{"ok":true,"publisher":"Agape Church International (ordainedministers.org)","ordination_fee_usd":0,"jurisdictions_count":51,"primary_source_reviewed_count":51,"metro_playbooks_count":62,"jurisdictions":[{"code":"AL","name":"Alabama","slug":"alabama","statute":"Ala. Code § 30-1-9.1 (Act 2019-340)","statuteUrl":"https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-faqs.html","tier":"ALABAMA_NOTARY_CERT","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Probate Court","coupleDocumentName":"Notarized Alabama Marriage Certificate (Form ADPH-HS-47)","witnessRule":"No ceremony witnesses or officiant signature are required on the civil form; each spouse’s signature on Form ADPH-HS-47 must be notarized by an authorized notary public.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Because civil marriage in Alabama is established by recording the notarized ADPH-HS-47 form, wedding ceremonies are celebratory and couples have full freedom over spoken vows and readings.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional keepsake & altar binder only—Alabama does not require ordination documents or an officiant signature to record Form ADPH-HS-47.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Alabama Department of Public Health — Marriage Certificate FAQs (Act 2019-340)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-faqs.html","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"ALABAMA CERTIFICATE PROCESS (NO MARRIAGE LICENSE REQUIRED): Under Alabama Act 2019-340 (Ala. Code § 30-1-9.1), Alabama no longer issues marriage licenses and does not require a wedding ceremony or officiant signature to form a civil marriage. Instead, both spouses complete and notarize the official Alabama Marriage Certificate form (ADPH-HS-47) and record it with an Alabama County Probate Court within 30 days of the later spouse’s signature (confirm current Probate Court recording fee schedules directly with the county). Friends and ministers are still frequently asked to lead a meaningful celebratory ceremony, and no paid officiant kit is required to complete the civil process.","specialBadge":"Optional Celebratory Ceremony • Act 2019-340"},{"code":"AK","name":"Alaska","slug":"alaska","statute":"Alaska Stat. §§ 25.05.261 & 25.05.301","statuteUrl":"https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#25.05.261","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Alaska Health Analytics & Vital Records / Alaska Trial Court","coupleDocumentName":"Alaska Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Under AS 25.05.301, at least 2 competent witnesses must be physically present at the ceremony and sign the marriage certificate.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under AS 25.05.301, no particular form is required except that the parties must solemnly declare, in the presence of the officiant and at least 2 witnesses, that they take each other to be spouses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional printed ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Alaska does not require state pre-registration of ministerial credentials.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Alaska State Legislature — AS 25.05.261 & AS 25.05.301 (Marriage Solemnization)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#25.05.261","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Alaska Stat. § 25.05.261(a)(1), a minister, priest, or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state (or commissioned religious officiant, as well as a one-time civil Marriage Commissioner appointed by an Alaska court under AS 25.05.081) may solemnize marriages without pre-registering with a statewide clergy registry. Note that couples face a mandatory 3-business-day waiting period after submitting their license application, and the officiant must return the signed marriage certificate within 7 days of the ceremony. Always confirm current fee schedules and local filing instructions with Alaska Health Analytics & Vital Records or the issuing court.","specialBadge":"AS 25.05.261 • No State Clergy Registry"},{"code":"AZ","name":"Arizona","slug":"arizona","statute":"Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-124 & 25-125","statuteUrl":"https://www.azleg.gov/ars/25/00124.htm","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Clerk of the Superior Court","coupleDocumentName":"Arizona Marriage License","witnessRule":"Under A.R.S. § 25-125(B), at least 2 adult witnesses (age 18+) must be present at the ceremony and sign the marriage license alongside both spouses and the officiant.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Arizona law does not mandate rigid liturgical language, provided both parties declare mutual consent in the physical presence of the authorized officiant and 2 adult witnesses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional keepsake certificate & altar folder—Arizona Superior Court Clerks do not require officiants to pre-file ordination credentials.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Arizona State Legislature — A.R.S. § 25-124 (Persons Authorized to Solemnize)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.azleg.gov/ars/25/00124.htm","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 25-124(A)(1), duly licensed or ordained clergymen (defined to include all ministers, elders, or other persons who by the customs, rules, and regulations of a religious society or sect are authorized to solemnize marriages) may perform weddings across all 15 Arizona counties without pre-registering with the state or county. Arizona has no waiting period after license issuance (licenses are valid for 1 year), and the signed lower portion of the license must be returned to the issuing Clerk of the Superior Court within 30 days after the ceremony. Confirm current license fee schedules directly with the county Clerk of the Superior Court.","specialBadge":"A.R.S. § 25-124 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"AR","name":"Arkansas","slug":"arkansas","statute":"Ark. Code Ann. §§ 9-11-213 & 9-11-214","statuteUrl":"https://pulaskiclerkar.gov/departments/marriage-license/","tier":"AFFIDAVIT_REQUIRED","kitPrice":59,"bundlePrice":108,"clerkAuthority":"Arkansas County Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Arkansas Marriage License & Certificate of Record","witnessRule":"Arkansas law does not require independent ceremony witness signatures on the marriage license; only the authorized officiant (with recorded credential details) and couple complete the return.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-11-215, marriages solemnized by clergy may follow the forms and customs of the minister’s church or religious society, including a clear mutual declaration of marriage.","minLeadDays":14,"leadTimeWarning":"You must record your ministerial credentials with an Arkansas County Clerk BEFORE the wedding date and obtain your recording book/page reference. Allow time for document delivery and County Clerk recording.","kitPurposeNote":"Provides physical Certificate of Ordination and notarized Letter of Good Standing formatted for recording with an Arkansas County Clerk prior to the ceremony.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Pulaski County Clerk (Arkansas) — Marriage License & Minister Credential Recording Rules","primarySourceUrl":"https://pulaskiclerkar.gov/departments/marriage-license/","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"ARKANSAS CREDENTIAL RECORDING REQUIREMENT: Under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 9-11-213 & 9-11-214, every minister or priest MUST have their license or credentials of clerical character recorded in the office of a County Clerk in Arkansas PRIOR to solemnizing any marriage. Recording credentials in any one of Arkansas’s 75 counties authorizes statewide solemnization, and the minister must endorse the recording county and book/page (or recording date) directly on the couple’s marriage certificate before it is returned within 60 days. Always verify the current local minister-credential recording fee schedule directly with the Arkansas County Clerk.","specialBadge":"County Clerk Pre-Recording Required (§ 9-11-214)"},{"code":"CA","name":"California","slug":"california","statute":"Cal. Fam. Code §§ 400 & 420","statuteUrl":"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=FAM&sectionNum=400.","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Clerk / County Recorder","coupleDocumentName":"California Public or Confidential Marriage License","witnessRule":"At least 1 witness signature is required on a California Public Marriage License (maximum 2 witnesses sign). No witnesses sign a California Confidential Marriage License (Cal. Fam. Code § 500).","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under Cal. Fam. Code § 420(a), no particular form of ceremony is required, except that the parties must declare, in the physical presence of the person solemnizing the marriage and necessary witnesses, that they take each other as spouses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional keepsake ordination certificate & ceremony binder—California County Clerks do not require pre-filing physical church credentials.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"California Legislative Information — Family Code §§ 400 & 420","primarySourceUrl":"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=FAM&sectionNum=400.","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under California Family Code § 400(a), priests, ministers, rabbis, or authorized persons of any religious denomination (age 18+) may solemnize marriages across all 58 California counties without pre-registering with the state or County Clerk. California counties also offer Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages for a Day programs for non-clergy. The officiant must complete the license cleanly in black ink and return it to the issuing County Recorder within 10 days after the ceremony. Confirm current license fee schedules directly with the issuing County Clerk.","specialBadge":"Cal. Fam. Code § 400 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"CO","name":"Colorado","slug":"colorado","statute":"Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-2-109","statuteUrl":"https://content.leg.colorado.gov/agencies/office-legislative-legal-services/colorado-revised-statutes","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Clerk and Recorder","coupleDocumentName":"Colorado Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Colorado requires zero (0) witness signatures on the marriage certificate (though couples sometimes invite ceremonial guests to sign a decorative certificate).","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under C.R.S. § 14-2-109, Colorado recognizes any religious denomination’s mode of solemnization as well as mutual self-solemnization by the couple, with full freedom over spoken vows.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional commemorative ordination certificate & altar binder—Colorado does not require officiant registration or witness signatures.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Boulder County Clerk & Recorder (Colorado) — Marriage License & C.R.S. § 14-2-109 Guide","primarySourceUrl":"https://bouldercounty.gov/records/licenses/marriages-and-civil-unions/apply-for-marriage-license/","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-2-109(1), a marriage in Colorado may be solemnized by a judge, magistrate, public official, Indian nation/tribe, or in accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination—OR directly by the parties to the marriage themselves (self-solemnization). No statewide or county officiant pre-registration is required. A Colorado marriage license has no waiting period, must be used within 35 days of issuance, and the completed certificate must be returned to the issuing County Clerk and Recorder within 63 days after the ceremony (confirm current local license fees directly with the County Clerk).","specialBadge":"C.R.S. § 14-2-109 • Clergy or Self-Solemnization"},{"code":"CT","name":"Connecticut","slug":"connecticut","statute":"Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 46b-22 & 46b-24","statuteUrl":"https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_815e.htm#sec_46b-22","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Municipal Vital Records Registrar (Town or City Where Ceremony Occurs)","coupleDocumentName":"Connecticut Marriage License","witnessRule":"Connecticut statutes do not require independent witness signatures on the official marriage license; only the authorized officiant completes and signs the solemnization certification.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both spouses must appear in the physical presence of the authorized officiant and declare their mutual consent to marry before being pronounced spouses under Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 46b-22 & 46b-24.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Connecticut does not maintain a state minister pre-registration office.