Marriage Laws by State: Officiating a Wedding in All 50 States
Complete Guide to Officiating a Wedding in Every U.S. State
If you’re planning to officiate a wedding, it’s important to understand that marriage laws vary by state. Each state has its own requirements for who can legally perform a wedding ceremony, whether registration is required, and how marriage licenses must be handled.
This guide provides a general overview of officiant requirements across all 50 states, along with links to more detailed state-specific guides.
How Marriage Laws Work in the United States
Across the United States, most states allow the following individuals to officiate weddings:
- Ordained ministers and religious leaders
- Judges and court officials
- Certain public officials (varies by state)
Many states also recognize individuals who have been ordained online, though requirements and acceptance may vary depending on the state and county.
Important Factors That Vary by State
When officiating a wedding, the following rules may differ depending on location:
- Whether online ordination is accepted
- Whether officiants must register with the state or county
- Waiting periods for marriage licenses
- Witness requirements
- Deadlines for returning the marriage license
Because these requirements vary, it is important to review the laws for the specific state where the ceremony will take place.
Marriage Laws by State
Click your state below to learn how to get ordained and officiate a wedding:
Get Ordained to Officiate a Wedding
In most states, becoming ordained is the first step to officiating a wedding. The process is simple and can be completed online in just a few minutes.
Once ordained, you can legally perform weddings in many states, provided you follow local requirements.