Do You Really Need An Officiant To Get Married?

Key Takeaways:

• Legal Recognition Matters: Recognizing the legal necessity of an officiant in your wedding ceremony is essential to ensure your state officially recognizes your marriage. This can directly impact your ability to change your name afterward.
• Some States Allow Self-Solemnization: In certain states, couples can marry without an officiant through self-solemnization. This offers more freedom for those who prefer a nontraditional or highly personal ceremony.
• Nontraditional Options May Be Valid: Alternatives like having a friend ordained online or hosting a virtual ceremony can be legally recognized in some areas. Knowing your local marriage laws is critical to ensure your ceremony meets legal standards.

 

Weddings come with a long list of “must-haves” that feel non-negotiable. From the cake to the first dance, it can seem like there’s a set script for how your big day should unfold. But when it comes to the ceremony itself, one question tends to pop up mid-planning: Do you need an officiant to get married?

It’s a fair question, especially if you and your partner are planning something intimate, unconventional, or low-key. At NewlyNamed, we work with people who are dealing with all kinds of major milestones. That’s how we know that the way you structure your ceremony isn’t just a matter of personal style. It can carry real legal weight, especially when it comes time to change your name.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what role an officiant plays (and when you might not need one), the legal requirements for getting married in the U.S., and how your ceremony choices could affect what comes next, including your name change paperwork. Whether you're planning a courthouse ceremony, self-solemnizing, or having a friend get ordained online, we can help you make sure your marriage is legally sound and your post-wedding checklist is smooth sailing.

 

The Legal Role Of A Wedding Officiant

The person leading your ceremony isn’t just there for sentimental moments or photo ops. A wedding officiant is the individual legally authorized to perform your marriage ceremony, and just as importantly, to sign and submit your marriage license. That signature is what makes your union official in the eyes of the state.

Do You Need An Officiant To Get Married?

In many U.S. states, a legally recognized officiant is typically required. They’re responsible for verifying your identities, leading the declaration of intent (that’s the “I do” moment), ensuring your marriage license is signed correctly, and filing that license with the appropriate county or state office. Without these steps, your marriage might not be legally recognized. This could potentially cause issues later, especially if you’re planning to change your maiden name to match your spouse’s surname.

So, how much does it cost to hire an officiant? It varies by location and type of ceremony, but on average, couples can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500. Some officiants, like judges or justices of the peace, may charge less for courthouse weddings, while professional celebrants or religious leaders may charge more for custom ceremonies, travel, or rehearsal time.

The Officiant’s Responsibilities

A wedding officiant’s role goes far beyond guiding you through your vows. They’re responsible for key legal and logistical steps that help ensure your marriage is recognized by the state. Here’s a breakdown of what those responsibilities typically include:

• Before the Ceremony: Your officiant should confirm their legal ability to perform weddings in your state. They’ll also guide you through the ceremony structure, lead the rehearsal, and help you plan for signing the marriage license immediately after the vows.
• During the Ceremony: The officiant welcomes guests, introduces the couple, leads the vows, and makes the official pronouncement. They help keep the ceremony flowing and ensure all the key legal components are included.
• After the Ceremony: This is where things can get overlooked in the excitement. Your officiant must file the signed marriage license with the appropriate government office—often within a specific timeframe (this varies by state). If this step isn’t done correctly, your marriage may not be legally recognized.

Who Can Be A Legal Officiant?

The rules vary depending on where you live, but most states recognize a wide range of people as legal officiants, including:

• Religious leaders (such as ministers, pastors, rabbis, or priests)
• Judges or justices of the peace
• Civil celebrants
• Friends or family members ordained online (many states accept ordination through organizations like the Universal Life Church)

If you’ve ever wondered, “Do you need a minister to get married?” The short answer is not necessarily. While a minister can certainly officiate your ceremony, they’re just one of several options available depending on your state’s laws.

