Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Presence: Required
- Witnesses Required: 2 (18+)
All parties—the couple, minister, and two witnesses—must be physically present for the ceremony. Legally required elements include the couple’s consent (“I do”) and the minister’s pronouncement. The ceremony can otherwise be customized.
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 18 years (16 with guardian or court consent)
- Residency: Not Required
- Minimum Kin Distance: Second Cousins (with restrictions for first cousins)
- Marriage Equality: Yes
Couples must be 18+ to marry or 16+ with guardian or court consent. Residents and non-residents, including same-sex couples, may marry. First cousins may marry only if over 65, or over 55 with proof of sterility.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: Varies by County
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: County Clerk
- Submission Deadline: After Ceremony
Ministers must be 18+ and ordained through Ministries of Love. Documentation requirements vary by county. Ministers should confirm with the County Clerk and keep ordination credentials on hand.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious or Civil
- Waiting Period: None
- License Validity: 32 Days
- Submission Deadline: Within 30 Days
Marriage licenses can be issued and used on the same day. Licenses are valid for 30 days and must be returned to the issuing County Clerk within 30 days after the ceremony, along with the marriage certificate signed by the couple, minister, and witnesses. Failure to return the license is an infraction.
Marriage License Requirements
- License Pickup: By Couple, In Person
- Cost: $35–$80 (varies by county)
- Accepted ID: Government-Issued ID
- Proof of Divorce: Not Required
- Blood Test: Not Required
Couples must apply in person at the County Clerk’s office with government-issued ID. Fees vary by county. No proof of divorce or blood test is required. Couples must provide a sworn affidavit confirming no legal impediments to the marriage.
Final Steps
- Officiant Title: Minister
- Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address: Minister’s Home Address
The officiant must complete the marriage license, listing “minister” as their title and “Ministries of Love” as the ordaining body. The license and marriage certificate must be returned to the issuing County Clerk within 30 days. Ministers should maintain records of ceremonies performed, especially if compensated.