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Connecticut General Assembly — Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-22 (Who May Join Persons in Marriage)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_815e.htm#sec_46b-22","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-22(a), all ordained or licensed members of the clergy belonging to Connecticut or any other state (continuing in the work of the ministry, as well as Connecticut Justices of the Peace and judges) may solemnize marriages without pre-registering with a state clergy office. IMPORTANT TOWN RULE: Under § 46b-24, the couple must obtain their marriage license from the Town or City Vital Records Registrar in the exact Connecticut municipality where the wedding ceremony will take place (valid for 65 days, no waiting period). Confirm current license fee schedules and return deadlines directly with that Town Clerk.","specialBadge":"Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-22 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"DE","name":"Delaware","slug":"delaware","statute":"13 Del. C. §§ 106 & 107","statuteUrl":"https://delcode.delaware.gov/title13/c001/sc01/index.html#106","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Clerk of the Peace (New Castle, Kent, or Sussex County)","coupleDocumentName":"Delaware Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Under 13 Del. C. § 106(a)(4), marriages must be solemnized in the presence of at least 2 reputable witnesses age 18 or older who legibly sign the certificate of marriage.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under 13 Del. C. § 106(a)(4), marriages may be solemnized according to the forms and usages of any religious society or in an entirely secular manner with mutual consent before the officiant and 2 adult witnesses.","minLeadDays":14,"leadTimeWarning":"Under 13 Del. C. § 106(b), ministers must register with the Delaware County Clerk of the Peace before the wedding to obtain a personal registration number required on the marriage certificate (and couples must observe a 24-hour waiting period after license issuance).","kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & Letter of Good Standing if requested during Clerk of the Peace clergy registration.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Delaware Code Online — Title 13, Chapter 1, § 106 (Individuals Authorized to Solemnize Marriages)","primarySourceUrl":"https://delcode.delaware.gov/title13/c001/sc01/index.html#106","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"DELAWARE CLERK OF THE PEACE CLERGY REGISTRY RULE: Under 13 Del. C. § 106(a)(2) & (b), a clergyperson or minister of any religion (age 18+) MUST register with the county Clerk of the Peace prior to officiating—in their county of residence if living in Delaware, or in the county where the ceremony will be performed if residing out of state (New Castle County provides an online portal; Kent and Sussex Counties coordinate registration through the Clerk of the Peace office). Upon registration, you receive a personal Clerk of the Peace registration number that MUST be written on every Delaware marriage certificate you sign. Note the mandatory 24-hour waiting period before the ceremony (13 Del. C. § 107), 30-day license validity, and 15-day return deadline. Verify local fee schedules and registration steps directly with the Clerk of the Peace.","specialBadge":"Clerk of the Peace Registry Number Required (§ 106)"},{"code":"DC","name":"District of Columbia","slug":"district-of-columbia","statute":"D.C. Code § 46-406","statuteUrl":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/46-406","tier":"AFFIDAVIT_REQUIRED","kitPrice":59,"bundlePrice":108,"clerkAuthority":"D.C. Superior Court Marriage Bureau","coupleDocumentName":"District of Columbia Marriage License & Return","witnessRule":"Washington, D.C. does not require independent ceremony witness signatures on the official Marriage Bureau return; only the authorized celebrant (or self-officiating spouses) signs and files the return.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both parties must appear together in the District of Columbia before the Marriage Bureau-authorized celebrant and declare mutual consent to enter into marriage under D.C. Code § 46-406.","minLeadDays":21,"leadTimeWarning":"D.C. Superior Court Marriage Bureau requires application review, supporting credentials (or Temporary Officiant application), and fee payment PRIOR to the ceremony. Contact the Marriage Bureau immediately if the wedding is within 3 weeks.","kitPurposeNote":"Supplies physical Certificate of Ordination and notarized Letter of Good Standing for D.C. Superior Court Marriage Bureau clergy authorization applications.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"D.C. Courts Marriage Bureau & D.C. Code § 46-406","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.dccourts.gov/services/marriage-matters","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"D.C. MARRIAGE BUREAU PRE-CEREMONY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Under D.C. Code § 46-406, every person officiating a wedding in Washington, D.C. MUST be authorized and registered through the D.C. Superior Court Marriage Bureau PRIOR to the ceremony—either via ongoing Religious Celebrant authorization, a Temporary (One-Time) Officiant authorization, or the couple’s own Self-Officiating election on the license application. Never perform a D.C. ceremony before receiving Marriage Bureau approval, and return the completed marriage certificate within 10 days after the wedding. Confirm current application forms and Marriage Bureau fee schedules directly at dccourts.gov.","specialBadge":"D.C. Marriage Bureau Pre-Approval Required"},{"code":"FL","name":"Florida","slug":"florida","statute":"Fla. Stat. §§ 741.07 & 741.08","statuteUrl":"https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0741/Sections/0741.07.html","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller","coupleDocumentName":"Florida Marriage License","witnessRule":"The Florida marriage license form includes spaces for up to 2 witnesses, though witness signatures are optional under Florida statute and a marriage is valid without them.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both spouses must solemnly declare mutual intent to take each other in marriage in the physical presence of the authorized minister or Florida Notary Public before the effective window expires.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Florida does not maintain a statewide minister registry.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Online Sunshine — Florida Statutes § 741.07 (Persons Authorized to Solemnize Matrimony)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0741/Sections/0741.07.html","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Florida Statutes § 741.07(1), regularly ordained ministers of the gospel or elders in communion with some church (as well as all commissioned Florida Notaries Public and judicial officers) may solemnize marriages across all 67 Florida counties without pre-registering with the state. Check the effective date printed on the license (Florida residents have a 3-day waiting period unless waived via premarital course; non-residents have no wait; licenses expire after 60 days), complete the certificate in black ink, and return it to the issuing Clerk within 10 days. Verify current county license fees directly with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.","specialBadge":"Fla. Stat. § 741.07 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"GA","name":"Georgia","slug":"georgia","statute":"O.C.G.A. §§ 19-3-30 & 19-3-42","statuteUrl":"https://georgia.gov/apply-marriage-license","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Probate Court","coupleDocumentName":"Georgia Marriage License","witnessRule":"Georgia does not require witness signatures on a standard officiated marriage license (two witness affidavits are used only as a corrective fallback under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30(e) if a license goes unreturned).","ceremonyWordingRule":"Georgia prescribes no mandatory liturgical script; the parties declare mutual consent to marry in the physical presence of the authorized officiant.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional printed ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Georgia Probate Courts do not require pre-ceremony credential filing.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Official State of Georgia Portal — Apply for a Georgia Marriage License (Probate Court Rules)","primarySourceUrl":"https://georgia.gov/apply-marriage-license","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30(c), any minister, rabbi, or other person of any religious society or sect authorized by the rules of such society to perform marriage ceremonies (as well as judges and magistrates) may solemnize marriages in Georgia without state or county pre-registration. Georgia has no waiting period after license issuance (if either applicant is a Georgia resident, the license may be obtained in any county; if both are non-residents, it must be issued in the county where the ceremony occurs), and the officiant must return the completed license to the issuing County Probate Court within 30 days. Confirm current Probate Court fee schedules locally.","specialBadge":"O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"HI","name":"Hawaii","slug":"hawaii","statute":"Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 572-12 & 572-13","statuteUrl":"https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0572/HRS_0572-0012.htm","tier":"AFFIDAVIT_REQUIRED","kitPrice":59,"bundlePrice":108,"clerkAuthority":"Hawaii Department of Health — Marriage & Civil Union Performer Registry (eMRS)","coupleDocumentName":"Hawaii Electronic Marriage License & Certificate (eMRS)","witnessRule":"Hawaii law does not require independent outside witness signatures on the official state marriage record; only both spouses and the DOH-licensed performer attest to the ceremony.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both spouses must appear in person in Hawaii before the DOH-licensed Marriage Performer and declare their mutual consent to take each other as spouses.","minLeadDays":14,"leadTimeWarning":"You MUST register online with the Hawaii Department of Health Marriage Performer portal (https://emrs.ehawaii.gov) and receive official DOH approval BEFORE performing any wedding ceremony in Hawaii.","kitPurposeNote":"Supplies church ordination certificate and notarized Letter of Good Standing to upload or retain when applying on the Hawaii DOH eMRS Performer portal.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Hawaii Department of Health — Electronic Marriage & Civil Union Registration System (eMRS)","primarySourceUrl":"https://emrs.ehawaii.gov","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"MANDATORY HAWAII DOH ONLINE PERFORMER REGISTRATION: Under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 572-12, NO minister or civil celebrant may solemnize a wedding in Hawaii without first applying online and receiving an active Marriage Performer License/Registration from the Hawaii Department of Health Electronic Marriage and Civil Union Registration System (https://emrs.ehawaii.gov) PRIOR to the ceremony. Under HRS § 572-13, the licensed performer must electronically report the completed marriage through eMRS within 3 business days after the ceremony. Always verify current performer registration fee tiers (temporary vs. annual) directly on the official eMRS portal.","specialBadge":"Hawaii DOH eMRS Registration Required (§ 572-12)"},{"code":"ID","name":"Idaho","slug":"idaho","statute":"Idaho Code §§ 32-303 & 32-304","statuteUrl":"https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title32/T32CH3/SECT32-303/","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Recorder","coupleDocumentName":"Idaho Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Idaho statutes (§§ 32-303–32-306) do not require independent outside witness signatures on the marriage certificate; the officiating minister serves as the statutory witness to the couple’s declaration.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under Idaho Code § 32-304, no particular form is required except that the parties must declare, in the presence of the person solemnizing the marriage, that they take each other as husband and wife / spouses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Idaho County Recorders do not require pre-filing ministerial credentials.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Idaho Legislature — Idaho Code § 32-303 (By Whom Solemnized)","primarySourceUrl":"https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title32/T32CH3/SECT32-303/","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Idaho Code § 32-303, marriages may be solemnized by priests or ministers of the gospel of any denomination (as well as judges, mayors, and designated civil officials) across all 44 Idaho counties without state or county pre-registration. Idaho imposes no waiting period after license issuance (licenses are valid for 1 year), and under Idaho Code § 32-306 & § 32-402 the officiant must return the completed license and certificate to the issuing County Recorder within 30 days. Verify current license fees directly with the issuing County Recorder.","specialBadge":"Idaho Code § 32-303 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"IL","name":"Illinois","slug":"illinois","statute":"750 ILCS 5/209","statuteUrl":"https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K209.htm","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Clerk (in the County Where the Ceremony Occurs)","coupleDocumentName":"Illinois Marriage License","witnessRule":"Illinois law does not require witness signatures on the official marriage license return, though couples may include ceremonial witnesses in their service.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under 750 ILCS 5/209, solemnization follows the customs of the religious denomination or civil ceremony, including mutual consent in the physical presence of the officiant.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional printed ordination certificate, good-standing letter, and ceremony binder—Illinois County Clerks do not require pre-ceremony credential registration.