Northern Mariana Islands Wedding Laws
What to expect when officiating a wedding.
Quick Facts for Wedding Officiants in the Northern Mariana Islands
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Ministries of Love Ordination Accepted: Yes
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Minister Registration Required: No
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Minister’s Residency: Not Required
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Minister’s Minimum Age: 18 Years Old
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Marriage License Waiting Period: None
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Marriage License Valid For: 60 Days
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Marriage License Return Within: 10 Days After Ceremony
Steps to Perform a Wedding in the Northern Mariana Islands
1. Become an Ordained Minister
To officiate a wedding, you must first be ordained. Ministries of Love offers free online ordination, which takes only a few minutes. Once ordained, you’ll be authorized to officiate legally recognized weddings worldwide.
2. Contact the Office of the Mayor in Saipan
To ensure compliance with local laws, contact the Office of the Mayor in Saipan.
Contact Information:
- Address:
Office of the Mayor Saipan
P.O. Box 501457
CTC Building Oleai, Teer Dive
Saipan, MP 96950 - Phone: 670-234-6208
Inform them that you are a minister with Ministries of Love and ask if any documentation is required to officiate the wedding.
3. Obtain Documentation
Although registration as a minister is not required in the Northern Mariana Islands, it’s recommended to have proof of ordination for peace of mind and to provide assurance to the couple.
Recommended Documents:
- Ordination Credential
- Certified Letter of Good Standing
These 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 applies for their marriage license at the Office of the Mayor.
- License Validity: The marriage license is valid for 60 days.
- Waiting Period: None – the couple can marry immediately after the license is issued.
The couple should contact the Office of the Mayor in advance to confirm the required documents and ensure they are prepared.
5. Perform the Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony must meet the following requirements:
- Presence of Legally Relevant Parties: The officiant, couple, and at least two witnesses must be present.
- Consent and Pronouncement: The couple must consent to the marriage (e.g., “I do”), and the officiant must pronounce them married.
The rest of the ceremony can be tailored to the couple’s preferences.
6. Submit the Marriage License
After the ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the Office of the Mayor within 10 days to be legally recorded.
Legal Reference: Northern Mariana Islands Marriage Code
Marriage in the Northern Mariana Islands is governed by Chapter 2 of Title 8 of the Code for the Northern Mariana Islands.
Relevant Excerpt:
“The presence of two witnesses, at least, is required for the celebration of a marriage between two noncitizens or between a noncitizen and a citizen of the Trust Territory. The marriage ceremony shall be performed in the Commonwealth. The marriage rite may be performed and solemnized by an ordained minister, a judge, the Governor, or any person authorized by law to perform marriages, upon presentation to that person of a license to marry as prescribed in 8 CMC § 1202. The person solemnizing a marriage may receive a fee to be stipulated by the parties, or the gratification tendered.”