Can a friend officiate a wedding ceremony?

Full question:

Does a wedding have to be officiated by a member of clergy or Justice of the Peace? Can a friend of the couple perform the ceremony?

  • Category: Marriage
  • Date:
  • State: Iowa

Answer:

In many states, weddings can be officiated by ordained or licensed clergy, as well as justices of the peace. However, some states allow a friend or family member to perform the ceremony if they are authorized to do so. It's essential to check your state's marriage laws for specific requirements and any necessary registrations or paperwork.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In the U.S., weddings can be officiated by ordained or licensed clergy, justices of the peace, and in some states, friends or family members who are authorized. Each state has its own laws regarding who can officiate, so it's important to check local regulations for specific requirements.