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Illinois General Assembly — 750 ILCS 5/209 (Solemnization and Registration)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K209.htm","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under 750 ILCS 5/209(a), a marriage may be solemnized in accordance with the prescriptions of any religious denomination, provided that when such prescriptions require an officiant, the officiant is in good standing with his or her religious denomination. Illinois does not require state or county officiant pre-registration. IMPORTANT TIMING & VENUE RULE: The couple must obtain their license from the County Clerk in the exact Illinois county where the ceremony takes place; the license becomes effective 1 calendar day after issuance (valid for 60 days), and the officiant must return the completed certificate within 10 days after the wedding. Confirm current county fees with the issuing County Clerk.","specialBadge":"750 ILCS 5/209 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"IN","name":"Indiana","slug":"indiana","statute":"Ind. Code §§ 31-11-6-1 & 31-11-4-16","statuteUrl":"https://iga.in.gov/laws/2024/ic/titles/31#31-11-6-1","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Clerk of the Circuit Court","coupleDocumentName":"Indiana Marriage License & Duplicate Marriage Certificates","witnessRule":"Indiana marriage statutes do not require independent witness signatures on the state marriage return, though you should complete any optional informational fields requested on the issuing county’s form.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both parties must declare their mutual consent to marry in the physical presence of the authorized clergy member or civil official before being pronounced married.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Indiana Circuit Court Clerks do not require pre-filing ministerial credentials.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Indiana Judicial Branch — Official Indiana Marriage License & Officiant Guide","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.in.gov/courts/services/marriage-license/","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Ind. Code § 31-11-6-1(1), members of the clergy (including ministers, priests, bishops, rabbis, and imams, as well as judges, mayors, and Circuit Court Clerks) are authorized to solemnize marriages in Indiana without state or county pre-registration. Indiana has no waiting period after license issuance (licenses remain valid for 60 days; Indiana residents apply in their county of residence, while out-of-state couples apply in the county where the ceremony will occur). Under Ind. Code § 31-11-4-16, the officiant must file the completed marriage license and certificate with the issuing Circuit Court Clerk within 30 days after the wedding. Confirm local fee schedules directly with the Circuit Court Clerk.","specialBadge":"Ind. Code § 31-11-6-1 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"IA","name":"Iowa","slug":"iowa","statute":"Iowa Code §§ 595.10 & 595.13","statuteUrl":"https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/595.10.pdf","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Recorder / County Registrar of Vital Records","coupleDocumentName":"Iowa License to Marry & Certificate of Marriage","witnessRule":"At least 2 adult witnesses (age 18+) must be physically present at the ceremony and sign the official Iowa Certificate of Marriage alongside both spouses and the officiant.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Proxy, telephone, or internet ceremonies are not permitted in Iowa; the couple, officiant, and 2 adult witnesses must be physically present together as the parties declare mutual consent to marry.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional printed ordination certificate & altar binder—Iowa County Recorders do not require pre-ceremony clergy registration.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Iowa Legislature — Iowa Code § 595.10 (Who May Solemnize)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/595.10.pdf","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Iowa Code § 595.10(2), a person ordained or designated as a leader of the person’s religious faith (regardless of state of residence, as well as Iowa judges and magistrates) may solemnize marriages across Iowa without pre-registering with the state or County Recorder. Note Iowa’s mandatory 3-business-day waiting period after the license application is processed before the license becomes valid (unless waived by a district judge). Under Iowa Code § 595.13, the officiant must give a commemorative certificate to the couple and return the official Certificate of Marriage to the issuing County Recorder within 15 days. Confirm current fee schedules directly with the County Recorder.","specialBadge":"Iowa Code § 595.10 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"KS","name":"Kansas","slug":"kansas","statute":"Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 23-2504 & 23-2511","statuteUrl":"https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch23/023_025_0004.html","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Clerk of the District Court","coupleDocumentName":"Kansas Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Under K.S.A. § 23-2504 & § 23-2511, at least 2 competent adult witnesses (age 18+) must be present at the ceremony and sign the Kansas marriage license.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both parties must declare in the physical presence of the authorized officiant (or before each other if self-solemnizing under § 23-2504(b)) and at least 2 adult witnesses that they take each other as spouses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Kansas District Courts do not require pre-filing ministerial credentials.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes — K.S.A. § 23-2504 (Solemnizing Marriage)","primarySourceUrl":"https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch23/023_025_0004.html","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Kan. Stat. Ann. § 23-2504(a), any currently ordained clergyman or religious authority of any religious denomination or society (age 18+) may solemnize marriages across Kansas without pre-registering with the state or court—and under § 23-2504(b), two adults may also self-solemnize by mutual declarations before witnesses. Note Kansas’s mandatory 3-calendar-day waiting period after the marriage license application (licenses remain valid for 6 months), and under K.S.A. § 23-2511 the officiant must endorse and return the completed marriage license to the issuing Clerk of the District Court within 10 days after the ceremony. Confirm current court license fees locally.","specialBadge":"K.S.A. § 23-2504 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"KY","name":"Kentucky","slug":"kentucky","statute":"Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 402.050 & 402.220","statuteUrl":"https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=36470","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Kentucky County Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Kentucky Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Under KRS § 402.050(1), at least 2 persons, in addition to the parties and the person solemnizing the marriage, must be present at the ceremony and sign the marriage certificate as witnesses.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both spouses must declare mutual consent to marry in the physical presence of the officiating minister and at least 2 attending witnesses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional printed ordination certificate & altar binder—KRS § 402.050(2) explicitly exempts ministers from county licensing or bonding.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Kentucky General Assembly — KRS § 402.050 (Who May Solemnize Marriage)","primarySourceUrl":"https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=36470","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 402.050(1)(a), ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination in regular communion with any religious society may solemnize marriages across all 120 Kentucky counties—and § 402.050(2) explicitly provides that no county license or minister bond is required in Kentucky. Kentucky has no waiting period after license issuance (licenses are valid for 30 days), and under KRS § 402.220 the person solemnizing the marriage must return the signed license and certificate to the issuing County Clerk within 1 month. Always confirm current license fee schedules directly with the County Clerk.","specialBadge":"KRS § 402.050 • No Minister Bond or Pre-Filing"},{"code":"LA","name":"Louisiana","slug":"louisiana","statute":"La. R.S. 9:202–9:204","statuteUrl":"https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=106558","tier":"AFFIDAVIT_REQUIRED","kitPrice":59,"bundlePrice":108,"clerkAuthority":"Parish Clerk of Court (or Orleans Parish Marriage Office / Vital Records)","coupleDocumentName":"Louisiana Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Under La. R.S. 9:244, the marriage ceremony must be performed in the presence of 2 witnesses of full age (18+), and both spouses, both adult witnesses, and the registered officiant must sign the marriage certificate.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both spouses must appear physically before the parish-registered officiant and 2 witnesses of full age (18+) after the 24-hour waiting period has elapsed and declare mutual consent to marry.","minLeadDays":14,"leadTimeWarning":"Louisiana requires depositing an officiant registration affidavit and ordination credentials with the Parish Clerk of Court (or Orleans Parish Marriage Office / Vital Records in New Orleans) BEFORE performing any wedding ceremony.","kitPurposeNote":"Supplies physical Certificate of Ordination and notarized Letter of Good Standing to attach to your Louisiana Parish Clerk Marriage Officiant Affidavit.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Louisiana Department of Health — Marriage Officiant Registration & La. R.S. 9:204","primarySourceUrl":"https://ldh.la.gov/page/643","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"MANDATORY LOUISIANA PARISH OFFICIANT REGISTRATION: Under La. R.S. 9:202–9:204, a priest, minister, rabbi, clerk, or religious official of any religious sect MUST register by depositing a notarized Marriage Officiant Affidavit (together with ordination credentials) with the Clerk of Court of the parish where the ceremony will be performed—or with the Orleans Parish Marriage Office / Vital Records Registry in New Orleans—PRIOR to officiating. Note Louisiana’s mandatory 24-hour waiting period between license issuance and the exact hour of the ceremony (unless waived by a judge or qualifying officiant waiver rules), 30-day license validity, and 10-day return deadline. Verify local parish affidavit forms and fee schedules directly with the Parish Clerk.","specialBadge":"Parish Affidavit Pre-Registration Required (La. R.S. 9:204)"},{"code":"ME","name":"Maine","slug":"maine","statute":"19-A M.R.S. § 655","statuteUrl":"https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec655.html","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Municipal / Town or City Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Maine Marriage License","witnessRule":"Under 19-A M.R.S. § 656(2), the marriage ceremony must take place in the presence of at least 2 witnesses other than the person officiating, and both witnesses must sign the license in black ink.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both parties must declare in the physical presence of the authorized officiant and at least 2 witnesses that they take each other in marriage.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Maine does not require ordained clergy to register with the Secretary of State.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Maine Legislature — 19-A M.R.S. § 655 (Authorization to Solemnize Marriages)","primarySourceUrl":"https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/19-A/title19-Asec655.html","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under 19-A M.R.S. § 655(1)(B), an ordained minister of the gospel, cleric, or religious leader engaged in the service of the religious body to which they belong—whether residing inside or outside Maine (as well as Maine Notaries Public, judges, and Maine lawyers)—may solemnize marriages in Maine without pre-registering with the state. Maine has no waiting period once the Municipal Clerk issues the license (valid for 90 days; Maine residents apply in their municipality of residence, while out-of-state couples may apply in any Maine town), and the officiant must complete the license in black ink and return it to the issuing clerk within 7 working days. Confirm current town license fees locally.","specialBadge":"19-A M.R.S. § 655 • No Clergy Pre-Filing"},{"code":"MD","name":"Maryland","slug":"maryland","statute":"Md. Code, Fam. Law §§ 2-405 & 2-406","statuteUrl":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/Statute_Web/gfl/2-406.pdf","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Clerk of the Circuit Court (for the County or Baltimore City Where Ceremony Occurs)","coupleDocumentName":"Maryland Marriage License & Certificates","witnessRule":"Maryland state law does not require ceremony witness signatures on the official Circuit Court marriage license return; only the authorized officiant completes and signs the certificates.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Conduct the ceremony physically inside the issuing Maryland county (or Baltimore City) after 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day following issuance, including mutual consent and pronouncement.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional printed ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Maryland Circuit Courts do not require pre-ceremony clergy registration.