We received an inquiry this week from a minister who was getting ready to perform her very first marriage ceremony this coming weekend. Getting asked to perform a wedding for the first time progresses very quickly from “Sure, I’ll do it!” to “Yipes, what do I actually do?” First Things First Here is the million-dollar question: are you ordained to perform wedding ceremonies? If you don’t know what ordination is, I’ll give you a quick explanation. Ordination is the process through which you receive legal authorization to perform marriage ceremonies. Every state in the United States requires you to have legal authorization, without exception, before you perform a wedding. You…
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California Ordination, Marriage License and Ceremony Information
Adapted from information provided by the State of California Department of Public Health, this article covers the most common situations involving the state’s marriage laws, and some of the complexities as well. And if you are interested in becoming ordained as a wedding officiant to perform marriage ceremonies in California — a very uncomplicated process — please click here. This article will provide you with general information regarding the requirements for the issuance and registration of both public and confidential marriage licenses in California, as well as answer many frequently asked questions regarding the laws pertaining to marriage licenses and ceremonies in California. If you are getting married in California, for…
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State of the Union: Serving As A Wedding Officiant In New York
This article is part of a series for ministers on performing marriage ceremonies in the United States and elsewhere. In this article, we focus on New York State, as well as New York City, which has its own specific set of rules and regulations. We often hear from ministers and officiants that are concerned about the complexities of performing marriage ceremonies in New York. While it may seem complex on the surface, it’s actually fairly simple and straightforward — as long as you follow the rules. Basically, you must be legally ordained before performing a wedding ceremony in New York. If you are currently ordained and in good standing with the…
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Making Beautiful Music … and Marriages, Too
We’ve heard and read countless stories over the years about wedding ministers that failed to show up for the ceremony. Not just late, but not at all! For a bridal couple that has gone through months and months of planning for their perfect ceremony — having chosen the venue, the wedding dress, written their vows — and then not have the officiant show up to perform the ceremony can be tragic. It’s always good to have a back-up plan in place, just in case. Of course, if the wedding is taking place at a church or chapel, then there is usually an assistant pastor or minister on hand to step…
