Getting married should be an exciting and joyful event, and you may be wondering, ‘can I ordain my own wedding?’ But planning a wedding can also be stressful and expensive.
If you want a more intimate, affordable ceremony, consider officiating your own wedding.
While not legal everywhere, self-officiating lets you customize your vows and celebrate your love on your own terms.
Read on to learn how to make your DIY wedding official.
Check Your State’s Marriage Laws
Before officiating your own nuptials, research your state’s marriage requirements. Some states allow couples to self-solemnize, while others require an authorized officiant.
For instance, Pennsylvania lets couples marry themselves, but Louisiana requires an officiant. Consult your county clerk’s office to confirm if self-officiating is allowed.
If not, you may need to get ordained online or ask a friend to get ordained to perform the ceremony.
Officiate Your Own Wedding Legally
Getting married should be an exciting and joyful event. But planning a wedding can also be stressful and expensive. If you want a more intimate, affordable ceremony, consider officiating your own wedding.
While not legal everywhere, self-officiating lets you customize your vows and celebrate your love on your own terms. Read on to learn how to make your DIY wedding official.
Check Your State’s Marriage Laws
Before officiating your own nuptials, research your state’s marriage requirements. Some states allow couples to self-solemnize, while others require an authorized officiant.
For instance, Pennsylvania lets couples marry themselves, but Louisiana requires an officiant.
Consult your county clerk’s office to confirm if self-officiating is allowed. If not, you may need to get ordained online or ask a friend to get ordained to perform the ceremony.
Obtain a Marriage License
Even if you officiate your own wedding, you’ll still need to get a marriage license from your local county clerk’s office. Requirements vary, but you’ll generally need to provide IDs, birth certificates, and pay a fee.
There is often a waiting period between getting the license and the wedding day. Be sure to get your license well in advance so it’s valid on your wedding date.
Keep the signed license after the ceremony to make your DIY wedding fully legal and binding.
Become an Officiant
If your state doesn’t allow self-solemnization, you’ll need to become ordained to perform a valid marriage ceremony. Many non-denominational and interfaith organizations provide quick online ordination.
For a small fee, you can get ordained in just a few minutes. This will authorize you to officiate weddings in most states. Check your local laws to ensure the online ordination will be recognized.
Once ordained, you can officiate your own wedding ceremony.
Plan Your Self-Officiated Ceremony
Once you’ve obtained the marriage license and gotten ordained, it’s time to plan the ceremony itself. Decide if you want a traditional format or want to get creative and personalize your vows and readings. Pick any special rituals or traditions you want to incorporate.
Select music, either recorded or live with a friend or family member performing. Write your customized script to reflect your relationship and style as a couple.
Consider asking a friend to do a reading or assist with the ceremony flow. And don’t forget the rings! With some thoughtful planning, you can have a meaningful, memorable wedding you officiate yourself.
File Your Marriage Certificate
After you say “I do,” don’t forget to make it official on paper too. Once the ceremony wraps, have witnesses sign the marriage license. Check the requirements in your state for when and where to return the completed license for filing.
Some counties or municipalities require the officiant to file while others place the responsibility on the couple. Follow the instructions to avoid any hiccups in getting your marriage certificate.
Once filed, you’ll receive a copy for your records. Congratulations, your self-officiated union is now legally recognized!
Enjoy celebrating with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I officiate my own wedding in Illinois?
No, Illinois law requires that a wedding be officiated by a judge, retired judge, or an ordained minister of the Gospel. Self-solemnization is not permitted.
Can I officiate my own wedding NYC?
No, self-solemnization is not valid in New York. A wedding ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant like a government official, member of the clergy, or ordained minister.
Can you self-solemnize in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas allows self-solemnization, meaning couples can officiate their own wedding ceremonies. The marriage license must be signed and returned for the marriage to be legally valid.
Can anyone officiate a wedding in Florida?
Yes, Florida allows anyone to officiate weddings after obtaining a certificate from the county clerk’s office. This includes the couple themselves.
Conclusion
The laws regarding self-solemnization vary by state. Some states like Kansas allow couples to officiate their own weddings, while others like New York require an authorized officiant. Couples who wish to can i ordain my own wedding should check the marriage laws in their state before making plans.