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Maryland Judiciary — Official Marriage License & Ceremony Rules (Fam. Law § 2-406)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/family/marriage","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Md. Code, Fam. Law § 2-406(a)(2)(i), any official of a religious order or body authorized by the rules and customs of that order or body to perform a marriage ceremony may solemnize marriages in Maryland without state or county pre-registration. TWO CRITICAL MARYLAND RULES: (1) Issuing-County Rule: The couple MUST obtain their marriage license from the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the exact Maryland county (or Baltimore City) where the ceremony will take place; and (2) 48-Hour Waiting Window: Under § 2-405(d), a Maryland license does NOT become effective until 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after issuance (valid for 6 months). Return the signed court certificate within 5 days (§ 2-409), and confirm current county fee schedules with the Circuit Court Clerk.","specialBadge":"48-Hr Effective Window • Issuing County Only (§ 2-406)"},{"code":"MA","name":"Massachusetts","slug":"massachusetts","statute":"Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 207, §§ 38–39","statuteUrl":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleIII/Chapter207/Section38","tier":"AFFIDAVIT_REQUIRED","kitPrice":59,"bundlePrice":108,"clerkAuthority":"Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth — Commissions Section (& Issuing City/Town Clerk)","coupleDocumentName":"Massachusetts Certificate of Marriage (Notice of Intention)","witnessRule":"Massachusetts law does not require witness signatures on the official Certificate of Marriage; only the authorized officiant completes the solemnization record (in black ink) and returns it to the issuing City/Town Clerk.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both parties must appear physically in Massachusetts before the authorized clergy member or One-Day Designee and declare mutual consent to marry.","minLeadDays":28,"leadTimeWarning":"Out-of-state clergy must obtain a Non-Resident Clergy Certificate (or apply for a Governor’s One-Day Marriage Designation) through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Commissions Section 2–6 weeks BEFORE the ceremony.","kitPurposeNote":"Supplies physical Certificate of Ordination and notarized Letter of Good Standing to support Massachusetts Commissions Section clergy filings.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Commissions Section & M.G.L. ch. 207, §§ 38–39","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/commissions/commissions.htm","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"MANDATORY MASSACHUSETTS COMMISSIONS FILING: Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 207, §§ 38–39, officiants must have pre-ceremony authorization on file with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth Commissions Section BEFORE solemnizing a wedding: (1) Out-of-state / non-resident clergy MUST apply for and receive a Non-Resident Clergy Certificate under § 39 for the specific marriage prior to ceremony day; (2) Massachusetts-resident clergy file credentials/portfolio with the Commissions Section under § 38; OR (3) any friend or family member may apply for a Governor’s One-Day Marriage Designation under § 39. Note couples also have a 3-day waiting period after filing their Notice of Intention. Confirm current Commissions Section application timelines and fee schedules directly with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.","specialBadge":"Secretary of Commonwealth Filing Required (ch. 207, §§ 38–39)"},{"code":"MI","name":"Michigan","slug":"michigan","statute":"Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 551.7 & 551.9","statuteUrl":"https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-551-7","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Michigan County Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Michigan Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Under MCL § 551.9, at least 2 witnesses (age 18+) must be present at the ceremony and sign the Michigan marriage license alongside the officiant.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under MCL § 551.9, no particular form is required, except that the parties shall solemnly declare, in the presence of the person solemnizing the marriage and at least 2 attending witnesses, that they take each other as husband and wife / spouses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Michigan County Clerks do not require pre-ceremony credential filing.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Michigan Legislature — MCL § 551.7 (Persons Authorized to Solemnize Marriage)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-551-7","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Mich. Comp. Laws § 551.7(1)(i)–(j), marriages may be solemnized by an ordained or authorized minister of the gospel, cleric, or religious practitioner anywhere in Michigan—whether a resident of Michigan or a non-resident authorized to solemnize marriages under the laws of their home state—without pre-registering with a state or county agency. Note Michigan’s 3-day waiting period after the couple applies for their marriage license (valid for 33 days), and under MCL § 551.104 the officiant must return the completed original license to the issuing County Clerk within 10 days after the ceremony. Verify current county license and waiver fees directly with the County Clerk.","specialBadge":"MCL § 551.7 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"MN","name":"Minnesota","slug":"minnesota","statute":"Minn. Stat. §§ 517.04–517.05","statuteUrl":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/517.05","tier":"AFFIDAVIT_REQUIRED","kitPrice":59,"bundlePrice":108,"clerkAuthority":"Minnesota County Recorder / Local Registrar","coupleDocumentName":"Minnesota Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Under Minn. Stat. § 517.09, at least 2 witnesses age 16 or older must be physically present at the ceremony and sign the Minnesota marriage certificate.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under Minn. Stat. § 517.09, no particular form is required, except that the parties shall declare in the physical presence of the registered officiant and 2 witnesses (age 16+) that they take each other as spouses.","minLeadDays":14,"leadTimeWarning":"Ministers must be age 21+ and MUST record their credentials of ordination in a Minnesota county (paying the local county filing fee) BEFORE performing the ceremony, then endorse that county of filing on the marriage certificate.","kitPurposeNote":"Supplies physical Certificate of Ordination and notarized Letter of Good Standing formatted for recording with any Minnesota County Recorder.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes — Minn. Stat. § 517.05 (Credentials of Minister)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/517.05","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"MANDATORY MINNESOTA CREDENTIAL PRE-FILING (AGE 21+): Under Minn. Stat. §§ 517.04 & 517.05, every licensed or ordained minister must be at least 21 years old and MUST file a copy of their credentials of ordination (plus the county’s Certificate of Filing form and local recording fee) with the Local Registrar / County Recorder in ANY Minnesota county PRIOR to solemnizing a marriage. Once recorded in one Minnesota county, your authority is valid statewide, and you must endorse the exact Minnesota county of credential filing on every marriage certificate you sign and return within 5 days. Confirm current county credential-filing fee schedules directly with the Minnesota County Recorder.","specialBadge":"Minnesota County Pre-Filing Required (§ 517.05)"},{"code":"MS","name":"Mississippi","slug":"mississippi","statute":"Miss. Code Ann. § 93-1-17","statuteUrl":"https://msdh.ms.gov/programs-services/public-health-services/vital-records/marriage-records","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Mississippi Circuit Court Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Mississippi Marriage License & Statistical Record","witnessRule":"Mississippi statutes do not require independent witness signatures on the official marriage license return; only the authorized officiant signs and files the return with the Circuit Court Clerk.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Solemnization may follow the customs of the minister’s church or a personalized ceremony in which both parties declare mutual consent in the physical presence of the officiant.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional printed ordination certificate, good-standing letter, and ceremony binder—Mississippi does not require state pre-registration.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Mississippi State Department of Health & Courts — Marriage Records & Circuit Clerk Directory","primarySourceUrl":"https://msdh.ms.gov/programs-services/public-health-services/vital-records/marriage-records","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Miss. Code Ann. § 93-1-17, any minister of the gospel ordained according to the rules of his or her church or society, in good standing (as well as any rabbi or spiritual leader authorized by a religious body, judges, and county supervisors within their counties), may solemnize the rites of matrimony in Mississippi without pre-registering with the state or Circuit Clerk. Mississippi currently imposes no waiting period once the license is issued, and the officiating minister must complete and return the signed certificate to the issuing Circuit Court Clerk within 5 days after the wedding. Confirm current county license fee schedules and parental-consent/age rules (age 21 statutory threshold in MS) directly with the Circuit Clerk.","specialBadge":"Miss. Code § 93-1-17 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"MO","name":"Missouri","slug":"missouri","statute":"Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 451.100 & 451.110","statuteUrl":"https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=451.100","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Recorder of Deeds","coupleDocumentName":"Missouri Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"At least 2 witnesses must be physically present at the Missouri wedding ceremony and sign the official marriage license alongside the officiant.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both parties must declare mutual consent to marry in the physical presence of the qualifying officiant and at least 2 witnesses within the 30-day license validity window.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Missouri Recorders of Deeds do not require pre-filing ordination credentials.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Missouri Revisor of Statutes — RSMo § 451.100 (Who May Solemnize Marriages)","primarySourceUrl":"https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=451.100","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 451.100(1), marriages may be solemnized by any clergyman, either active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue and who is a citizen of the United States (age 18+), without pre-registering with a state or county agency. Missouri abolished its license waiting period (licenses expire 30 days after issuance), and under RSMo §§ 451.110 & 193.185 the officiant must deliver a commemorative certificate to the couple and return the completed marriage license to the issuing County Recorder of Deeds within 15 days after the ceremony. Confirm current local fee schedules directly with the Recorder of Deeds.","specialBadge":"RSMo § 451.100 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"MT","name":"Montana","slug":"montana","statute":"Mont. Code Ann. § 40-1-301","statuteUrl":"https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0400/chapter_0010/part_0030/section_0010/0400-0010-0030-0010.html","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Clerk of the District Court","coupleDocumentName":"Montana Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Montana Code § 40-1-301 does not mandate witnesses for an officiated ceremony (though many District Court license forms include 2 witness signature lines, and 2 witnesses are mandatory if filing a written Declaration of Marriage without solemnization under § 40-1-311).","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under MCA § 40-1-301, solemnization may follow any mode recognized by the religious denomination or civil ceremony in which the parties express mutual consent.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional printed ordination certificate & altar binder—Montana District Courts do not require pre-ceremony clergy registration.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Montana Legislature — Mont. Code Ann. § 40-1-301 (Solemnization and Registration)","primarySourceUrl":"https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0400/chapter_0010/part_0030/section_0010/0400-0010-0030-0010.html","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Mont. Code Ann. § 40-1-301, a marriage may be solemnized by a judge, mayor, authorized Montana Notary Public, or in accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination, Indian nation or tribe, or native group—without pre-registering ministerial credentials with the state or District Court. Montana imposes no waiting period once the license is issued (valid for 180 days), and the officiant must complete and forward the marriage certificate to the issuing Clerk of the District Court within 30 days after the ceremony. Verify current District Court fee schedules locally.","specialBadge":"Mont. Code § 40-1-301 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"NE","name":"Nebraska","slug":"nebraska","statute":"Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 42-108 & 42-109","statuteUrl":"https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=42-108","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Nebraska County Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Nebraska Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-109, at least 2 attending witnesses must be physically present at the ceremony and sign the Nebraska marriage license alongside the officiant.