How to Register to Officiate a Marriage in California

Next, contact the office of your local marriage authority (typically your county clerk in California). Let them know that you are a ordained minister with Open Ministry in California, and ask them what information the will require of you, to officiate a marriage in California. Most clerks and governing agencies may require that you present them with a physical copy of your ordination record.

When speaking with the county clerk; it can be helpful to use the following phrases.

• What agency or department issues marriage licenses in your county and how may I contact them? 
• I am an ordained minister with a church in California and I would like to register as a wedding Officiant in your county to perform and solemnize weddings. 
• I have my Letter of Good Standing and/or Ordination Credential as proof of my ministry and ordination. 
• What additional documentation is required for me to register as a wedding Officiant in your county or state? 

License to perform a wedding in California

After you've contacted your marriage authority, you will want to visit our bookstore to get physical copies official credentials for presentation and your records. (See California State Statutes for More Specific Requirements )

When registering in California you may be asked to display proof of your ordination to the county clerk's before they will accept the marriage license as having been legally solemnized. We typically advise ministers of California to get a Complete Minister Package for California which includes your Letter of Good Standing (the live signed and notarized physical copy of your standing with our ministry).

Having your physical copies credentials provides peace-of-mind to couples and others that you intend to marry. Additionally, we recommend at least 4 weeks between the date of the wedding ceremony and your order, to ensure that you receive all of your materials and are able to register in time. Please note that every state and county can impose different requirements. This may include other nominal fees and additional paperwork that may need to be completed before the ceremony can take place.

It is important to note that some county clerks in California may require wedding officiants to attach a statement which asserts some of the elements in the marriage license upon submission, including the following:

• The time and location at which the wedding took place
• The names and places of residence of all official witnesses
• The religious organization in which the officiant is ordained
• The printed name and address of the officiant

Please note that, when filling out a marriage license, that California State may request you use the title "Minister" or "Reverend". The County Clerks may also require you enter your denomination, you can use "Non-Denominational". Failing to state a denomination may result in rejection and could require a duplicate marriage license.

How to perform a wedding in California

Once you have completed of the above, you are ready to perform the wedding! Be sure that the couple has picked up their California state issued marriage license from the appropriate office. California marriage licenses valid for a set number of days, and there may be a waiting period between when the couple receives the marriage license in California and when the ceremony may be legally performed in California. This information should be written on the license and followed to ensure the ceremony is recorded properly.

Please be aware that the signed license must be returned to the issuing office in California before the time limit is reached. Check the marriage license for the exact dates. Once the the previous matters have been addressed, officiating a wedding in California can be a great and wonderful experience.

If you have any comments or issues as a wedding officiant in California, or after you have been ordained, or would like to just asking for guidance on how to perform a wedding ceremony in California. We recommend that all new California wedding ministers who have issues or concerns about the ceremony read over our helpful guides.