Important: Some counties have stricter rules about who qualifies as an officiant, especially when it comes to online ordination. It’s always smart to double-check with your local clerk’s office before finalizing your ceremony plans, especially if you’re planning to have a loved one officiate.

Why This Matters For Your Name Change

At NewlyNamed, we know that your marriage certificate is the first domino in the name change process. If your ceremony doesn’t meet your state’s legal requirements, you could face delays or complications when updating critical documents like your government-issued photo ID, passport, or even during your Global Entry name change.

One of the simplest ways to avoid surprises down the road is to ensure your legal documents are handled correctly. Our name change packages are designed to take the hassle out of paperwork by giving you pre-filled applications, step-by-step instructions, and unlimited customer support. The Print at Home Name Change Kit is perfect for those who want instant access, while the NewlyNamed Box is a physical kit with pre-filled forms, envelopes, and instructions delivered to your door. With either option, you can update your state, federal, and personal accounts in no time with less stress.

We can also walk you through everything and answer common questions like, “How long does it take to change your last name?” or “How much does it cost to change your last name?” A legally valid marriage is the first step. We’ll help you handle the rest.

 

States That Allow Self-Solemnization Marriages

If you're wondering, “Do you have to have an officiant to get married?” Here’s the good news: For couples who love the idea of having a wedding ceremony without an officiant, you have some options! In a handful of states, self-solemnization is perfectly legal, and it’s actually a streamlined way to make your marriage official. So, you and your partner can marry yourselves without the need for a judge, minister, or even a trusted friend to lead the ceremony.

This approach can appeal to couples planning something intimate, budget-friendly, or deeply personal. But as with anything legal, it’s crucial to know the rules in your state before skipping the officiant altogether.

What Is Self-Solemnization?

Self-solemnization means you and your partner are legally allowed to officiate your own wedding with no third party required. You handle the license, lead the vows, and sign the paperwork yourselves. This option gives you full creative control over the ceremony while keeping things legally above board.

However, you'll still need to apply for a marriage license and file it properly with your local county clerk’s office after the ceremony to ensure it’s legally binding. In some areas, additional forms may be required to declare your intention to self-officiate, so always double-check with your local office.

Where Is Self-Solemnization Legal?

Self-solemnization is not recognized in most states. The rules aren’t universal, so location matters a lot. As of now, here are the states and regions where self-solemnization marriages are valid:

• Colorado: As the most self-solemnization-friendly state, Colorado lets couples marry themselves with zero hassle. You can sign your own license and call it a day. Plus, your furry best friend can act as a witness if you’d like!
• District of Columbia: You and your partner can complete and file all marriage license paperwork yourselves.
• Pennsylvania: PA offers a self-uniting marriage license thanks to its Quaker history. Some counties may ask you to provide additional documentation or justification.
• Wisconsin: WI allows self-unitized marriages with advance application. Just a heads up, some counties have their own guidelines, so definitely check ahead.
• California, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, and Nevada: These five states also recognize some forms of self-solemnization, often tied to religious loopholes or philosophical belief exemptions. Requirements can vary by county, so always verify before making plans.

The bottom line: Self-solemnization isn’t a nationwide free-for-all, but if you live in one of these places, you’ve got flexibility. No officiant? No problem.

Virtual Weddings And Remote Officiants

With video calls now part of daily life, it’s no surprise that many couples are asking: “Can we get married over Zoom?” While technology has made virtual ceremonies possible, whether they’re legally recognized is a different story, and the answer depends entirely on where you live.

What Counts As A Virtual Wedding?

The term “virtual wedding” can mean two different things. For the first instance, it can be a legal ceremony where the officiant joins the couple via video (Zoom, Skype, etc.), and everyone signs paperwork remotely. Alternatively, it can be a livestreamed event where the officiant is physically present with the couple, but guests attend virtually. Only the first scenario (where the officiant is remote) raises legal questions. The second is generally permitted in all states, since the officiant and couple are together in person.

