing church body in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the church body;
a member of the clergy or minister who is not authorized by a governing Church
body but who has been chosen by a spiritual group to preside over their spiritual
affairs;
other officiants as specified by Section 11 of the Domestic Relations Law.
The person performing the ceremony must be registered with the City of New
York in order to perform a ceremony within the New York City limits. The
officiant does not have to be a resident of New York State.
Ship captains are not authorized to perform marriage ceremonies in New York
State.
New York City
In a nutshell: If the address
on your Drivers License is within NYC limits, you will need three things
to be able to perform marriages within NYC, instead of only one. They
are:
• Ordination Certificate
• Founding Document
• and a Letter signed
by one member of your Congregation.
Before performing marriages in New York City, the minister must register
his or her name and address in the office of the city clerk of the city of
New York and show some documentation.
The Official NYC handbook on the Domestic Relations Law, p. 89., À/Í À/ÍC11:2
(subdivision 1) permits a clergyman or minister of any religion to solemnize
marriages. "Clergyman or minister" includes a duly authorized pastor, rector,
priest, or rabbi. It also includes any other person having authority from,
or in accordance with, the rules and regulations of the governing ecclesiastical
body of the denomination or order, if any, to which the church belongs. Persons
who otherwise have authority from the church or synagogue to preside over
and direct the spiritual affairs of the church or synagogue are likewise
included. DRL § 11 (subd. 7): Religious Corporations Law§ 2. The
statute explicitly recognizes the solemnization authority of certain leaders
of Ethical Culture Societies. DRL§ 11 (subd 1)
While the state may act to prevent marriages being solemnized by mere
philanderers purporting to officiate under the guise of a pseudo-religious
faith, it may not interdict marriage ceremonies having a reverent character
performed by a person having ecclesiastical sanction. O'Neal v. Hubbard,
180 Misc. 40 N.Y.S.2d 202 (Sup.Ct. Kings County 1943) (holding unconstitutional
statutory provision limiting solemnization to ministers affiliated with religions
listed in a federal census of religious bodies).
To have authority to solemnize marriages, there is no requirement that the
church, synagogue, or other religious congregation over which the clergyman
presides be affiliated with any denomination or order. Nor is there any
requirement that clergy have received formal sanctioning authority from a
governing board of a denomination or order or from the church, synagogue,
or congregation itself. Matter of Silverstein's Estate, 190 Misc. 745, 75
N.Y.S.2d 144 (Surr.Ct.Bronx County 1947). This, where the proof showed that
the clergyman who performed the marriage ceremony had regularly conducted
services in a synagogue attended by some twenty-five congregants, the court
found that there was sufficient evidence that the clergyman was recognized
by his congregants as their spiritual leader. In re Silverstein's Estate,
supra.
The liberality in construction is stretched to the breaking point where the
officiating clergyman appears to be a mere philanderer professing a
pseudo-religious faith. In Ravenal v. Ravenal, 72 Misc.2d 100, 338 N.Y.S.2d
324 (Sup.Ct.N.Y.County 1972), at issue was the validity of a marriage purportedly
solemnized by a person who obtained his minister's credentials by mail, who
did not preside over an actual church or religious organization, whose beliefs
did not provide for any form of worship or religious service, and whose
accrediting organization professed a willingness to ordain anyone for a modest
free will offering. The court concluded that, under these circumstances,
the person who performed the ceremony could not be properly viewed, even
with the benefit of a liberal construction, as a clergyman or minister of
a religion. The Ravenal case represents an extreme situation where the person
who purported to solemnize the marriage lacked, at least to the court's mind,
any of the objective manifestations of attributes generally associated with
ministers or clergy. The court appears to have been convinced that the
solemnizing officer was a charlatan, claiming ecclesiastical authority by
virtue of a mail order ordination granted by a corporate entity that would
ordain all comers. Where the parties to the marriage and the person who
solemnized the marriage belong to, or ascribe to, a genuine religious faith,
then the authority of the officiating person must be recognized.
The question of genuineness of religious faith is tested by objective criteria
such as the regularity of worship and the existence of tenets or principles.
The subjective values of the particular religion or faith are irrelevant,
no matter how unconventional or no matter how unschooled in theology the
clergyman appears to be.
Marriages among people of denominations who have a particular mode or manner
of solemnizing marriages may be solemnized in the manner used and practice
by their denomination. DRL§ 2.
Now I quote from another mystery document that appears to be the regulations
or statutes controlling the City Clerk. (It might be Title 51--City Clerk.)
I think that this is page "15293 RCNY 6-30-91"
§ 3-06 Marriage Officiant Registration. Pursuant to § 11-B of the
Domestic Relations Law, the Office of the City Clerk will accept the registration
of officiants to perform wedding ceremonies within the city of New York upon
presentation of documentary proof of authority as outlined below.
