Vermont Wedding Laws

What to expect when officiating a wedding.

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Vermont Wedding

Quick Facts for Wedding Officiants in Vermont

  • Ministries of Love Ordination Accepted: Yes

  • Minister Registration Required: Yes (special requirements for non-local ministers)

  • Minister’s Residency: Not Required

  • Minister’s Minimum Age: 18 Years Old

  • Marriage License Waiting Period: None

  • Marriage License Valid For: 60 Days

  • Marriage License Return Deadline: 10 Days After Ceremony

Steps to Perform a Wedding in Vermont

1. Minister Eligibility

Ministers officiating weddings in Vermont must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be ordained by a recognized religious organization, such as Ministries of Love.
  • Ministers residing outside of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, and Quebec must seek special authorization from the Probate Division of the Superior Court and may need to pay additional fees.
  • Proof of ordination may be required by the court or clerk. The Classic Wedding Package is recommended to provide the necessary documentation.

2. Wedding Ceremony Requirements

  • Marriage by Proxy: Not allowed.
  • Minister Presence: Required.
  • Witnesses: None required.
  • Consent and Pronouncement:
    • The couple must verbally confirm their consent to marry (the “I do” moment).
    • The officiant must formally pronounce the couple married.

Couples have complete freedom to customize the ceremony beyond these legal requirements.

3. Marriage License Requirements

What the Couple Needs to Know:

  • Who Picks Up the License: At least one member of the couple.
  • Where It’s Valid: Any county in Vermont.
  • Pick-Up: In person.
  • Cost: $60.
  • Identification: Government-issued photo ID.
  • Proof of Divorce: Not required.
  • Blood Tests: Not required.

The couple must apply in person and confirm their details, including their preferred titles (“bride,” “groom,” or “spouse”).

4. Marriage License Facts

  • Waiting Period: None; the license can be used immediately.
  • Validity: 60 days.
  • Return Deadline: The officiant must return the license to the issuing town clerk within 10 days of the ceremony.

5. Perform the Wedding Ceremony

The officiant must ensure:

  1. The couple and officiant are physically present during the ceremony.
  2. The couple formally declares their intent to marry.
  3. The officiant pronounces the couple as married.

Witnesses are not legally required in Vermont.

6. Return the Marriage License

After the ceremony:

  1. The officiant must complete their section of the marriage license, including:
    • Title: Minister.
    • Church or Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love.
    • Address: The officiant’s home address if asked for the church’s location.
  2. Verify that the couple has completed their portions of the license correctly.
  3. Submit the completed license to the issuing town clerk office within 10 days to avoid penalties.

Additional Notes

  • Residency: Couples and officiants do not need to reside in Vermont.
  • Age Restrictions: Applicants must be at least 18 years old unless court and guardian consent is provided for minors aged 16–17.
  • Marriage Equality: Same-sex marriages are legally recognized.
  • Kinship Restrictions: Marriages closer than first cousins are prohibited.

Legal Reference: Vermont Marriage Laws

Vermont law recognizes weddings performed by ministers of Ministries of Love, provided all requirements are met.

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