Source: https://nacministers.net/knowledge-base/knowledge-base/state-laws-officiants/
Timestamp: 2019-10-15 19:19:59
Document Index: 796085711

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 657', '§ 655', '§ 654', '§ 659', '§ 2', '§ 7']

State Requirements for Wedding Ministers | NACM Knowledge Base
State Requirements for Wedding Ministers
<![if !supportLists]>o <![endif]>(Title 19A § 657) Whether a resident or nonresident of this State and whether or not a citizen of the United States: An ordained minister of the gospel; A cleric engaged in the service of the religious body to which the cleric belongs; or A person licensed to preach by an association of ministers, religious seminary or ecclesiastical body.
<![if !supportLists]>o <![endif]>(Title 19A § 655) “Every person authorized to unite persons in marriage shall make and keep a record of every marriage solemnized by that person in conformity with the forms and instructions prescribed by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics…”
<![if !supportLists]>o <![endif]>(Title 19A § 654) “A person who solemnizes a marriage when not authorized to do so under section 655 commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture not to exceed $100 for each offense may be adjudged. Forfeitures collected must be distributed to the municipality in which the offense occurred.”
<![if !supportLists]>o <![endif]>(Title 19A § 659) Official Information: • Maine’s State Legislature (search statutes) If questions should arise concerning any aspect of the marriage process or marriage laws in the State of Maine, the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Vital Records is the state agency which handles information for this particular area. You may contact this office at: 207.287.3181
<![if !supportLists]>o <![endif]>(Title 37:1-13,15) As in most states, the prospective newlyweds give the marriage license directly to the minister: “Before a marriage can be lawfully performed in this state, the persons intending to be married shall obtain a marriage license from the licensing officer and deliver it to the person who is to officiate, but if the marriage is to be performed by or before any religious society, institution or organization, the license shall be delivered to such religious society, institution or organization, or any officer thereof.”
<![if !supportLists]>o <![endif]>(Title 37:1-2) A clergyman is also permitted to do “work of a psychological nature consistent with the accepted standards of their respective professions” and “work of a marriage and family therapy nature, …, when acting within the scope of the person’s profession or occupation and doing work consistent with the person’s training”. (Title 45:14B-8, 8B-8)
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Ordination Certificate
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Founding Document, and
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>a Letter signed by one member of your Congregation.
<![if !supportLists]>1. <![endif]>In cases where the denomination publishes a directory of its clergy, the registrant may show that he or she is listed in that directory. If the registrant’s name does not yet appear in the denominational directory, the registrant claiming membership in that denomination may instead present written confirmation for that membership from the body that puts out the directory. Such confirmation can also consist of a certificate or letter showing that the registrant graduated from the seminary or theological school pertaining to the denomination.
<![if !supportLists]>2. <![endif]>In cases where the denomination does not have such a directory, the registrant must show several pieces of documentary proof of authority. First, the registrant must present an ordination certificate accompanied, if necessary, by an English translation thereof. Ordination certificates issued by the Universal Life Church or its affiliates are not acceptable as evidence of clerical authority based on Ranieri v. Ranieri, New York Law Journal, March 27, 1989. Ravenal v. Ravenal, 72 Misc.2d 100, 338 N.Y.S.2d 324 (Sup.Ct.N.Y.County 1972). In lieu of an ordination certificate, the registrant must present a “license to minister” or a letter of appointment from his or her religious body, i.e. from its hierarch or its board of trustees. Second, the registrant must present a letter from his or her local congregation verifying that he or she is the pastor or associate pastor of that congregation, and that the congregation therefore consents to the registering of that individual. Lastly, if the church is incorporated, the registrant must present a copy of the articles of incorporation. If the church is not incorporated, the registrant must submit a statement as to the location of the house of worship, the reason for its founding, the number of trustees, the approximate size of its congregation, and how often it meets.
<![if !supportLists]>3. <![endif]>In cases where the registrant belongs to a denomination that does not have a directory and does not grant certificates of ordination or licenses to minister, the registrant must present a letter stating that he or she is the recognized spiritual leader of a congregation, and that the congregation therefore consents to the registering of that individual. The registrant must also submit a statement as to the location of the house of worship, the reason for its founding, the number of trustees, the approximate size of its congregation, and how often it meets.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>North Carolina: Marriage Officiants: Any ordained minister of any faith who is authorized to perform marriages by his church may do so. — ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the register of deeds who issued it. — For questions see the register of deeds.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>North Dakota: Marriage Officiants: Ordained ministers of the gospel and priests of every church may perform marriages. — Ministers must file a certificate of marriage with the county judge who issued the license within 5 days after the marriage. Certificates must also be given to the persons married. — For questions see the county clerk.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Ohio: Marriage Officiants: To have legally recognized clergy status in Ohio, one must have ordination papers from a church recognized in Ohio.