(a) In the case of clergy, the person wishing to register (hereafter "the
registrant") must comply with one of the following:
(1) In cases where the denomination publishes a directory of its clergy,
the registrant may show that he or she is listed in that directory. If the
registrant's name does not yet appear in the denominational directory, the
registrant claiming membership in that denomination may instead present written
confirmation for that membership from the body that puts out the directory.
Such confirmation can also consist of a certificate or letter showing that
the registrant graduated from the seminary or theological school pertaining
to the denomination.
(2) In cases where the denomination does not have such a directory, the
registrant must show several pieces of documentary proof of authority. First,
the registrant must present an ordination certificate accompanied, if necessary,
by an English translation thereof. Ordination certificates issued by the
Universal Life Church or its affiliates are not acceptable as evidence
of clerical authority based on Ranieri v. Ranieri, New York Law Journal,
March 27, 1989. Ravenal v. Ravenal, 72 Misc.2d 100, 338 N.Y.S.2d 324
(Sup.Ct.N.Y.County 1972). In lieu of an ordination certificate, the registrant
must present a "license to minister" or a letter of appointment from his
or her religious body, i.e. from its hierarch or its board of trustees. Second,
the registrant must present a letter from his or her local congregation verifying
that he or she is the pastor or associate pastor of that congregation, and
that the congregation therefore consents to the registering of that individual.
Lastly, if the church is incorporated, the registrant must present a copy
of the articles of incorporation. If the church is not incorporated, the
registrant must submit a statement as to the location of the house of worship,
the reason for its founding, the number of trustees, the approximate size
of its congregation, and how often it meets.
(3) In cases where the registrant belongs to a denomination that does not
have a directory and does not grant certificates of ordination or licenses
to minister, the registrant must present a letter stating that he or she
is the recognized spiritual leader of a congregation, and that the congregation
therefore consents to the registering of that individual. The registrant
must also submit a statement as to the location of the house of worship,
the reason for its founding, the number of trustees, the approximate size
of its congregation, and how often it meets.
(b) In the case of judges [...]
Official Information:
City Clerk's Office, Clergy Registration desk
Audrey Sparks, +1-212-669-8095.
City Clerk's Office, General Counsel
Ed O'Malley, +1-212-669-8171
North Carolina
Any ordained minister of any faith who is authorized to perform marriages
by his church may do so. --- ministers must complete the marriage license
and return it to the register of deeds who issued it. --- For questions see
the register of deeds.
North Dakota
Ordained ministers of the gospel and priests of every church may perform
marriages. --- Ministers must file a certificate of marriage with the county
judge who issued the license within 5 days after the marriage. Certificates
must also be given to the persons married. --- For questions see the county
clerk.
Ohio
To have legally recognized clergy status in Ohio, one must have ordination
papers from a church recognized in Ohio.
Contact the Ohio Secretary of State at 30 E. Broad St., 14th Floor; Columbus,
OH 43266-0418. Request the application for a minister's license. When you
receive it, send the completed form, a photocopy of your ordination certificate,
and a $10 check or money order to the above address. This will take 2-3 weeks.
By Ohio Law, licensed clergy must report suspected child or elder abuse to
authorities, as well as follow State laws when marrying couples. A summary
of the laws is provided at licensure. This license makes chaplaincy status
at hospitals, etc. easier to obtain.
Any ordained or licensed minister of any religious society or congregation
within this state may perform marriages. --- Before performing a marriage,
ministers must present their ordination credentials to the probate judge
of any county. The judge will provide the minister with a license to perform
marriages. The minister must then present his license to the probate judge
in any county in which he performs a marriage. ---Ministers must send a
certificate of marriage to the probate judge of the county which issued the
marriage license within 30 days after the marriage. --- For questions see
the clerk of the probate court.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma statutes provide for clergy who are not licensed therapists to give
certain kinds of counseling. Clergymen may also visit prisoners. The law
also provides a right to confidential communications with a clergyman acting
in his professional capacity. In this state, the confidentiality belongs
the communicant, not in the clergyman.
Weddings
Constitution of Oklahoma: Article I § 2. Religious Liberty -- Polygamous
or plural marriages. Perfect toleration of religious sentiment shall be secured,
and no inhabitant of the State shall ever be molested in person or property
on account of his or her mode of religious worship; and no religious test
shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights. Polygamous
or plural marriages are forever prohibited.
Title 43 § 7 Solemnization of marriages. A. All marriages must be contracted
by a formal ceremony performed or solemnized in the presence of at least
two adult, competent persons as witnesses, by a judge or retired judge of
any court of record in this state, or an ordained or authorized preacher
or minister of the Gospel, priest or other ecclesiastical dignitary of any
denomination who has been duly ordained or authorized by the church to which
he belongs to preach the Gospel, or a rabbi and who is at least eighteen
(18) years of age. The preacher, minister, priest, rabbi or ecclesiastical
dignitary who is a resident of this state shall have filed, in the office
of the court clerk of the county in which he resides, a copy of his credentials
or authority from his church or synagogue authorizing him to solemnize marriages.
