Vermont Wedding Laws
What to expect when officiating a wedding.
Get Ordained
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:
- The couple and officiant are physically present during the ceremony.
- The couple formally declares their intent to marry.
- The officiant pronounces the couple as married.
Witnesses are not legally required in Vermont.
6. Return the Marriage License
After the ceremony:
- 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.
- Verify that the couple has completed their portions of the license correctly.
- Submit the completed license to the issuing town clerk office within 10 days to avoid penalties.
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
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
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:
- The couple and officiant are physically present during the ceremony.
- The couple formally declares their intent to marry.
- The officiant pronounces the couple as married.
Witnesses are not legally required in Vermont.
6. Return the Marriage License
After the ceremony:
- 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.
- Verify that the couple has completed their portions of the license correctly.
- 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.