Guide to Wedding Officiant Registration
Open Ministry
Officiate a Wedding Ceremony in 2026
Performing a wedding is a great honor, and as an officiant, your primary job is to ensure the paperwork is legally sound. Open Ministry is here to help. We have provided a general online guide for state marriage laws, specifically regarding witnesses and minister registration. Before you perform a ceremony, get ordained today and begin your journey as a Wedding Officiant.
The "Officiant’s Golden Rules"
Before looking at the state list, remember these three universal facts:
- Witnesses: Some states may not require two witnesses or any at all.
- Registration: In 15 states, being "ordained" isn't enough; you must register with the government before performing the ceremony.
- The License: Do not perform a ceremony until you have a physical license in your hand.
How to Use This State Marriage Laws Guide
- Check Registration: If your state says "YES," you must mail or submit your ordination credentials to that state's office before the wedding.
- Check Witnesses: On the wedding day, ensure the correct number of people are ready to sign the license with black ink as required by the state.
- Confirm the License: Remind the couple to get their marriage license at least a few days before the ceremony, as many states have a 3-day or longer waiting period.
State-by-State Quick Guide (as of January 2026)
| State | Minister Registration Required | Witnesses Needed |
| Alabama | No | 0 (No ceremony required; form only) |
| Alaska | No | 2 |
| Arizona | No | 2 |
| Arkansas | YES (Register with County Clerk | 2 |
| California | No | 1 (Standard) or 0 (Confidential) |
| Colorado | No | 0 (Couples can "self-solemnize") |
| Connecticut | No | 0 |
| Delaware | YES (Register with Clerk of Peace) | 2 |
| Florida | No | 0 |
| Georgia | No | 0 |
| Hawaii | YES (Register with Dept. of Health) | 0 |
| Idaho | No | 0 |
| Illinois | No | 0 |
| Indiana | No | 0 |
| Iowa | No | 1 |
| Kansas | No | 2 |
| Kentucky | No | 2 |
| Louisiana | YES (Register with Parish Clerk) | 2 |
| Maine | No | 2 |
| Maryland | No | 0 |
| Massachusetts | YES (If you are a non-resident) | 0 |
| Michigan | No | 2 |
| Minnesota | YES (Register with any County) | 2 |
| Mississippi | No | 0 |
| Missouri | No | 0 |
| Montana | No | 0 |
| Nebraska | No | 2 |
| Nevada | YES (Register with County Clerk) | 1 |
| New Hampshire | YES (If you are a non-resident) | 0 |
| New Jersey | No | 1 |
| New Mexico | No | 2 |
| New York |
YES (In NYC only) |
1 |
| North Carolina |
No |
2 |
| North Dakota | No | 2 |
| Ohio |
YES (Register with Sec. of State) |
0 |
| Oklahoma | YES (Register with Court Clerk) | 2 |
| Oregon | No | 2 |
| Pennsylvania | No | 0 |
| Rhode Island | No | 2 |
| South Carolina | No | 0 |
| South Dakota |
No | 1 |
|
Tennessee |
No | 0 |
| Texas | No | 0 |
| Utah | No | 2 |
| Vermont | YES (If you are a non-resident) | 0 |
| Virginia | YES (Very strict; check County) | 0 |
| Washington | No | 2 |
| Washington D.C. | YES (Register with Superior Court) | 0 |
| West Virginia | YES (Register with Sec. of State) | 0 |
| Wisconsin | No | 2 |
| Wyoming | No | 2 |