Guam Wedding Laws

What to expect when officiating a wedding.

Get Ordained

Quick Facts for Wedding Officiants in Guam

  • Ministries of Love Ordination Accepted: Yes

  • Minister Registration Required: Yes

  • Minister’s Residency: Not Required

  • Minister’s Minimum Age: 18 Years Old

  • Marriage License Waiting Period: 5 Days (Waived with $50 Fee)

  • Marriage License Valid For: 60 Days

  • Marriage License Return Within: 10 Days After Ceremony

Steps to Perform a Wedding in Guam

1. Become an Ordained Minister

To officiate a wedding in Guam, you must first be ordained. Ministries of Love offers free online ordination that takes just a few minutes. Once ordained, you’ll be authorized to officiate legally recognized weddings around the world.

2. Contact the Office of Vital Statistics

To ensure compliance with Guam’s legal requirements, contact the Office of Vital Statistics to confirm what documents are required.

Contact Information:

  • Location: Rancare Commercial Building CBU Box 109
    761 S. Marine Corps Drive
    Tamuning, GU 96913
  • Phone: (671) 735-7185/7280
  • Fax: (671) 734-5910

Introduce yourself as a minister and ask about any documentation you need to submit to register as an officiant.

3. Register as a Minister

Registration with the Office of Vital Statistics is required in Guam.

Recommended documentation includes:

  • Ordination Credential
  • Letter of Good Standing

These documents can be ordered through Ministries of Love. Allow at least three weeks for processing and delivery before the wedding date.

4. Assist the Couple with Marriage License Requirements

Ensure the couple obtains their marriage license from the Department of Public Health & Social Services.

  • Validity: The license is valid for 60 days.
  • Waiting Period: There is a mandatory 5-day waiting period, which can be waived for a $50 fee.

The couple should verify the required documents with the department ahead of time. After the wedding, the signed license must be returned to the issuing office within 10 days.

5. Perform the Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony must include the following:

  • Presence of the Officiant and Couple: All must be physically present.
  • Consent: The couple must verbally consent to the marriage (e.g., “I do”).
  • Pronouncement: The officiant must declare the couple legally married.

The rest of the ceremony can be personalized to the couple’s preferences.

6. Submit the Marriage License

After the ceremony, the signed marriage license must be submitted back to the issuing office within 10 days.

Legal Reference: Guam Marriage Code

Marriage in Guam is governed by Chapter 3 of Title 19 of the Code of Guam.

Relevant Excerpt:

“Marriage may be solemnized by:
(1) The Governor of Guam, or their substitute;
(2) Judges of the U.S. District Court and the Superior Court of Guam;
(3) All ordained clergymen and priests recognized by their religious body;
(4) Directors of Revenue and Taxation, Administration, and Public Health and Social Services;
(5) The Speaker of the Guam Legislature or their designee;
(6) All village Mayors and Vice Mayors.”

Get Ordained