How to Register and Perform a Wedding in Every State

Are you an ordained minister with Open Ministry and ready to perform a wedding, but unsure about the specific requirements for each state? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this blog post, we'll provide an overview of the requirements for registering and performing a wedding in every state in the United States.

Before we dive in, it's important to note that the specific requirements can vary by state and can change over time. We recommend checking the most up-to-date information on the state's official website or with the appropriate authorities.

Here's a general overview of the requirements for registering and performing a wedding in each state:

• Alabama: To perform a wedding in Alabama, you must first obtain a marriage license from the probate court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by two people and signed by the couple and the minister.
• Alaska: In Alaska, you must obtain a marriage license from the marriage license bureau and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Arizona: To perform a wedding in Arizona, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county recorder. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Arkansas: In Arkansas, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• California: To perform a wedding in California, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Colorado: In Colorado, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Connecticut: To perform a wedding in Connecticut, you must first obtain a marriage license from the town clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Delaware: In Delaware, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Florida: In Florida, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Georgia: To perform a wedding in Georgia, you must first obtain a marriage license from the probate court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people and signed by the couple and the minister.
• Hawaii: In Hawaii, you must obtain a marriage license from the department of health and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Idaho: To perform a wedding in Idaho, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Washington D.C.: In Washington D.C., you must obtain a marriage license from the Marriage Bureau and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• West Virginia: To perform a wedding in West Virginia, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Wisconsin: In Wisconsin, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Wyoming: To perform a wedding in Wyoming, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Illinois: In Illinois, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Indiana: To perform a wedding in Indiana, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Iowa: In Iowa, you must obtain a marriage license from the county recorder and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Kansas: To perform a wedding in Kansas, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Kentucky: In Kentucky, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Louisiana: To perform a wedding in Louisiana, you must first obtain a marriage license from the clerk of court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Maine: In Maine, you must obtain a marriage license from the town clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Maryland: To perform a wedding in Maryland, you must first obtain a marriage license from the clerk of the circuit court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Massachusetts: In Massachusetts, you must obtain a marriage license from the city or town clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Michigan: To perform a wedding in Michigan, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Minnesota: In Minnesota, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Mississippi: To perform a wedding in Mississippi, you must first obtain a marriage license from the circuit court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Missouri: In Missouri, you must obtain a marriage license from the circuit court and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Montana: To perform a wedding in Montana, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Nebraska: In Nebraska, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Nevada: To perform a wedding in Nevada, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least one person.
• New Hampshire: In New Hampshire, you must obtain a marriage license from the town or city clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least one person.
• New Jersey: To perform a wedding in New Jersey, you must first obtain a marriage license from the municipality clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• New Mexico: In New Mexico, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• New York: To perform a wedding in New York, you must first obtain a marriage license from the city or town clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least one person.
• North Carolina: In North Carolina, you must obtain a marriage license from the register of deeds and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• North Dakota: To perform a wedding in North Dakota, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Ohio: In Ohio, you must obtain a marriage license from the probate court and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Oklahoma: To perform a wedding in Oklahoma, you must first obtain a marriage license from the court clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Oregon: In Oregon, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Pennsylvania: To perform a wedding in Pennsylvania, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Rhode Island: In Rhode Island, you must obtain a marriage license from the city or town clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• South Carolina: To perform a wedding in South Carolina, you must first obtain a marriage license from the probate court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• South Dakota: In South Dakota, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Tennessee: To perform a wedding in Tennessee, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Texas: In Texas, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Utah: To perform a wedding in Utah, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Vermont: In Vermont, you must obtain a marriage license from the town clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Virginia: To perform a wedding in Virginia, you must first obtain a marriage license from the circuit court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Washington: In Washington, you must obtain a marriage license from the county auditor and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• West Virginia: To perform a wedding in West Virginia, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Wisconsin: In Wisconsin, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Wyoming: To perform a wedding in Wyoming, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.

In conclusion, registering and performing a wedding in each state in the United States can vary in terms of requirements and procedures. As an ordained minister with Open Ministry, it's important to research and understand the specific laws and regulations in each state where you plan to perform a wedding. By following the guidelines and requirements, you can help the couple celebrate their love and commitment in a meaningful and legally recognized way.

Getting Ordained Online with Open Ministry

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a minister, but thought it was too difficult or too serious? Well, we have good news for you! With Open Ministry, becoming a minister has never been easier or more fun. In this blog post, we'll take a look at why getting ordained online with Open Ministry is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to perform religious ceremonies and services.

What is Open Ministry?

Open Ministry is a non-denominational religious organization that offers online ordination to individuals who want to become ministers. It's a fun and easy way to become ordained, with no prior training or experience required. Open Ministry's mission is to empower individuals to perform spiritual ceremonies and services, such as weddings, funerals, and other religious events.

