Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Utah?
Marriage is a sacred union that must be solemnized by the proper authorities. Ensure your wedding goes off without a hitch by ensuring your officiant fits the bill of who can officiate a wedding in Utah. Read on for tips on navigating the journey to a legal marriage.
Persons Who May Perform Marriages
Utah code clearly states who is authorized to perform a marriage. Find your officiant among the following list for someone who is practiced at the task and already has the legal right to do it.
religious leaders such as a minister, rabbi, bishop, or priest
Native American spiritual advisors
a county clerk
government officials
the governor
mayors
court commissioners and judges
state attorney general
state treasurer
state auditor
particular members of the legislature
Two witnesses 18 years of age or older must also be present at the ceremony.
Couples may also hire professional officiants outside of these wedding ministers to meet their vision of the day. A professional wedding officiant can handle a certificate of marriage for couples while setting the tone for a perfect wedding ceremony. Consult with the professional officiant to source sample wedding ceremony scripts if opting for a personal friend new to officiating.
How to Become a Wedding Officiant in Utah
Couples also may ask a close friend or family member to marry them. This adds a personal touch to the wedding ceremonies and starts your union at the hands of someone closest to you. Follow the marriage laws with our guide.
Becoming an Ordained Minister Online
The straightforward online ordination process gives couples freedom in officiant selection and makes it accessible for individuals applying. Follow these steps to meet the legal requirements for marrying your loved ones.
1. Choose an Online Organization: Select a recognized online ordination service, such as Universal Life Church (ULC) or American Marriage Ministries (AMM). Ensure the organization offers valid ordination in Utah.
2. Complete the Application: Visit the chosen organization's website and complete the online application form. This typically requires your name, email, and other basic information.
3. Receive Ordination Confirmation: After submitting your application, you'll receive a confirmation of your ordination via email, often within a few minutes. This ordination is usually free or comes at a nominal fee.
4. Obtain Documentation: If desired, you can order a physical ordination certificate and other official documents to confirm your status.
5. Follow Local Laws: Be aware of Utah's requirements for performing ceremonies such as marriage. You may need to register with the state or obtain a marriage license.
Remember to check local regulations to ensure full compliance with Utah's laws regarding ministerial duties. Officiants registered to marry in Utah must only perform marriages in Utah.
How to Officiate a Wedding in Utah
Plan the wedding day to ensure you don't miss any legalities while playing your part in the big day. Break down your processes and the wedding day to officiate a wedding ceremony in Utah without sacrificing romance or efficiency.
Document it. Officiants and couples should obtain proper documentation. Keep the ordination certificate physically handy or virtually organized. Note how long the official license lasts.
Obtain a license. The couple must acquire an official marriage license from any county clerk's office in Utah. This license is valid for 32 days. Plan the ceremony with plenty of time for the license to apply.
Prepare. Officiants and couples should meet to discuss their preferences, the ceremony's tone and length, and any personal wedding vows or readings. This is a great time to rehearse, especially if a couple is foregoing a formal wedding rehearsal. Determine whether it will be a religious ceremony or not, which timeless scripts to use, and if couples prefer traditional ceremonies to set the proper tone.
Conduct the ceremony. On the wedding day, ensure you have the marriage license with you. Perform the ceremony, which typically includes an opening, readings, vows, ring exchange, and the pronouncement of marriage.
Complete and file the license. After the ceremony, sign the marriage license as the officiant, and ensure the couple does the same. Return it to the county clerk’s office within 30 days for official recording.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a marriage officiant is a weighty thing. No one wants to disappoint a happy couple or the audience watching the ceremony, but officiants should trust that if someone is asking them to perform such an important task, they are capable of it. Hold the marriage authority with respect and honor the beauty of marriage ceremonies to create a memorable one.
Officiants can also attend wedding officiant training online or in-person to stave off any nerves. Read Utah's requirements, practice the speech, and plan a time to fill out the marriage certificate and return it to the county clerk.
Don't forget to breathe, smile, and speak from the heart in support of couples and their dream wedding ceremonies. It's an honor to participate, so thank the couple for the invitation and put your best foot forward as you lead such a happy day.