The preacher, minister, priest, rabbi or ecclesiastical dignitary who is
not a resident of this state, but has complied with the laws of the state
of which he is a resident, shall have filed once, in the office of the court
clerk of the county in which he intends to perform or solemnize a marriage,
a copy of his credentials or authority from his church or synagogue authorizing
him to solemnize marriages. Such filing by resident or nonresident preachers,
ministers, priests, rabbis or ecclesiastical dignitaries shall be effective
in and for all counties of this state; provided, that no fee shall be charged
for such recording; but no person herein authorized to perform or solemnize
the marriage ceremony shall do so unless the license issued therefor be first
delivered into his possession nor unless he has good reason to believe the
persons presenting themselves before him for marriage are the identical persons
named in the license, and for whose marriage the name was issued, and that
there is no legal objection or impediment to such marriage.
B. Marriages between persons belonging to the society called Friends, or
Quakers, the spiritual assembly of the Baha'Is, or The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints, which have no ordained minister, may be solemnized
by the persons and in the manner prescribed by and practiced in any such
society, church or assembly.
Title 43 § 8 Endorsement and return of license. The person performing
or solemnizing the marriage ceremony shall immediately upon the completion
thereof endorse upon the license authorizing the marriage his name; official
or clerical designation; the court of which he is judge or the congregation
or body of which he is pastor, preacher, minister, priest, rabbi or dignitary,
provided, that the authority to perform or solemnize marriages shall be
coextensive with the congregation or body of which he is pastor, preacher,
minister, priest, rabbi or dignitary; the town or city and county where the
same is located; and signed by him with his official or clerical designation.
The witnesses to the ceremony shall endorse the license authorizing the marriage
with their names and post office addresses. The license with such certificate
thereon shall be transmitted without delay to the judge or the court clerk
who issued the same. Provided that all marriages solemnized among the society
called Friends, or Quakers, the spiritual assembly of the Baha'Is, or the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in the form heretofore practiced
and in use in their meetings shall be good and valid. One person chosen by
such society, church or assembly shall be responsible for completing the
certification of marriage pursuant to this title in the same manner as a
minister or other person authorized to perform marriages. Such person shall
be chosen by the society, church or assembly for this purpose.
Official Information:
Oklahoma Public Legal
Research System
Oregon
Ministers of any church organized, carrying on its work, and having congregations
in this state may perform marriages in this state if authorized by their
church to do so. --- Before performing marriages, ministers must file their
credentials with the county clerk of the county in which they reside or in
which the marriage is to be performed. --- Ministers must give the bride
and groom a marriage certificate upon request. Also, the minister must send
a marriage certificate to the county clerk who issued the marriage license
within one month after the marriage. --- For questions see the county clerk.
Pennsylvania
Ministers of any regularly established church or congregation may perform
marriages. Also, persons may marry themselves if they obtain a certificate
from the clerk of the orphans' court. --- Ministers must provide a certificate
of marriage to the bride and groom. Also, they must send a marriage certificate
to the clerk of the orphans' court who issued the marriage license within
10 days after the marriage. --- For questions see the clerk of the orphans'
court.
Rhode Island
Everyone who has been, or is, the minister of any society professing to meet
for religious purposes, or incorporated for the promotion of such purposes,
and holding stated and regular services, and who has been ordained according
to the customs and usage's of such society may perform marriages. --- Ministers
must obtain a license from the city or town clerk before performing marriages.
--- Ministers must endorse and return the marriage license to the town or
city clerk in which the marriage was performed. --- For questions see the
town or city clerk.
South Carolina
Ministers of the gospel who are authorized to administer oaths in this state
may perform marriages. --- Ministers must complete the marriage license and
give one copy to the parties and the other two must be returned to the county
judge of probate who issued it within 15 days after the marriage. --- For
questions see the county judge of probate or his clerk.
Also,
anyone that is a notary public in the state of South Carolina is authorized
to perform marriage ceremonies.
P. Thomas
Notary Public
State of South Carolina
South Dakota
Marriages may be performed by a minister of the gospel, or priest of any
denomination. --- Ministers must provide the bride and groom with marriage
certificates upon request. Ministers must also keep a record book of all
marriages they perform. Finally, the minister must send a marriage certificate
to the clerk who issued the marriage license within 30 days after the marriage.
--- For questions see the clerk of courts.
Tennessee
State, province, or other jurisdiction - is a state licensure.
• What activities require "clergy" (e.g. wedding)
Weddings and Funerals for sure, not so clear on other activities.