Why Get Ordained with Open Ministry?

• Convenience: With Open Ministry, you can become ordained from the comfort of your own home, without having to attend any boring classes or training sessions. The ordination process is quick and easy, and you can receive your official certificate of ordination in just a few days.
• Flexibility: As an ordained minister with Open Ministry, you have the flexibility to perform religious ceremonies and services according to your own beliefs and principles. You're not bound by any specific doctrine or denominational guidelines, which means you can get creative and have fun!
• Support: Open Ministry provides its ministers with ongoing support, resources, and guidance to help them grow and develop as spiritual leaders. They're always there to help, whether you have a question about performing a ceremony or just want someone to talk to.

Considerations When Getting Ordained Online

• Recognition: While Open Ministry is recognized in all 50 states in the United States, it's important to note that recognition and legality can vary by state and country. Before performing any ceremonies, it's a good idea to check the specific laws and regulations in your area.
• Responsibility: As an ordained minister, you have a responsibility to perform religious ceremonies and services with care and respect. You should also consider any legal and ethical implications of performing such ceremonies.

In conclusion, getting ordained online with Open Ministry is a fun and easy way to become a minister or perform religious ceremonies. It's convenient, flexible, and supported, making it the perfect solution for anyone who wants to make their dreams of becoming a minister a reality. So why wait? Start your journey today and become the minister you've always wanted to be!

A summer wedding is exciting, no matter when it is - be it in June, July, August, or even late September. When you have a summer wedding it allows you the ability to imbue your ceremony with fun themes. On most summer days you’ll be able to capitalize on sunshine and good weather. You could plan your location at a beach or park and incorporate time-honored summer festivities. In our experience, it's why most couples tend to have ceremonies and get married during the summertime.

Since so many of our ordained ministers find themselves performing summer weddings. You’ll want to make sure that your officiant or you yourself have completed the ordination process and received any credentials needed to perform the ceremony. If you haven’t considered a summer wedding, we offer you the following ideas that we think will assist with the warmer weather.

Since not every couple has a wedding planner, we thought we would also share ideas for your ceremonies, appetizers, décor, libations, and refreshments.

Keeping in theme, seasonal décor is a must-have when curating your event. However, one factor to not overlook is your guests' comfort. We have included ideas that can help your family and friends stave off the heat. From décor to a little practical advice, our Summer Wedding Themes has great information for you to consider.

If you’re looking to plan your summer wedding, feel free to get inspired by any of the ideas below. 

Table Fans:

If your ceremony will take place in an outdoor area without shade, you'll need to find another way to help your guests beat the heat.

Stylish Sunglasses:

You can find hundreds of different varieties of sunglasses if you want to go funky, classic, modern, or retro. A few pairs of vanity shades on the table can add fun style to your theme!

Fan Placement Settings:

Depending on your region, summer weddings can get hot! You can incorporate paper or hand fans as décor on your tables to dual serve you and your guests. If it gets hot they can simply use one of the fans on the table to help cool down. You could choose custom printed ones with the couples' names, the ceremony date, or other information for your special day. This can also serve as a personalized commemorative gift. 

Light Colored or Non-Matching Dresses:

While not a décor, if your in-season colors are pink-and-white you can incorporate pastel-colored bridesmaid gowns. It’s easy to mix and match different color shades to keep your theme and color palette visually appealing. You can also match bouquets! Lighter colors will help keep you cooler on a hot summer day! The lighter colors help reflect the sun’s rays. Consider beige and sand, almond and clay, or russet and sepia gowns for your bridal party. Just know that the more thoughtful the attire the more comfort you can provide for your party on a hot day.

Welcome Gifts, Bites & Drinks:

You can always welcome your guests to your wedding by providing summer-themed gifts and seasonal drinks. Consider iced or blended fruit-based beverages, snowcones/snowballs, shaved iced, or frozen pops could also be fun to offer. Your attendees will thank you for the welcome goodies!

Hors d'oeuvres & Libations:

Another fun option for summer events is incorporating fruits into your décor, they add flavor and pops of color wherever you decide to have them. During those hot summer days, fresh or frozen fruits can help add a little extra refreshment for your guests.

Infused Water Station:

Water is the spice of life, during those hot summer days, it’s also a necessity. That doesn’t mean that you need to just serve plain water. Adding sliced cucumber and sprigs of mint will elevate your water stations to the next level. You can also try citrus fruits, such as blood orange, grapefruit, and pineapple. Some great water-infused combinations are strawberry and sage for a sweet earthy taste, or lavender and rosemary for a sophisticated herbal flavor, or blackberry and basil for a fresh fruity style. 