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-109, no particular form is required, except that the parties shall solemnly declare in the presence of the magistrate or minister and the attending witnesses that they take each other as husband and wife / spouses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Nebraska County Clerks do not require pre-filing ministerial credentials.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Nebraska Legislature — Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-108 (Marriage Ceremony; Who May Perform; Return)","primarySourceUrl":"https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=42-108","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-108, every preacher of the gospel authorized by the usages of the church to which he or she belongs to solemnize marriages (as well as every judge and retired judge) may perform marriages anywhere in Nebraska without pre-registering with the state or County Clerk. Nebraska has no waiting period after license issuance (licenses are valid for 1 year anywhere in Nebraska; note Nebraska’s age of majority for marriage without parental consent is 19), and under § 42-108 the officiant must return the completed certificate to the issuing County Clerk within 15 days. Confirm current license fee schedules directly with the County Clerk.","specialBadge":"Neb. Rev. Stat. § 42-108 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"NV","name":"Nevada","slug":"nevada","statute":"NRS §§ 122.062–122.066","statuteUrl":"https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-122.html#NRS122Sec062","tier":"AFFIDAVIT_REQUIRED","kitPrice":59,"bundlePrice":108,"clerkAuthority":"Nevada County Clerk — Marriage Services Division","coupleDocumentName":"Nevada Marriage License & Official Certificate","witnessRule":"Under NRS § 122.110, at least 1 witness other than the person solemnizing the marriage must be physically present at the ceremony and sign the marriage certificate (returned within 10 days).","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under NRS § 122.110, no particular form is required except that the parties shall declare, in the presence of the county-authorized officiant and at least 1 witness, that they take each other as spouses.","minLeadDays":30,"leadTimeWarning":"URGENT 30-DAY DEADLINE NOTICE (ESPECIALLY CLARK COUNTY / LAS VEGAS): Clark County requires Single-Ceremony officiant applications (including county online training and notarized forms) to be RECEIVED at least 30 days prior to the wedding. A fast online ordination or express credential shipment CANNOT bypass a missed county deadline. If your ceremony is less than 30 days away, call the Clark County Marriage Services Division at (702) 671-0600 immediately or arrange an already-authorized Nevada officiant to sign the legal certificate while you co-lead the personal ceremony.","kitPurposeNote":"Supplies church ordination certificate & notarized church standing letter to attach to your County Clerk application—the County Clerk makes the final authorization decision.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Clark County Clerk — Marriage Officiant Authorization & Training (NRS § 122.062)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/elected_officials/county_clerk/marriage-officiants","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"COUNTY CLERK AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED BEFORE OFFICIATING (ORDINATION ALONE IS NOT COUNTY APPROVAL): Under NRS §§ 122.062–122.066, every officiant must apply for and receive a Certificate of Permission / Authorization from a Nevada County Clerk BEFORE performing a marriage. In Clark County (Las Vegas), there are two distinct county routes: (1) Single-Ceremony Authorization (residents & non-residents, up to 5 weddings/year): requires completing Clark County’s online officiant training course, a notarized Single-Ceremony Application, a notarized Character Reference, church endorsement, and applicable county fee—RECEIVED AT LEAST 30 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING; or (2) Five-Year / Ongoing Authorization: requires Nevada residency (or qualifying active congregation), background check, county fee, and training. Confirm current fee schedules directly with the County Clerk.","specialBadge":"30+ Day County Approval Required (NRS § 122.062)"},{"code":"NH","name":"New Hampshire","slug":"new-hampshire","statute":"N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 457:31–457:32-b","statuteUrl":"https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XLIII/457/457-31.htm","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"City or Town Clerk (& NH Secretary of State for Non-Resident Special License)","coupleDocumentName":"New Hampshire Marriage License Worksheet & Certificate","witnessRule":"New Hampshire law does not require independent ceremony witness signatures on the official marriage license return; only the authorized officiant completes and signs the solemnization section.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both spouses must appear physically in New Hampshire before the authorized officiant and declare their mutual consent to marry within the 90-day license validity window.","minLeadDays":14,"leadTimeWarning":"If you reside OUTSIDE New Hampshire, you must obtain a Non-Resident Minister Special Marriage License from the New Hampshire Secretary of State (RSA 457:32) BEFORE the wedding and return it with the signed marriage license.","kitPurposeNote":"Supplies printed Certificate of Ordination and Letter of Good Standing useful when out-of-state ministers apply for a New Hampshire RSA 457:32 Special License.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"New Hampshire General Court — RSA 457:31 & RSA 457:32 (Solemnization of Marriage)","primarySourceUrl":"https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XLIII/457/457-31.htm","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"RESIDENT VS. OUT-OF-STATE MINISTER DISTINCTION: Under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 457:31, an ordained minister of the gospel residing IN New Hampshire (and in good standing with their denomination, as well as NH Justices of the Peace and judges) may solemnize marriages statewide without pre-filing. However, under RSA 457:32, an ordained or unordained minister residing OUTSIDE New Hampshire MUST apply to the New Hampshire Secretary of State for a Special Marriage License authorizing them to solemnize that specific couple’s wedding PRIOR to ceremony day (and attach that Special License when returning the completed marriage record to the issuing Town/City Clerk within 6 days; unordained individuals may also apply under RSA 457:32-b). Confirm current Secretary of State and Town Clerk fee schedules ahead of time.","specialBadge":"RSA 457:31–32 • Out-of-State SOS Special License"},{"code":"NJ","name":"New Jersey","slug":"new-jersey","statute":"N.J. Stat. Ann. § 37:1-13","statuteUrl":"https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/registration-vital/marriage-licenses/","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Local Registrar of Vital Statistics (Municipality Where Ceremony Occurs)","coupleDocumentName":"New Jersey Marriage License & Certificate of Marriage","witnessRule":"At least 2 adult witnesses (age 18+, other than the officiant) must be present at the New Jersey wedding ceremony and sign the marriage license (in addition to the 1 adult witness who accompanied the couple at application).","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both spouses must declare mutual consent to marry in the physical presence of the officiating clergy member and 2 adult witnesses before being pronounced married.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional printed ordination certificate & ceremony binder—New Jersey does not require ordained clergy to register as civil celebrants with the Secretary of State.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"New Jersey Department of Health — Official Marriage & Civil Union License Rules (N.J.S.A. § 37:1-13)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/registration-vital/marriage-licenses/","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 37:1-13(a), every member of the clergy of every religion (as well as judges, mayors, county clerks, and NJ-certified civil celebrants) is authorized to solemnize marriages and civil unions across New Jersey without pre-registering ministerial credentials with the state. IMPORTANT TIMING RULES: Couples must apply with 1 adult witness (age 18+) and wait at least 72 hours from application filing before the Local Registrar issues the license (valid for 30 days once picked up). After the ceremony, the officiant and 2 adult witnesses sign Copies 1–3 in black or blue ink, and the officiant files Copies 1 & 2 with the Local Registrar of the municipality where the ceremony occurred within 5 days. Confirm local municipal fees with the Registrar.","specialBadge":"N.J.S.A. § 37:1-13 • No Clergy Pre-Filing"},{"code":"NM","name":"New Mexico","slug":"new-mexico","statute":"N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 40-1-2 & 40-1-15","statuteUrl":"https://www.berncoclerk.gov/recording-and-filing/marriage-licenses/","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"New Mexico County Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"New Mexico Marriage License & Marriage Certificate","witnessRule":"Under NMSA § 40-1-2, at least 2 adult witnesses (age 18+) must be physically present at the ceremony and sign the New Mexico marriage certificate.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both parties must declare mutual consent to take each other as spouses in a formal ceremony before the authorized officiant and at least 2 adult witnesses (age 18+).","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—New Mexico County Clerks do not require pre-filing ordination credentials.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Bernalillo County Clerk (New Mexico) — Official Marriage License & NMSA Ch. 40-1 Guide","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.berncoclerk.gov/recording-and-filing/marriage-licenses/","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under N.M. Stat. Ann. § 40-1-2, a civil contract of marriage may be solemnized by an ordained member of the clergy or a person recognized to perform ceremonies by any religious society (without regard to the sect or rites practiced, as well as judges and tribal officials) without pre-registering with the state or County Clerk. New Mexico imposes no waiting period and New Mexico marriage licenses do not expire prior to the ceremony, though under NMSA § 40-1-15 the officiant must certify and return the signed marriage certificate to the issuing County Clerk within 90 days after the ceremony. Confirm current local license fee schedules directly with the County Clerk.","specialBadge":"NMSA § 40-1-2 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"NY","name":"New York","slug":"new-york","statute":"NY Dom. Rel. Law §§ 11, 11-B & 13-B","statuteUrl":"https://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/content/marriage-officiant-registration","tier":"AFFIDAVIT_REQUIRED","kitPrice":59,"bundlePrice":108,"clerkAuthority":"NYC Office of the City Clerk (Inside the 5 Boroughs) or Issuing Town/City Clerk (Outside NYC)","coupleDocumentName":"New York Marriage License","witnessRule":"Under NY Dom. Rel. Law § 12, at least 1 adult witness (age 18+; up to 2 witnesses may sign) must be physically present at the ceremony and sign the New York marriage license.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under NY Dom. Rel. Law § 12, no particular form is required, except that the parties must solemnly declare in the physical presence of the clergyman/magistrate and the attending witness(es) that they take each other as spouses.","minLeadDays":21,"leadTimeWarning":"If your ceremony is inside any of the 5 boroughs of NYC, you MUST complete NYC City Clerk Marriage Officiant Registration (or obtain a NYC One-Day Marriage Officiant License) BEFORE ceremony day—and observe New York’s strict 24-hour exact-minute license waiting period.","kitPurposeNote":"Supplies gold-embossed Certificate of Ordination and notarized Letter of Good Standing required for NYC Office of the City Clerk clergy registration (optional outside NYC).","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"NYC Office of the City Clerk — Marriage Officiant Registration (NY DRL §§ 11 & 11-B)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/content/marriage-officiant-registration","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"NEW YORK CITY 5-BOROUGH VS. REST-OF-STATE DISTINCTION: Under NY Domestic Relations Law § 11-B, if the wedding ceremony takes place ANYWHERE inside the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, or Staten Island), the officiant MUST register with the NYC Office of the City Clerk (submitting an application, applicable city fee, and church credentials/Letter of Good Standing—or obtaining a NYC One-Day Marriage Officiant License under DRL § 11-D) PRIOR to the ceremony. Outside NYC, New York State does not maintain a statewide clergy registry (and town/city clerks statewide also issue One-Day Marriage Officiant licenses under DRL § 11-D). CRITICAL TIMING RULE: Under DRL § 13-B, couples must wait an exact 24 hours to the minute after license issuance before the ceremony (valid 60 days), and the signed license must be returned within 5 days. Verify current clerk fee schedules locally.","specialBadge":"NYC Requires City Clerk Pre-Registration (DRL § 11-B)"},{"code":"NC","name":"North Carolina","slug":"north-carolina","statute":"N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 51-1 & 51-7","statuteUrl":"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_51/GS_51-1.html","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Register of Deeds","coupleDocumentName":"North Carolina Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-1 & § 51-16, at least 2 witnesses must be physically present at the ceremony and sign the North Carolina marriage license alongside the officiant.