How to become a wedding officiant
How to become a wedding officiant
How to become an officiant for a wedding
Becoming a wedding officiant is a rewarding way to be part of one of life’s most meaningful moments! Whether you’re looking to officiate for friends and family or start a side business, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to become a wedding officiant.
Basic requirements
Understanding the requirements, costs, and best practices is essential to becoming a wedding officiant:
Minimum age: You must be at least 18 years old to officiate a wedding in most states.
Ordination: In many cases, you must be ordained either through a recognized religious organization or via an online ministry. Online ordination is widely accepted and often free or low-cost.
Registration: Most states, including Florida and California, do not require officiants to register with the state. However, some counties may request proof of ordination, so it’s wise to check with the local county clerk’s office.
Legal responsibilities: Officiants are responsible for completing and signing the marriage license and returning it to the appropriate government office within the required timeframe, often within 5 to 10 days of the ceremony.
Who can officiate
When most people think of a wedding officiate, they think of a priest, rabbi, or minister from a church. However, there are many different avenues to becoming an officiant. Most online ordination services don’t require any particular spiritual beliefs.
Ordained ministers (including online or temporary)
Clergy or elders of a church
Judicial officers (judges or retired judges)
Notaries public (in some states, such as Florida)
Members of certain religious societies
How to become ordained to officiate a wedding
If your goal is to become an ordained minister, either for a friend or family member’s wedding or as part of your long-term life plans, you can obtain an ordination easily. Organizations like the Universal Life Church (ULC) and American Marriage Ministries (AMM) offer free, legal online ordination services.
Next, fill out an application, giving information about you and your background. Most organizations will confirm your ordination through email or a physical certificate. ULC, AMM, and many other churches also offer training for prospective ministers.
The specific requirements for becoming an officiant vary by state and religion. If you’re going to officiate a loved one’s wedding, make sure you’re familiar with the regulations well in advance to avoid delaying or complicating the wedding.
How to officiate a wedding
Once you’ve obtained all the necessary documentation showing that you’re an ordained minister, notary, or qualified professional, you’re ready to proceed! To prepare for the ceremony, contact the county’s marriage license office to clarify any location-specific requirements or procedures. Next, follow these steps:
Prepare for the ceremony by meeting with the couple and discuss their vision for the ceremony.
Write the script for your speech (if applicable) and practice aloud.
Attend a rehearsal if the couple wants to hold one.
On the day of the wedding, arrive early to make sure everything is ready.
Follow your script, making eye contact and speaking clearly.
Sign the marriage license and help make sure there aren’t any errors.
File the license with the appropriate county or state authority.
What does the officiant say at a wedding?
Officiating a wedding can be nerve-wracking if you’re not used to public speaking! To make sure the ceremony goes off without a hitch, follow this basic outline and modify it as needed:
Welcome and introduction: Greet guests and set the tone.
Example: "Welcome, family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of [Partner 1] and [Partner 2]. It’s a joy to share in this special day as they begin their married life together."
Remarks on love and commitment: Reflect on the significance of the moment.
Example: "From the moment you first met, through each milestone, your love has grown into something truly remarkable. Today, you stand before your loved ones to make official vows and promises, marking a new chapter in your journey."
Declaration of intent ("I Do’s"): Ask each partner if they willingly enter into marriage.
Example: "Do you, [Partner 1], take [Partner 2] to be your [wife/husband/partner], your best friend and love for life?" ("I do.")
Exchange of vows: Invite the couple to share their vows, either personal or repeat-after-me.
Example: "Please share your vows with each other" or "[Partner 1], please repeat after me: I promise to share my life with yours, to love you, to laugh with you, and to build our dreams together."
Ring exchange: Explain the symbolism of the rings and guide the ring exchange.
Example: "These rings are a symbol of your unending love and commitment. As you place them on each other’s fingers, repeat after me: I give you this ring as a daily reminder of my love for you."
Pronouncement: Officially declare the couple married.
Example: "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you [husband and wife/husband and husband/wife and wife/spouses]. You may now kiss!"
Closing remarks: Invite everyone to celebrate the newlyweds.
Example: "It is my honor to present, for the first time, [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] as a married couple! Let’s celebrate their new adventure together!"
Personalize the ceremony by incorporating the couple's personality, values, and relationship into the ceremony to make it feel unique and special.
Costs associated with becoming a wedding officiant
Not all officiants charge to perform a ceremony, but professional wedding officiants cost $200 to $500 on average. Some defer payment and ask couples to donate to their church instead.
While many ordination services are free, you can purchase a one-day officiant license from some states for a modest fee. Whether you only want to officiate once or turn it into a career, you’ll find potential costs in the table below.
| Expense category | Average cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online ordination or license | $0 – $60 | Many organizations offer free ordination. |
| Official documents (certificate, letter of good standing) | $10 – $50 | Some counties require physical proof of ordination. |
| Business cards / website | $20 – $200+ | Optional, for those starting a business. |
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FAQs about becoming an officiant
Do I need to be a resident of the state to officiate a wedding there?
In most states, you do not need to be a resident to officiate a wedding. The primary requirement is that you are properly ordained and meet any local registration rules, if applicable.
It’s always a good idea to check with the specific county or city where the wedding will take place, as local regulations can occasionally differ. However, residency is rarely a barrier for officiants in the United States.
Can I get ordained online and legally officiate weddings?
Yes, in most states, online ordination is a valid and legally recognized way to become a wedding officiant. Many reputable organizations offer online ordination, and this method is widely accepted, including in states like Florida and California.
Before officiating, confirm that the county where you’ll hold the ceremony accepts online ordinations, as a few localities may have additional requirements or restrictions.
What documents do I need to officiate a wedding?
To officiate a wedding, you will typically need to present your ordination certificate as proof of your authority. Some counties may also require a letter of good standing from the organization that ordained you, especially if you got your ordination online.
It is essential to contact the county clerk’s office where the ceremony will take place to ensure you have all the necessary documentation, as requirements can vary from one jurisdiction to another.
How do I complete the marriage license?
As the officiant, you are responsible for accurately filling out your portion of the marriage license after the ceremony. This usually includes your name, title, and ordaining organization, along with the date and location of the wedding.
Once the license has all required signatures, you must return the completed license to the county clerk’s office within the designated timeframe—often within a few days of the ceremony—to ensure the marriage is legally recorded.
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