<![if !supportLists]>o <![endif]>Contact the Ohio Secretary of State at 30 E. Broad St., 14th Floor; Columbus, OH 43266-0418. Request the application for a minister’s license. When you receive it, send the completed form, a photocopy of your ordination certificate, and a $10 check or money order to the above address. This will take 2-3 weeks.
<![if !supportLists]>o <![endif]>By Ohio Law, licensed clergy must report suspected child or elder abuse to authorities, as well as follow State laws when marrying couples. A summary of the laws is provided at licensure. This license makes chaplaincy status at hospitals, etc. easier to obtain.
—Ministers must send a certificate of marriage to the probate judge of the county which issued the marriage license within 30 days after the marriage. — For questions see the clerk of the probate court.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Oklahoma: Marriage Officiants: Oklahoma statutes provide for clergy who are not licensed therapists to give certain kinds of counseling. Clergymen may also visit prisoners. The law also provides a right to confidential communications with a clergyman acting in his professional capacity. In this state, the confidentiality belongs the communicant, not in the clergyman.
<![if !supportLists]>o <![endif]>Constitution of Oklahoma: Article I § 2. Religious Liberty — Polygamous or plural marriages. Perfect toleration of religious sentiment shall be secured, and no inhabitant of the State shall ever be molested in person or property on account of his or her mode of religious worship; and no religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights. Polygamous or plural marriages are forever prohibited.
Title 43 § 7 Solemnization of marriages.
A. All marriages must be contracted by a formal ceremony performed or solemnized in the presence of at least two adult, competent persons as witnesses, by a judge or retired judge of any court of record in this state, or an ordained or authorized preacher or minister of the Gospel, priest or other ecclesiastical dignitary of any denomination who has been duly ordained or authorized by the church to which he belongs to preach the Gospel, or a rabbi and who is at least eighteen (18) years of age. The preacher, minister, priest, rabbi or ecclesiastical dignitary who is a resident of this state shall have filed, in the office of the court clerk of the county in which he resides, a copy of his credentials or authority from his church or synagogue authorizing him to solemnize marriages. The preacher, minister, priest, rabbi or ecclesiastical dignitary who is not a resident of this state, but has complied with the laws of the state of which he is a resident, shall have filed once, in the office of the court clerk of the county in which he intends to perform or solemnize a marriage, a copy of his credentials or authority from his church or synagogue authorizing him to solemnize marriages. Such filing by resident or nonresident preachers, ministers, priests, rabbis or ecclesiastical dignitaries shall be effective in and for all counties of this state; provided, that no fee shall be charged for such recording; but no person herein authorized to perform or solemnize the marriage ceremony shall do so unless the license issued therefor be first delivered into his possession nor unless he has good reason to believe the persons presenting themselves before him for marriage are the identical persons named in the license, and for whose marriage the name was issued, and that there is no legal objection or impediment to such marriage.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Oregon: Marriage Officiants: Ministers of any church organized, carrying on its work, and having congregations in this state may perform marriages in this state if authorized by their church to do so. — Before performing marriages, ministers must file their credentials with the county clerk of the county in which they reside or in which the marriage is to be performed. — Ministers must give the bride and groom a marriage certificate upon request. Also, the minister must send a marriage certificate to the county clerk who issued the marriage license within one month after the marriage. — For questions see the county clerk.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Pennsylvania: Marriage Officiants: Ministers of any regularly established church or congregation may perform marriages. Also, persons may marry themselves if they obtain a certificate from the clerk of the orphans’ court. — Ministers must provide a certificate of marriage to the bride and groom. Also, they must send a marriage certificate to the clerk of the orphans’ court who issued the marriage license within 10 days after the marriage. — For questions see the clerk of the orphans’ court.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Rhode Island: Marriage Officiants: Everyone who has been, or is, the minister of any society professing to meet for religious purposes, or incorporated for the promotion of such purposes, and holding stated and regular services, and who has been ordained according to the customs and usages of such society may perform marriages. — Ministers must obtain a license from the city or town clerk before performing marriages. — Ministers must endorse and return the marriage license to the town or city clerk in which the marriage was performed. — For questions see the town or city clerk.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>South Carolina: Marriage Officiants: Ministers of the gospel who are authorized to administer oaths in this state may perform marriages. — Ministers must complete the marriage license and give one copy to the parties and the other two must be returned to the county judge of probate who issued it within 15 days after the marriage. — For questions see the county judge of probate or his clerk.
