Do you love to attend weddings but just don't get enough invitations? Are you tired of being 'only a wedding guest' and want to take a more active part in marriage ceremonies? Or maybe you just want to earn a little extra cash while doing some really interesting work? Then read on to learn how you can become a wedding officiant!



Although legal definitions vary in each US state, a wedding officiant, in essence, is simply a person who conducts a wedding ceremony. Usually the officiant serves as a principal witness for the consent to marry between the bride and groom, and takes care of filing the legal paperwork like the marriage license, afterwards. Most wedding officiants are ministers of already established churches or justices of the peace - and many states allow only such individuals to be officiants. However, in those states that have more liberal officiant recognition, there are simpler ways to become an officiant than by obtaining a divinity or jurisprudence degree.

Internet or Online "Churches" - a number of internet-based organizations offer to ordain people to become wedding officiants. For a fee, you get a package of paperwork certifying you as an ordained minister of that organization. Be sure to read the organization's "fine print" on their website and check your state regulations to make sure such credentials are recognized.

Just Do It - California does not require that the wedding officiant be ordained - they figure that should be your concern, not theirs. Colorado, along with several other states, recognizes common law marriages. Since couples in common-law marriage states can file the marriage paperwork without the signature of an officiant, that means the couple need not worry about having a recognized officiant perform their wedding ceremony (if they choose to have one). The wedding officiant, in such cases, does not serve as an official witness to the consent to marriage by the husband and wife.

Make it Official! - some states allow notary publics and clerks of the court to officiate at marriages. Other states allow virtually any current or former public official, such as mayors, governors and magistrates to solemnize marriages.

Military Chaplain - If you're a commissioned officer in any branch of the military consider becoming a chaplain since they can perform marriages.

Ahoy, Mates! - ship captains are authorized to perform marriages, but only at sea.

Of course, every state has different laws governing who can perform marriages. Be sure to check your relevant state marriage laws before deciding to pursue this rewarding career!