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under N.C.G.S. § 51-1, both parties must freely consent to take each other as spouses in the physical presence of each other, the authorized officiant or magistrate, and at least 2 witnesses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional ceremonial ordination certificate & binder—note our transparent North Carolina magistrate + ceremonial officiant guidance above.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"North Carolina General Assembly — N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-1 (Requisites of Marriage; Solemnization)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_51/GS_51-1.html","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"TRANSPARENT NORTH CAROLINA CASE-LAW DISCLOSURE: Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 51-1(1), marriages may be solemnized by an \"ordained minister of any religious denomination\" or a magistrate, and North Carolina maintains no statewide clergy registration office. However, in historical appellate disputes over property, alimony, or bigamy (such as State v. Lynch and Duncan v. Duncan), North Carolina courts scrutinized online-only mail/internet ordinations where the ordaining group lacked traditional congregational structure. While County Registers of Deeds routinely accept returned licenses without pre-screening clergy, North Carolina couples who want zero future legal ambiguity frequently have a local NC Magistrate legally execute the civil marriage license (valid for 60 days, no waiting period) while their friend or Agape minister leads the full public wedding ceremony. Signed licenses must be returned to the issuing Register of Deeds within 10 days; verify current local fees with the Register of Deeds.","specialBadge":"N.C.G.S. § 51-1 • See NC Appellate Caveat Note"},{"code":"ND","name":"North Dakota","slug":"north-dakota","statute":"N.D. Cent. Code §§ 14-03-09 & 14-03-17","statuteUrl":"https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t14c03.pdf","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Recorder / Designated County Official","coupleDocumentName":"North Dakota Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Under N.D. Cent. Code § 14-03-17(2), every North Dakota certificate of marriage must be signed by 2 witnesses to the marriage in addition to the person who solemnized the ceremony.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Ritual may follow the forms and usages of the minister’s denomination or a civil ceremony in which both parties declare mutual consent in the physical presence of the officiant and 2 witnesses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—North Dakota County Recorders do not require pre-filing ministerial credentials.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"North Dakota Legislative Branch — N.D. Cent. Code Chapter 14-03 (Marriage Contract)","primarySourceUrl":"https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t14c03.pdf","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under N.D. Cent. Code § 14-03-09, marriages may be solemnized by all judges, County Recorders (unless county commissioners designate another official), and ordained ministers of the gospel, priests, and clergy licensed by regular church authority—without pre-registering credentials with the state or county. North Dakota imposes no waiting period once the marriage license is issued (licenses expire after 60 days), and under N.D.C.C. § 14-03-21 the officiant must endorse and return the license and certificate to the issuing County Recorder within 5 days after the wedding. Always confirm current local license fee schedules directly with the County Recorder.","specialBadge":"N.D.C.C. § 14-03-09 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"OH","name":"Ohio","slug":"ohio","statute":"Ohio Rev. Code §§ 3101.08–3101.10","statuteUrl":"https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3101.10","tier":"AFFIDAVIT_REQUIRED","kitPrice":59,"bundlePrice":108,"clerkAuthority":"Ohio Secretary of State (Minister License) & Issuing County Probate Court","coupleDocumentName":"Ohio Marriage License & Probate Court Return Certificate","witnessRule":"Ohio statutes do not require ceremony witness signatures on the official Probate Court marriage certificate return; only the state-licensed officiant signs and files the return.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both spouses must appear physically in Ohio before the licensed minister (or authorized civil official) within the 60-day marriage license window and declare mutual consent to marry.","minLeadDays":21,"leadTimeWarning":"You MUST obtain an Ohio Minister’s License from the Ohio Secretary of State BEFORE officiating an Ohio wedding. Apply well in advance through the Ohio Secretary of State Ministers Portal or by mail.","kitPurposeNote":"Supplies official Certificate of Ordination and notarized Letter of Good Standing formatted for your Ohio Secretary of State Minister’s License application.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Ohio Secretary of State — Minister’s License Portal & Ohio Rev. Code § 3101.10","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.ohiosos.gov/records/minister-license","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"MANDATORY OHIO SECRETARY OF STATE MINISTER’S LICENSE: Under Ohio Rev. Code §§ 3101.08–3101.10, every ordained or licensed minister MUST apply to the Ohio Secretary of State (online through the Ministers Records Portal or by mail with credentials of ordination and the statutory state application fee) and receive an active Ohio Minister’s License to Solemnize Marriages PRIOR to officiating any wedding in Ohio. Once licensed by the Ohio Secretary of State, your authority is valid across all 88 Ohio counties without renewing. Return the completed Marriage Certificate stub to the issuing County Probate Court within 30 days after the ceremony (ORC § 3101.14), and confirm current state and Probate Court fee schedules directly with each office.","specialBadge":"Ohio Secretary of State License Required (ORC § 3101.10)"},{"code":"OK","name":"Oklahoma","slug":"oklahoma","statute":"43 Okla. Stat. § 7","statuteUrl":"https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os43.pdf","tier":"AFFIDAVIT_REQUIRED","kitPrice":59,"bundlePrice":108,"clerkAuthority":"Oklahoma County Court Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Oklahoma Marriage License & Certificate of Marriage","witnessRule":"Under 43 Okla. Stat. § 7(A) & § 8, the formal ceremony must be performed in the physical presence of at least 2 competent adult witnesses (age 18+) who sign the marriage certificate with their full names and residences.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under 43 O.S. § 7(A), all marriages must be contracted by a formal ceremony in the physical presence of the authorized officiant and at least 2 adult witnesses in which the parties declare mutual consent.","minLeadDays":14,"leadTimeWarning":"Contact the Oklahoma County Court Clerk well ahead of the wedding to file/record your ordination credentials prior to solemnizing the marriage and note all required credential details on the marriage certificate (returned within 5 days).","kitPurposeNote":"Supplies physical Certificate of Ordination and notarized Letter of Good Standing for Oklahoma County Court Clerk credential recording and certification.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Oklahoma Senate Statutes — Title 43 Marriage and Family (§ 7 Solemnization of Marriages)","primarySourceUrl":"https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os43.pdf","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"OKLAHOMA CREDENTIAL RECORDING & CERTIFICATION RULE: Under 43 Okla. Stat. § 7, marriages in Oklahoma must be solemnized by an ordained or authorized preacher, minister of the Gospel, priest, rabbi, or ecclesiastical dignitary (or judge) in the presence of at least 2 competent adult witnesses. Historically and in local court clerk practice across Oklahoma’s 77 counties, ministers file/record their ordination credentials with an Oklahoma County Court Clerk prior to the ceremony and endorse their credential authority/recording details directly on the returned marriage certificate (note statutory updates under 43 O.S. § 7(B) also require certifying ministerial credential authority on the certificate itself). Oklahoma licenses have no waiting period for adults 18+, are valid for 30 days, and must be returned to the issuing Court Clerk within 5 days (43 O.S. § 8). Verify local credential-filing procedures and current fee schedules directly with the County Court Clerk.","specialBadge":"County Court Clerk Credential Filing / Certification (43 O.S. § 7)"},{"code":"OR","name":"Oregon","slug":"oregon","statute":"Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 106.120 & 106.150","statuteUrl":"https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors106.html","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Oregon County Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Oregon Marriage License & Record of Marriage","witnessRule":"Under ORS § 106.150(1) & § 106.165, at least 2 witnesses age 18 or older must be physically present at the ceremony and sign the official Oregon marriage form.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under ORS § 106.150(1), no particular form is required, except that the parties thereto shall assent or declare in the presence of the clergyperson or judicial officer solemnizing the marriage and in the presence of at least 2 witnesses (age 18+) that they take each other to be spouses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—ORS § 106.120 does not require pre-recording ministerial credentials with an Oregon County Clerk.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Oregon State Legislature — ORS Chapter 106 (§§ 106.120 & 106.150 Solemnization)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors106.html","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Or. Rev. Stat. § 106.120(2)(d), a marriage in Oregon may be solemnized by a clergyperson of any religious congregation or organization who is authorized by that organization to solemnize marriages (including secular organizations with sincere philosophical beliefs, as well as judicial officers and County Clerks) without pre-registering credentials with the state or county (ORS § 106.120(4)(a) explicitly notes the state no longer records minister authority prior to weddings). Note Oregon’s 3-day waiting period after license issuance (unless waived by the County Clerk; valid 60 days after becoming effective) and 5-day return deadline after the ceremony (ORS § 106.170). Confirm current license and waiver fees directly with the County Clerk.","specialBadge":"ORS § 106.120 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"PA","name":"Pennsylvania","slug":"pennsylvania","statute":"23 Pa.C.S. §§ 1502 & 1503","statuteUrl":"https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=23&div=0&chap=15&sctn=3&subsctn=0","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Clerk of the Orphans’ Court (Register of Wills)","coupleDocumentName":"Pennsylvania Standard or Self-Uniting (\"Quaker\") Marriage License","witnessRule":"A standard officiated Pennsylvania marriage license requires zero (0) witness signatures (only the officiant signs), whereas a Pennsylvania Self-Uniting Marriage License (23 Pa.C.S. § 1502) requires 2 adult witnesses to sign alongside the couple.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Whether using a standard officiated license or leading a celebratory ceremony alongside a Self-Uniting license, both spouses exchange clear mutual declarations of intent.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional commemorative ordination certificate & altar binder—review Pennsylvania’s Self-Uniting License option (23 Pa.C.S. § 1502) with the issuing Orphans’ Court Clerk.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Pennsylvania General Assembly — 23 Pa.C.S. § 1503 (Persons Qualified to Solemnize Marriages)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=23&div=0&chap=15&sctn=3&subsctn=0","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"IMPORTANT PENNSYLVANIA JUDICIAL & SELF-UNITING LICENSE NOTE: Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 1503(a)(6), Pennsylvania authorizes ministers, priests, or rabbis of any \"regularly established church or congregation,\" and historical Pennsylvania trial court decisions split on online-only ordinations (a 2007 Bucks County decision, Heyer v. Hollerbush, invalidated an online-officiated marriage without a local congregation, whereas later York and Montgomery County rulings upheld similar ceremonies). Because Pennsylvania explicitly offers a statutory Self-Uniting (\"Quaker\") Marriage License under 23 Pa.C.S. § 1502 in all 67 counties, many Pennsylvania couples eliminate 100% of legal uncertainty by requesting a Self-Uniting Marriage License from the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court (signed by the couple and 2 adult witnesses) while their friend or Agape minister leads the spoken ceremony. Note Pennsylvania’s 3-day license waiting period, 60-day validity, and 10-day return deadline; confirm current local fee schedules with the Orphans’ Court.","specialBadge":"23 Pa.C.S. §§ 1502–1503 • See Self-Uniting Option"},{"code":"RI","name":"Rhode Island","slug":"rhode-island","statute":"R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 15-3-5 & 15-3-12","statuteUrl":"https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE15/15-3/15-3-5.htm","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Rhode Island City or Town Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Rhode Island Marriage License & Return","witnessRule":"Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-8 & § 15-3-12, the solemnization must occur in the physical presence of at least 2 witnesses of lawful age (18+) who sign the marriage license in black ink.