Cocktails:

During those hot summer days, lighter libations will add an extra flair to your event and cocktail hour! You can try doing rose wine with floating petals. For extra hot days, you might want to opt for frozen daiquiris or margaritas! Get creative and think outside the box to create unique and tasty options for your guests to enjoy.

Watermelon:

Sliced and speared watermelon on sticks is a great treat for your guests and also hydrating! You might even want to freeze it to add a little more of a cooling effect. Try watermelon cubes for a quick easy bite.

Oranges:

Freshly sliced and drizzled with sugar or cinnamon, orange slices add spice and color to your appetizer table. Most local stores will have a few different varieties of oranges to choose from, you can select navel, mandarin, or blood orange. Consider dehydrated sugared slices for another option.

Apples:

Fresh apples are a delicious treat for summer weddings, a clean and crisp crunch from a gala, or even the tart punch from a granny smith apple. As a tip, you can mist vinegar on the slices to help keep them from rusting (aka turning brown).

Strawberries:

Everyone loves strawberries! A platter of fresh trimmed strawberries is always a crowd-pleaser. You can even kick it up a notch by adding in a chocolate fountain next to the platter for extra decadence. 

Kumquats:

A sweet citrus fruit often neglected is the kumquat. You can create a nice display with these tart and tiny fruits. They can be eaten whole with little to no prepping, just a little wash and display!

Fruit Platters:

Mix fresh and dried summer fruits, crackers, nuts, jams, and other delectables to create centerpieces for your tables or for tray passing. This is a great way to infuse the colors, flavors, and beauty of our summertime favorites.

Dessert Table:

Have some fun creating a beautifully decorated table for all your summertime treats and sweets to delight your guests! Choose a palette and displays to match. Include flowers for pops of color and decor to stylize the setting. 

Popsicles:

Fruits and fun cocktails aren't the only summer drinks. You can bring some of that childhood flair and fun-ness by serving popsicles. It’s easy to make homemade popsicles. There are fast molds you can use or you can even just freeze a mixture of sugar water, and fruit juices as ice cubes. Consider adding real fruit for extra delight. If you are using sticks you can have custom messages printed or written on the popsicle sticks. The sky’s the limit!

Ice Cream:

A no-brainer for your summer wedding event is ice cream. You could incorporate your wedding cake with a form of ice cream. Sherbets are a great non-dairy option for guests. Ice cream, as it's not only tasty but will also help beat some of the summer heat.

We hope these ideas inspire you and help you to create a most memorable and fun summer wedding!

Outdoor weddings. There’s a huge trend for outdoor weddings in 2021 and that won’t change, even as the weather cools. From garden fetes to tented ceremonies and celebrations, the open crisp air is really the place to be. Plus Mother Nature really likes showing off in the fall so there’s less work to do when it comes to décor. Have your guests get cozy with lots of twinkly lights and plush furnishings. 

TIP to ensure your guests are comfortable, set up a welcome table with coffee and offer fall colored blankets or wraps, to help fight off any chills.

Bold fall color palettes. Rich sapphires, Burgundy reds, and emerald greens, as well as earth tones like sienna, amber, and brass are on trend for fall. It is all about being bold, bright, seasonal and a bit unexpected. 

Think complimentary- 

Cornsilk + Fawn + Kombu Green 
Rose Dust + Tumbleweed + Mn Blue 
Sugar Plum + Coral + Light Salmon
TIP Check out some great color palettes here
https://venngage.com/blog/fall...

Seasonal suits.
Grooms wear is getting funky fresh these days! Think perfectly tailored suits in jewel box shades like rust, scarlet, teal, or aubergine. If you don’t want to wear a full color-blocked suit, a velvet jacket in one of these shades is a stylish and seasonally appropriate alternative.

Dried flower arrangements. 
Yes we have been seeing dried flowers blow up over the last few years and this trend is continuing in 2021. Florists are getting very creative with their arrangements and making extravagant truly beautiful centerpieces. Picture a  fabulous centerpiece with preserved brown sunflowers, braided wheat, and rust-colored leaves. 

2021 is turning out to be a wonderful year full of amazing ceremonies and we can't wait to share Winter wedding trends in our next blog!

First and foremost, we hope you and your loved ones are staying well and healthy.

At this time, it has never been more critical to stay connected with one another, as we all practice social distancing to keep each other safe and reduce the transmission of COVID-19. We are here to keep you informed about any new developments regarding the operations of Open Ministry. We are still fully operational and taking the necessary precautions to best support our congregation.

The safety of our Ministers and staff is our top priority. We believe that proper information is vital. For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Make sure to follow us on Facebook to stay connected and check our Ministry Blog for helpful tips on performing ceremonies and more!

We are pleased to offer you our services; we appreciate your support of Open Ministry.

Grace & Peace,
Open Ministry