Quick Facts for Wedding Officiants in West Virginia
Ministries of Love Ordination Accepted: Yes
Minister Registration Required: Yes (with the Secretary of State)
Minister’s Residency: Not Required
Minister’s Minimum Age: 18 Years Old
Marriage License Waiting Period: None (2 days for minors)
Marriage License Valid For: 60 Days
Marriage License Return Within: 6 Days
Steps to Perform a Wedding in West Virginia
1. Minister Eligibility and Registration
To officiate weddings in West Virginia, ministers must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Register with the Secretary of State, presenting:
- Ordination Credential.
- Letter of Good Standing.
The minister will be entered into a registry. To prepare, it is recommended to have proper documentation ready, such as the Classic Wedding Package from Ministries of Love.
2. Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage by Proxy: Not allowed.
- Minister Presence: Required.
- Witnesses: Not required.
- Consent and Pronouncement:
- The couple must provide verbal consent (e.g., “I Do”).
- The officiating minister must pronounce the couple married.
Ceremony details can be customized to fit the couple’s preferences.
3. Marriage License Requirements
Couples must apply for and pick up the marriage license in person from any West Virginia county clerk’s office.
What’s Required from the Couple:
- Age: 18 or older (16+ with guardian consent; under 16 requires judicial approval).
- Identification: Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, or voter registration certificate).
- Residency: Not required.
- Proof of Divorce: Not required.
Cost of License: $56.00.
West Virginia does not require blood tests or any other medical certifications for marriage.
4. Perform the Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony must:
- Include both members of the couple and the officiating minister.
- Feature the couple’s verbal consent to marry.
- End with the officiant pronouncing the couple as married.
No witnesses are required to attend or sign the documents.
5. Return the Marriage License
After the ceremony, the minister must:
- Ensure the marriage license is filled out completely and accurately, including:
- Minister’s title (“Minister”).
- Church or ordaining body (“Ministries of Love”).
- Minister’s home address.
- Return the license to the county clerk’s office within 6 days of the wedding.
Additional Ministerial Responsibilities
West Virginia law requires ministers to:
- Keep a permanent record of all marriages they officiate.
- File relevant marriage certificates with their ordaining organization.
Failure to properly return the marriage license can result in delays or complications in legally recording the marriage.
Legal Reference: West Virginia Marriage Code
Marriage in West Virginia is governed by state laws that recognize officiants ordained by Ministries of Love as valid ministers. These laws also require ministers to register with the Secretary of State to solemnize marriages legally.