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both spouses must declare mutual consent to take each other in marriage in the physical presence of the authorized officiant and at least 2 adult witnesses (age 18+).","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Rhode Island no longer requires clergy to register with a municipal clerk before officiating.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"State of Rhode Island General Assembly — R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-5 (Officials Empowered to Join Persons in Marriage)","primarySourceUrl":"https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE15/15-3/15-3-5.htm","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-5, every ordained clergy or elder in good standing (of any religious denomination, whether resident or non-resident, as well as judicial/state officials and individuals holding a Rhode Island One-Day Officiant Certification) may join persons in marriage in every town and city in Rhode Island without pre-registering ministerial credentials with the state. Rhode Island has no waiting period once the license is issued (valid for 90 days; check which Rhode Island municipality issues the license based on residency), and under § 15-3-12 the officiant must endorse and return the signed license to the issuing City or Town Clerk within 72 hours (next business days) following the ceremony. Confirm current local fee schedules with the City or Town Clerk.","specialBadge":"R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-5 • No Clergy Pre-Filing"},{"code":"SC","name":"South Carolina","slug":"south-carolina","statute":"S.C. Code Ann. §§ 20-1-20 & 20-1-340","statuteUrl":"https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t20c001.php","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"South Carolina County Probate Court","coupleDocumentName":"South Carolina Triplicate Marriage License","witnessRule":"South Carolina law does not require ceremony witness signatures on the triplicate marriage license; only both spouses and the authorized minister (or SC Notary Public) sign.","ceremonyWordingRule":"South Carolina prescribes no mandatory ceremony script; both parties declare mutual consent to marry in the physical presence of the authorized minister or oath officer.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional printed ordination certificate & ceremony binder—South Carolina Probate Courts do not require pre-filing ministerial credentials.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"South Carolina Legislature — Title 20, Chapter 1 (S.C. Code Ann. § 20-1-20)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t20c001.php","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-1-20, ministers of the Gospel, Jewish rabbis, officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina (including commissioned South Carolina Notaries Public), and chief/spiritual leaders of recognized Native American tribes are authorized to administer a marriage ceremony across South Carolina without pre-registering with the state or Probate Court. Note South Carolina’s mandatory 24-hour waiting period after the marriage license application is filed (once issued, South Carolina marriage licenses do not expire), and under § 20-1-340 the officiant must sign all 3 copies of the triplicate license, give one copy to the couple, and return the remaining two copies to the issuing County Probate Judge within 15 days. Confirm current Probate Court license fees locally.","specialBadge":"S.C. Code § 20-1-20 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"SD","name":"South Dakota","slug":"south-dakota","statute":"S.D. Codified Laws §§ 25-1-30, 25-1-32 & 25-1-35","statuteUrl":"https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/25-1-30","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Register of Deeds","coupleDocumentName":"South Dakota Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Under SDCL § 25-1-32 & § 25-1-35, at least 2 witnesses must attend the ceremony, have their names and residences recorded, and sign the marriage certificate.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under SDCL § 25-1-29, marriage must be solemnized, authenticated, and recorded; the parties must declare in the presence of the officiant and 2 witnesses that they take each other as spouses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—South Dakota Registers of Deeds do not require pre-ceremony clergy registration.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"South Dakota Legislature — SDCL § 25-1-30 (Persons Authorized to Solemnize Marriages)","primarySourceUrl":"https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/25-1-30","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under S.D. Codified Laws § 25-1-30, a marriage may be solemnized by a Supreme Court justice, circuit judge, magistrate, mayor, or any person authorized by a church to solemnize marriages—without pre-registering credentials with the state or Register of Deeds. IMPORTANT TIMING & ID RULES: South Dakota has no waiting period, but a South Dakota marriage license expires in just 20 days from issuance (SDCL § 25-1-24). Under SDCL § 25-1-32, before performing the ceremony the officiant must verify the couple’s identities/ages (by personal knowledge or photo ID) and record the names and residences of 2 witnesses, then return the signed record to the issuing County Register of Deeds within 10 days (§ 25-1-35). Verify current county license fees directly with the Register of Deeds.","specialBadge":"SDCL § 25-1-30 • 20-Day License Window"},{"code":"TN","name":"Tennessee","slug":"tennessee","statute":"Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-301","statuteUrl":"https://www.ctas.tennessee.edu/eli/solemnizing-marriage","tier":"TENNESSEE_WET_INK","kitPrice":59,"bundlePrice":108,"clerkAuthority":"Tennessee County Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Tennessee Marriage License","witnessRule":"Tennessee statute does not mandate witness signatures on the marriage license return (only the statutorily authorized officiant signs and returns the license within 3 days, though 1 optional witness line appears on some county forms).","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-302, no formula need be observed, except that the parties shall respectively declare, in the presence of the minister or officer, that they accept each other as husband and wife / spouses.","minLeadDays":14,"leadTimeWarning":"Tennessee law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-301(a)(2)) restricts online-only ordinations; note that Tennessee Notaries Public and local civil officials are statutorily authorized to solemnize marriages in Tennessee, and the signed license must be returned within 3 days. Confirm your plan with the issuing County Clerk ahead of the ceremony.","kitPurposeNote":"Optional commemorative church record & ceremony binder—review Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-301(a)(2) carefully with the issuing Tennessee County Clerk before relying on any online ordination.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"UT County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) — Solemnizing Marriage Under T.C.A. § 36-3-301","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.ctas.tennessee.edu/eli/solemnizing-marriage","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"IMPORTANT TENNESSEE STATUTORY WARNING: Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-301(a)(2) (2019 statutory amendment & subsequent federal court history), Tennessee statute states that persons receiving online ordinations may NOT solemnize the rite of matrimony on that basis alone, requiring spiritual leaders (age 18+) to have the care of souls via a considered, deliberate, and responsible ordination act. First-time friend officiants should review local Tennessee requirements carefully and note that commissioned Tennessee Notaries Public, County Clerks, mayors, and judges ARE statutorily authorized to solemnize civil marriages under § 36-3-301(a)(1)—so many couples have a Tennessee Notary Public or County Clerk execute the civil license while a friend leads the spoken ceremony. Licenses are valid 30 days and must be returned within 3 days of the ceremony (§ 36-3-303); verify local fee schedules with the County Clerk.","specialBadge":"Important Tenn. Code § 36-3-301 Restriction Notice"},{"code":"TX","name":"Texas","slug":"texas","statute":"Tex. Fam. Code §§ 2.202–2.206","statuteUrl":"https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.2.htm#2.202","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Issuing Texas County Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Texas Marriage License","witnessRule":"Ceremony witnesses are NOT required by Texas law, and there are no witness signature lines on a formal Texas marriage license—only the authorized officiant signs and returns the license.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Texas law (Tex. Fam. Code §§ 2.202–2.206) governs timing and who may conduct the ceremony rather than prescribing mandatory spoken ceremony wording, though a clear mutual declaration of intent and pronouncement are customary.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional personal record & ceremony binder—Texas County Clerks do not require officiants to pre-file credentials before returning a signed license.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Texas State Law Library — Conducting the Marriage Ceremony (Tex. Fam. Code § 2.202)","primarySourceUrl":"https://guides.sll.texas.gov/marriage-in-texas/conducting-the-ceremony","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Texas Family Code § 2.202(a)(1)–(3), an ordained Christian minister or priest, a Jewish rabbi, or a person who is an officer of a religious organization and authorized by that organization to conduct a marriage ceremony is authorized to solemnize marriages across all 254 Texas counties without pre-registering with the state or County Clerk. CRITICAL TIMING RULES: Under Tex. Fam. Code § 2.204, the ceremony may NOT take place during the 72-hour waiting period immediately following license issuance (unless waived for active-duty military, Twogether in Texas premarital course completion, or judicial waiver); the license expires 90 days after issuance (§ 2.201); and the officiant must mail or return the signed license to the issuing County Clerk within 30 days after the ceremony (§ 2.206). Verify current county license fees directly with the County Clerk.","specialBadge":"Tex. Fam. Code § 2.202 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"UT","name":"Utah","slug":"utah","statute":"Utah Code § 81-2-305 (formerly § 30-1-6)","statuteUrl":"https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title81/Chapter2/81-2-S305.html","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Utah County Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Utah Marriage License & Certificate (Digital or Paper)","witnessRule":"Under Utah Code § 81-2-305, 2 adult witnesses (age 18+) must be present at the ceremony and sign (or digitally attest on county e-licenses) the Utah marriage certificate alongside the officiant.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both spouses must declare mutual consent to marry in the presence of the authorized officiant and 2 adult witnesses within the 32-day license validity window.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional printed ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Utah County Clerks do not require pre-ceremony clergy registration.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Utah State Legislature — Utah Code § 81-2-305 (Who May Solemnize Marriages)","primarySourceUrl":"https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title81/Chapter2/81-2-S305.html","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under recodified Utah Code § 81-2-305(1)(a) (formerly § 30-1-6), an individual 18 years old or older who is authorized by a religious denomination to solemnize a marriage (as well as Native American spiritual advisors, judges, mayors, and County Clerks or County Clerk designees) may solemnize marriages across all 29 Utah counties without pre-registering with a state clergy office. Utah has no waiting period after license issuance, but licenses expire strictly 32 days after issuance, and the officiant must return the completed certificate (or submit via the county’s digital marriage portal, such as Utah County’s online system) within 30 days after the wedding. Verify current county license fees directly with the County Clerk.","specialBadge":"Utah Code § 81-2-305 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"VT","name":"Vermont","slug":"vermont","statute":"18 V.S.A. §§ 5144 & 5144a","statuteUrl":"https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/18/105/05144","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Vermont Town or City Clerk (& VT Secretary of State / Probate Division for Out-of-State Officiants)","coupleDocumentName":"Vermont Civil Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Vermont law does not require ceremony witness signatures on the official Civil Marriage License; only both spouses and the authorized officiant sign.