<![if !supportLists]>o <![endif]>Also, anyone that is a notary public in the state of South Carolina is authorized to perform marriage ceremonies.
South Dakota: Marriage Officiants: Marriages may be performed by a minister of the gospel, or priest of any denomination. — Ministers must provide the bride and groom with marriage certificates upon request. Ministers must also keep a record book of all marriages they perform. Finally, the minister must send a marriage certificate to the clerk who issued the marriage license within 30 days after the marriage. — For questions see the clerk of courts.
Tennessee: Marriage Officiants: (a) The laws are currently being revised. See details here:
//nacministers.net/groups/tennessee/forum/topic/nacm-response-to-law-changes-for-officiants-in-tennessee-tn/
Texas: Marriage Officiants: Ordained Christian ministers and priests; Jewish rabbis and persons who are officers of religious organizations and who are duly authorized by the organization to conduct marriage ceremonies may perform marriages. — Ministers must complete the marriage license and return it to the county clerk who issued it within 30 days after the marriage. — For questions see the county clerk.
Utah: Marriage Officiants: Ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination who are in regular communion with any religious society may perform marriages. —Ministers must provide a certificate of marriage to the county clerk who issued the marriage license within 30 days after the marriage. — For questions see the county clerk.
Vermont: Marriage Officiants: Ordained ministers residing in this state may perform marriages. Non-resident ordained ministers may perform marriages with the permission of the probate court of the district within which the marriage is to take place. — Ministers must complete the marriage license and certificate of marriage and return it to the clerk’s office from which it was issued within ten days from the date of the marriage. — For questions see the city/town clerk.
Virginia: Marriage Officiants: The procedure in Virginia is less well defined. According to the official in Arlington County, you bring (in person) your “certificate of ordination”, a photo ID, and $16 the Clerk’s office of any Circuit Court. Then the clerk will ask you “some questions” about things like whether or not you have a congregation in Virginia, how many members, and whether your group is recognized as a religious group by the IRS. Then either the clerk will register you or buck the problem up to a judge. Nonresidents are eligible.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>VA-resident non-clergy can sign up for a one-time permit to celebrate a wedding. Apply in person at the Clerk’s office of any Circuit Court.
Washington: Marriage Officiants: Regularly licensed or ordained ministers or any priest of any church or religious denomination anywhere within the state may perform marriages. — Ministers must send two certificates of marriage to the county auditor within 30 days after the marriage. — For questions see the county auditor.
West Virginia: Marriage Officiants: The West Virginia Legislature adopted S. B. 59, establishing new provisions for the registration of religious representatives to be authorized to perform marriages in any county in West Virginia.
<![if !supportLists]>o <![endif]>The provisions replace previous requirements for registration with the county clerk, however approval of the bond or exemption from the bonding requirement was left with the county commission.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>A bond of $1,500 with surety approved by the county commission, is required if the formal ordination or similar authorization is not provided. A letter from the members of a single congregation unaffiliated with a recognized religious body is not considered proof sufficient to be exempt from the bonding requirement.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Registry The Secretary of State will establish a registry of all persons authorized to perform marriages.
<![if !supportLists]>o <![endif]>The law requires county clerks in the 55 counties to forward to the Secretary of State by October 1, 2001, the name of every person authorized since 1960 to perform marriages for inclusion in the registry. The Secretary of State must then forward the completed registry and periodic updates back to the county clerks.
Wisconsin: Marriage Officiants: 765.16″ Marriage contract, how made; officiating person. Take each other as husband and wife, made before an authorized officiating person and in the presence of at least 2 competent adult witnesses other than the officiating person. The following are authorized to be officiating persons:
(2m)”, An officiating person under sub. (1m) (a), (b), (d), (e), or (f) must be at least 18 years old.
Wyoming: Marriage Officiants: Every licensed or ordained minister of the gospel may perform marriages. — Ministers must give a marriage certificate to the bride and groom upon request and must return a certificate to the county clerk. — For questions see the county clerk.
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