How to Perform a Wedding Ceremony

Becoming a wedding officiant is a meaningful responsibility that combines ceremonial service with legal authority. Follow this 5-Step Officiant Guide to ensure you are prepared to solemnize a marriage and create a memorable ceremony.

Step 1: Complete Your Authorization

The first step is to become "entitled or authorized" to perform weddings.

• Get Ordained: Open Ministry ordinations are recognized in all 50 states. To begin the process, complete the required form. Once your application is processed, you will receive an email confirming your request.
• Obtain Credentials: While our ordinations are granted free, most county clerks require physical proof of your ordination status to register. Request your Official Credentials of Ministry for registration and display.
  

Step 2: Verify Marriage Laws & Registration

Marriage laws vary significantly by state and even county, necessitating officiants to check local laws for proper authorization. Before the wedding day, you must confirm your standing.

• Research: Determine if the state or county where the wedding will take place has specific officiant rules, requiring registration, special licenses, or pre-approval. Jurisdictions such as New York (NYC), Hawaii, West Virginia, and Nevada have strict registration rules.
• Requirements: Contact the clerk’s office that will be issuing the couples marriage license and ask the following question: "I am a newly ordained minister, do I need to register my credentials with your office or follow specific procedures before performing a wedding?"
• Registration: Complete any necessary paperwork to register as a wedding officiant and present your credentials to the County Clerk or licensing agency. 

Step 3: The Marriage License

A ceremony is a celebration, but the Marriage License is the "proof" of the union or marriage.

• The License: Ensure the couple has obtained their marriage license from the State or County. You cannot perform a legal wedding without this official document physically present.
• The Keepsake: Prepare a decorative Wedding Certificate for the couple to sign as a commemorative keepsake for framing and display. 

Step 4: Plan & Perform the Ceremony

Work with the couple to create a day that reflects their unique bond.

• Planning: We offer literature and ceremony scripts to help you create a custom service. Look to the couple for inspiration regarding timing, themes, and vows.
• Rehearsal: Practice the ceremony in advance to ensure smooth transitions.
• The Big Day: Perform the ceremony as rehearsed, guiding the couple through their vows and pronouncement.

Step 5: Sign & Return the License

After the ceremony, the State-issued marriage license must be completed to record the marriage legally.

• Signatures: Usually, this requires the signatures of the couple, the minister, and two witnesses.
• Verification: Check with the county clerk for specific details on completing the license.
• Submission: The license must be returned to the issuing agency within a specific timeframe (usually 3–10 days depending on state laws).

Pre-Wedding Officiant Checklist

Before the ceremony, ensure you have the following items ready:

[  ] Official Credentials: Physical copies of your Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing.
[  ] Registration Proof: Confirmation that you have registered with the county as required.
[  ] Marriage License: Physical possession of the couple's state-issued license.
[  ] Black Pen: May be required by the county clerk for completing official documents.
[  ] Wedding Certificate: For the couple to sign as a commemorative keepsake (optional).
[  ] Ceremony Script: A printed copy of the vows, readings, and pronouncement.