How to officiate a wedding in North Dakota

Obtain your permanent Agape Registry Credential ID and printable digital Certificate of Ordination ($0, zero renewal fees).

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.

Send the 10-question Couple Interview Link, confirm personal vows vs. repeat-after-me vows, and print your script in large altar type.

Ensure the couple obtains their North Dakota Marriage License & Certificate early enough to clear North Dakota’s waiting period (None (Immediate)) without expiring before ceremony day.

Witness Rule: 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.. Deliver in person or via tracked mail before Mon, Jan 4, 2027.