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both parties must appear physically in Vermont before the authorized officiant and declare their mutual intent to enter into civil marriage.","minLeadDays":14,"leadTimeWarning":"If you reside OUTSIDE Vermont, register as a Temporary Officiant with the Vermont Secretary of State (18 V.S.A. § 5144a) or obtain Vermont Probate Division authorization BEFORE performing the ceremony.","kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—out-of-state ministers should review Vermont Secretary of State Temporary Officiant registration (18 V.S.A. § 5144a).","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Vermont Secretary of State — Temporary Officiants & 18 V.S.A. §§ 5144–5144a","primarySourceUrl":"https://sos.vermont.gov/secretary-of-state-services/temporary-officiants","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"VERMONT RESIDENT VS. NON-RESIDENT OFFICIANT RULE: Under 18 V.S.A. § 5144(a), ordained or licensed clergy residing IN Vermont (or serving a parish in an adjoining state/Quebec per statutory terms, as well as VT judges and Justices of the Peace) may solemnize marriages without state pre-registration. However, a minister residing OUTSIDE Vermont whose denomination lies outside Vermont must EITHER: (1) register online as a Temporary Officiant with the Vermont Secretary of State under 18 V.S.A. § 5144a prior to the ceremony (open to any adult age 18+ for a specific couple; attach the Secretary of State certificate when returning the license), OR (2) petition the Vermont Superior Court Probate Division for non-resident minister authorization under § 5144(a)(2)(C). Vermont has no license waiting period (valid 60 days), and the officiant must return the signed license to the issuing Town Clerk within 10 days. Confirm current Secretary of State and Town Clerk fee schedules directly.","specialBadge":"18 V.S.A. §§ 5144–5144a • Non-Resident SOS Option"},{"code":"VA","name":"Virginia","slug":"virginia","statute":"Va. Code §§ 20-23 & 20-25","statuteUrl":"https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/chapter2/section20-25/","tier":"VIRGINIA_PETITION","kitPrice":39,"bundlePrice":88,"clerkAuthority":"Virginia Circuit Court Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Virginia Marriage License & Duplicate Marriage Register","witnessRule":"Virginia does not require witness signatures on the official Marriage Register; both duplicate copies are completed and returned by the court-authorized celebrant within 5 days.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both parties must appear physically in Virginia before the court-authorized celebrant within the 60-day license window and declare mutual consent to marry.","minLeadDays":30,"leadTimeWarning":"Virginia requires an approved Circuit Court Order BEFORE officiating. Online ordination alone is NOT sufficient in Virginia. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk where the Virginia-resident celebrant lives well ahead of the wedding.","kitPurposeNote":"Optional ecclesiastical keepsake & Virginia § 20-25 petition preparation checklist—only a Virginia Circuit Court Judge/Clerk can grant civil solemnization authority in Virginia.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Code of Virginia § 20-25 — Persons Other Than Ministers Authorized to Perform Rites","primarySourceUrl":"https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/chapter2/section20-25/","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"CRITICAL VIRGINIA CIRCUIT COURT ORDER REQUIREMENT: Virginia does NOT automatically authorize ministers to perform marriages without a Virginia Circuit Court Order, and Virginia courts generally reject online-only ordinations for religious minister bonding/authorization under Va. Code § 20-23 (following Cramer v. Commonwealth). Instead, Virginia residents commonly petition their local Circuit Court under Va. Code § 20-25 for a One-Time Civil Marriage Celebrant Order prior to the wedding (court filing fees and bond waiver rules vary by circuit—confirm current fee and bond schedules directly with the Circuit Court Clerk). Non-residents of Virginia generally cannot petition under § 20-25 and should arrange a Virginia-authorized celebrant or Marriage Commissioner to execute the license (valid 60 days, no waiting period, return both copies within 5 days).","specialBadge":"Circuit Court Order Required (Va. Code § 20-25)"},{"code":"WA","name":"Washington","slug":"washington","statute":"RCW 26.04.050 & 26.04.070","statuteUrl":"https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.04.050","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Auditor — Recording / Licensing Division","coupleDocumentName":"Washington Marriage License & Department of Health Marriage Certificate","witnessRule":"Under RCW 26.04.070, at least 2 attending witnesses must be physically present at the ceremony and sign the Washington marriage certificate alongside both spouses and the officiant.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under RCW 26.04.070, no particular form is required, except that the parties thereto shall assent or declare in the presence of the minister or judicial officer solemnizing the marriage, and in the presence of at least 2 attending witnesses, that they take each other to be spouses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Washington County Auditors do not require pre-ceremony clergy registration.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Washington State Legislature — RCW 26.04.050 (Who May Solemnize)","primarySourceUrl":"https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.04.050","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under RCW 26.04.050, any regularly licensed or ordained minister or any priest, imam, rabbi, or similar official of any religious organization (whether resident or non-resident, as well as Washington judges and tribal court judges) is authorized to solemnize marriages across all 39 Washington counties without pre-registering with the state or County Auditor. CRITICAL 3-DAY WAITING PERIOD: Under RCW 26.04.180, a Washington marriage license cannot be used until 3 full calendar days after application/issuance (and expires 60 days after becoming valid; the 3-day wait cannot be waived). Return the completed Department of Health Marriage Certificate to the issuing County Auditor within 30 days after the ceremony (RCW 26.04.090), and verify current county license fees with the Auditor.","specialBadge":"RCW 26.04.050 • No State Pre-Filing"},{"code":"WV","name":"West Virginia","slug":"west-virginia","statute":"W. Va. Code § 48-2-402","statuteUrl":"https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-2-402/","tier":"AFFIDAVIT_REQUIRED","kitPrice":59,"bundlePrice":108,"clerkAuthority":"West Virginia Secretary of State (Marriage Celebrant Registry) & Issuing County Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"West Virginia Marriage License & Register Certificate","witnessRule":"West Virginia statutes do not require independent witness signatures on the official marriage license return; only the WV SOS-registered Marriage Celebrant completes and signs the return.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Both spouses must appear physically in West Virginia before the registered Marriage Celebrant and declare their mutual consent to marry.","minLeadDays":21,"leadTimeWarning":"You MUST complete Marriage Celebrant Registration with the West Virginia Secretary of State (submitting proof of ordination/good standing and applicable state registration fee/requirements) and receive approval BEFORE performing a wedding in West Virginia.","kitPurposeNote":"Supplies physical Certificate of Ordination and notarized Letter of Good Standing required for West Virginia Secretary of State Marriage Celebrant registration.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"West Virginia Secretary of State — Marriage Celebrant Licensing & W. Va. Code § 48-2-402","primarySourceUrl":"https://sos.wv.gov/licensing","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"MANDATORY WEST VIRGINIA SECRETARY OF STATE MARRIAGE CELEBRANT REGISTRATION: Under W. Va. Code § 48-2-402, every religious representative (age 18+) MUST apply for and obtain Marriage Celebrant authorization from the West Virginia Secretary of State PRIOR to performing any marriage ceremony in West Virginia. Applications require proof of age (18+), official church documentation proving ordination and regular communion/good standing (typically a signed, notarized Letter of Good Standing and Ordination Certificate), and payment of the Secretary of State registration fee (plus any legacy bond/documentation requirements verified on the WV SOS licensing portal). West Virginia licenses have no waiting period for adults 18+, remain valid 60 days, and must be endorsed and returned to the issuing County Clerk within 60 days after the ceremony (confirm current WV SOS and County Clerk fee schedules directly).","specialBadge":"WV Secretary of State Registration Required (§ 48-2-402)"},{"code":"WI","name":"Wisconsin","slug":"wisconsin","statute":"Wis. Stat. §§ 765.16 & 765.17","statuteUrl":"https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/765/16","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"County Clerk (License Issuance) & Register of Deeds (Certificate Filing)","coupleDocumentName":"Wisconsin Marriage License & Confidential/Original Marriage Certificate","witnessRule":"Under Wis. Stat. § 765.16(1m), at least 2 competent adult witnesses (age 18+, other than the officiating person) must be physically present at the ceremony and sign the Wisconsin marriage certificate.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under Wis. Stat. § 765.16(1m), marriage is validly solemnized by the mutual declarations of the two parties that they take each other as husband and wife / spouses, made before a duly authorized officiating person and in the presence of at least 2 competent adult witnesses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Provides physical Certificate of Ordination and notarized Letter of Sponsorship / Good Standing recommended under Wis. Stat. § 765.17.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Wisconsin State Legislature — Wis. Stat. §§ 765.16 & 765.17 (Marriage Contract; Nonresident Clergy)","primarySourceUrl":"https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/765/16","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"LETTER OF SPONSORSHIP / GOOD STANDING RULE: Under Wisconsin Statutes § 765.16(1m)(a) & § 765.17, any ordained member of the clergy of any religious denomination or society who is at least 18 years old may solemnize marriages in Wisconsin without pre-registering with a statewide agency—and any non-resident clergy member (or clergy member without a local pastorate) should carry an official Letter of Sponsorship / Good Standing from their ordaining body confirming active credentials. Note Wisconsin’s 3-day waiting period after license application (unless waived by the County Clerk; valid 60 days) and strict 3-day post-ceremony deadline to file the signed marriage certificate with the Register of Deeds (Wis. Stat. § 765.23). Confirm current county license and waiver fees directly with the County Clerk.","specialBadge":"Letter of Sponsorship Recommended (Wis. Stat. § 765.17)"},{"code":"WY","name":"Wyoming","slug":"wyoming","statute":"Wyo. Stat. §§ 20-1-106 & 20-1-107","statuteUrl":"https://www.wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title20.pdf","tier":"STANDARD","kitPrice":49,"bundlePrice":98,"clerkAuthority":"Wyoming County Clerk","coupleDocumentName":"Wyoming Marriage License & Certificate","witnessRule":"Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-1-106(b) & § 20-1-107, at least 2 attending witnesses must be physically present at the ceremony and sign the Wyoming marriage certificate.","ceremonyWordingRule":"Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-1-106(b), no particular form is required, except that the parties shall solemnly declare in the presence of the magistrate or minister and the attending witnesses that they take each other as husband and wife / spouses.","minLeadDays":0,"kitPurposeNote":"Optional physical ordination certificate & ceremony binder—Wyoming County Clerks do not require pre-ceremony clergy registration.","reviewStatus":"PRIMARY_SOURCE_REVIEWED","primarySourceLabel":"Wyoming Legislature — Title 20 Domestic Relations (Wyo. Stat. §§ 20-1-106 & 20-1-107)","primarySourceUrl":"https://www.wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title20.pdf","lastReviewedDate":"2026-10-31","clerkNotice":"Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-1-106(a), every licensed or ordained minister of the gospel, bishop, priest, or rabbi, or other qualified person acting in accordance with the traditions or rites for the solemnization of marriage of any religion, denomination, or religious society (as well as Wyoming judges, court commissioners, and magistrates), may perform the ceremony of marriage across all 23 Wyoming counties without pre-registering credentials with the state or County Clerk. Wyoming imposes no waiting period after license issuance (licenses remain valid for 1 year), and under Wyo. Stat. § 20-1-107 the officiant must issue a certificate to the couple and return the completed marriage record to the issuing County Clerk within 10 days after the ceremony. Confirm current local fee schedules directly with the County Clerk.","specialBadge":"Wyo. Stat. § 20-1-106 • No State Pre-Filing"}]}