That said, even in states where virtual ceremonies are allowed or permitted, there are still a few legal hoops to jump through:

• Witnesses May Still Be Required: Some states mandate that one or two witnesses be physically present with the couple during the ceremony.
• Electronic Signatures Aren’t Always Accepted: While Utah allows officiants to sign licenses electronically, many other states require physical signatures and may still demand in-person filing.

So before you send out your Zoom invites, make sure your ceremony will be legally recognized. Double-check the rules with your local county clerk’s office to avoid surprises and to make sure your marriage certificate will stand up when it’s time to update your name.

Where Are Fully Virtual Weddings Legal?

During the early days of the pandemic, many states temporarily relaxed their rules to allow remote officiants. States like Hawaii, New York, and New Jersey introduced emergency measures to permit virtual ceremonies. However, most of those orders have since expired, and in-person officiants are once again the norm.

As of now, Utah is the only state with updated laws that allow fully remote weddings. The officiant must be physically located within the state of Utah, but the couple can tie the knot from anywhere, even out of state or abroad. So, if you’re hoping to legally marry with your officiant on video, your best bet is Utah. Everywhere else? Proceed with caution, and definitely double-check with your county clerk’s office.

 

Final Thoughts

Whether or not you need an officiant to get married depends entirely on your location and how you define your ideal ceremony. Many states require a licensed officiant and witnesses to make your marriage legal, while others allow couples to self-solemnize, meaning you can marry yourselves with no officiant at all (just the right paperwork and a valid marriage license).

Whatever your setup looks like, the goal is the same: a ceremony that feels authentic to you and your partner, and one that meets your state’s legal requirements. If you’re planning to change your name after the wedding, that next step doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At NewlyNamed, we help simplify the process with two easy options. Both of our name change packages come with step-by-step guidance to update your name across federal, state, and personal accounts.

Marriage marks a new chapter, and your name change should feel like a smooth part of that journey. No matter how or where you say “I do,” we’re here to help you make it official.

Read also:

• 50 Thoughtful Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Actually Love
• 8 Must-Have Estate Planning Documents Every Adult Should Prepare Today
• How To File Taxes Jointly For The First Time: What You Need To Know

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Whether You Need An Officiant To Get Married

Does an officiant have to be ordained?

Usually, yes, but it’s easier than you might think! Most states require the officiant to be either ordained or otherwise legally authorized to perform marriages (such as a judge or justice of the peace). Fortunately, online ordination through organizations like Universal Life Church is widely accepted across the U.S. and can often be completed in just a few minutes. If you're asking a friend or family member to officiate, make sure they’re ordained and that your local county recognizes their credentials.

Can we have a ceremony without an officiant but still be legally married?

A small number of states allow what’s called a self-uniting marriage, where the couple legally marries each other without an officiant. Colorado and Pennsylvania are well-known for allowing this, and a few other states offer similar options under specific conditions. In most states, though, a recognized officiant is still required to make the marriage legal.

Is a friend allowed to officiate my wedding?

Yes, in most cases! Many couples choose to have a close friend or family member officiate. As long as they get ordained (which can be done online), they can lead your ceremony. Just double-check with your local county clerk to confirm the ordination is valid in your state.

What is a self-uniting marriage?

A self-uniting marriage is a legally recognized union without an officiant. In states that allow it, you and your partner sign your marriage license yourselves, often in front of witnesses, and submit it to the appropriate government office. No officiant is needed. This option is especially popular in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Washington, D.C..

Do you need witnesses if there is no officiant?

Often, yes. Even if your state allows self-uniting marriages, you’ll likely need one or two witnesses to sign the marriage license. That’s also true for traditional ceremonies in most states. Witnesses help legally affirm that the marriage took place.

What happens if your officiant does not file the marriage license?

It could mean your marriage isn’t legally recorded. Even if your ceremony felt perfect, your marriage isn’t official until the signed license is filed with the appropriate county or state office. If the officiant forgets or delays filing, it could lead to legal issues down the road, especially when it’s time to change your name or update official documents. In some areas, couples can file the license themselves to ensure it’s handled correctly.