• What activities "clergy" gets to do (e.g. jail visit)
Again, this is really unclear under Tennessee Law.
• What does "clergy" mean there?
"Clergy" is very ambiguous under Tennessee Law.
• How do you get certified as "clergy" in Tennessee?
To get certified as Clergy, you have to submit to the county courthouse a
statement from your denomination or congregation saying that you are a confirmed
or ordained minister. Then you have to file a certain Tax form, and fill
out a questionnaire, which costs between $200 - $300. Of course, then you
have to figure out how you are taxed, which can be a headache. Suggestion, Hire a bookkeeper and keep immaculate records.
Official Information:
• Tennessee Domestic Relations
Texas
Ordained Christian ministers and priests; Jewish rabbis and persons who are
officers of religious organizations and who are duly authorized by the
organization to conduct marriage ceremonies may perform marriages. --- Ministers
must complete the marriage license and return it to the county clerk who
issued it within 30 days after the marriage. --- For questions see the county
clerk.
Utah
Ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination who are in regular
communion with any religious society may perform marriages. ---Ministers
must provide a certificate of marriage to the county clerk who issued the
marriage license within 30 days after the marriage. --- For questions see
the county clerk.
Vermont
Ordained ministers residing in this state may perform marriages. Non-resident
ordained ministers may perform marriages with the permission of the probate
court of the district within which the marriage is to take place. --- Ministers
must complete the marriage license and certificate of marriage and return
it to the clerk's office from which it was issued within ten days from the
date of the marriage. --- For questions see the town clerk.
Virginia
The procedure in Virginia is less well defined. According to the official
in Arlington County, you bring (in person) your "certificate of ordination",
a photo ID, and $16 the Clerk's office of any Circuit Court. Then the clerk
will ask you "some questions" about things like whether or not you have a
congregation in Virginia, how many members, and whether your group is recognized
as a religious group by the IRS. Then either the clerk will register you
or buck the problem up to a judge. Nonresidents are eligible.
VA-resident non-clergy can sign up for a one-time permit to celebrate a wedding.
Apply in person at the Clerk's office of any Circuit Court.
Official Information:
Wise County Circuit Court
Virgin Islands
Clergymen or ministers of any religion, whether they reside in the Virgin
Islands or elsewhere in the United States may perform marriages. ---Ministers
must complete the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the municipal
court which issued the license within 10 days after the marriage is performed.
--- For questions see the clerk of the municipal court.
Washington
Regularly licensed or ordained ministers or any priest of any church or religious
denomination anywhere within the state may perform marriages.--- Ministers
must send two certificates of marriage to the county auditor within 30 days
after the marriage. --- For questions see the county auditor.
West Virginia
New Law Passed in 2002!
The West Virginia Legislature adopted S. B. 59, establishing new provisions
for the registration of religious representatives to be authorized to perform
marriages in any county in West Virginia.
The provisions replace previous requirements for registration with the county
clerk, however approval of the bond or exemption from the bonding requirement
was left with the county commission.
Requirements for Registration
1. Proof of Age The registrant must be 18 years of age or older, and
may show proof using a birth certificate, driver license, passport or military
ID.
2. Proof of Authority The registrant must be: duly authorized
to perform marriages by his or her church, synagogue, spiritual assembly
or religious organization; and in regular communion with that group of which
he or she is a member.
3. Bond The bonding requirement is waived if the registrant gives proof
before the county commission of his or her ordination or similar formal
authorization by the religious organization.
A bond of $1,500 with surety approved by the county commission, is required
if the formal ordination or similar authorization is not provided. A letter
from the members of a single congregation unaffiliated with a recognized
religious body is not considered proof sufficient to be exempt from the bonding
requirement.
Registry The Secretary of State will establish a registry of all persons
authorized to perform marriages.
The law requires county clerks in the 55 counties to forward to the Secretary
of State by October 1, 2001, the name of every person authorized since 1960
to perform marriages for inclusion in the registry. The Secretary of State
must then forward the completed registry and periodic updates back to the
county clerks.
Official Information:
West Virgina Secretary
of State Website
Wisconsin
Any ordained clergyman of any religious denomination or society may perform
marriages. --
-Before performing marriages, ministers must file their credentials of ordination
with the clerk of the circuit court in the county in which their church is
located. The clerk will give the minister a certificate. --- Ministers must
complete the marriage certificates and give one to the bride and one to the
groom. The original must be returned to the register of deed's of the county
in which the marriage was performed or if performed in a city, to the city
health officer. This must be done within 3 days after the marriage. --- For
questions see the clerk of the circuit court.
Wyoming
Every licensed or ordained minister of the gospel may perform marriages.
--- Ministers must give a marriage certificate to the bride and groom upon
request and must return a certificate to the county clerk. -- - For questions
see the county clerk.
