What are the requirements in your state for officiating at a wedding?

In Virginia, there are two types of people who are authorized to be a "Marriage Celebrant" (what they call someone who officiates at a marriage): one-time civil and religious. The requirements for a one-time, civil marriage celebrant can be found at www.co.fairfax.va.us/courts/circuit/1x_civil_marriage_celebrant_info.htm and, in summary, are:

• A written and notarized request must be sent to the Chief Judge of the Fairfax Circuit Court which includes:
  • A statement that the Celebrant is a resident of Fairfax County (including an address).
  • A statement that the Celebrant has never been convicted of a Felony.
  • The full names of the couple to be married.
  • The date the ceremony is to take place (the request is only good for that one day).
• The celebrant must go to the County Clerk's office to post a $500 bond, take an oath of office and pay a $21 clerk's fee.

The requirements for a religious marriage celebrant can be found at www.co.fairfax.va.us/courts/circuit/pdf/clergy.PDF and, in summary, are:

• The clergy must supply a copy of the ordination certificate, minister's license or notarized letter stating when and where they were ordained.
• A notarized letter signed by the "religious society" stating that the clergy is in good standing with the organization.
• A completed and notarized questionnaire which includes:
  • Name, address and number of "ministers" of the "church".
  • Detailed description of the clergy credentials for being a "minister".
  • Responsibilities of clergy that are beyond those of being a member.
  • Privileges and benefits that can be bestowed by the clergy.
  • Length of time the clergy has been a "minister" and the length of the term.
  • List of documents that regulate the religious organization.
  • Outline of the leadership structure of the religious organization.
• The clergy must obtain the approval of a Judge (after copies of the above documentation has been submitted).
• The clergy must go to the County Clerk's office with the originals of the above documentation and a photo ID, take an oath of office and pay a $21 clerk's fee.

NOTE: The quoting of the words church and minister above are mine and was done to emphasize that there may be hidden definitions attached to those words. When we applied to the IRS, we learned that they require that a "church" include one or more buildings. If I decide to go though this process, it would be worthwhile to research their definitions of these words first.

A list of the currently Authorized Marriage Celebrants for Fairfax County Virginia can be found at www.co.fairfax.va.us/courts/circuit/pdf/marcel.PDF.

For getting a marriage license?

The requirements for getting a marriage license can be found at www.co.fairfax.va.us/courts/circuit/marriage_license_info.htm and, in summary, are:

• Both parties must appear before the clerk of the circuit court with proof of age (if 18 or over) or with parent or guardian (if between 16 and 18). Those under 16 can only be married in exceptional cases approved by a judge.
• The marriage must be performed within 60 days of the issuance of the license.

For registering a domestic partnership?

Additional restrictions on marriage in Virginia can be found at the Virginia State Bar web page www.vsb.org/publications/brochure/married.html and include:

• You cannot marry a relation closer than cousin (this includes half relations and step relations).
• If you have been married before, you must obtain a divorce.
• Same sex marriages are prohibited in Virginia even if obtained in another state.
• Undisclosed information (such as impotency, felony conviction, religious orders, and previous children) can be used to void a marriage.
• Common law marriages are only recognized in Virginia if they took place in another state that recognizes common law marriages and the participants are otherwise eligible to be married in Virginia.
• Having voluntary sexual intercourse with anyone other than your spouse (even if not prosecuted as a crime) is grounds for a divorce.
• Unmarried couples living together in sexual relationships is illegal.

In light of your research and in consultation with your Demos, determine whether you wish to officiate at Hellenic wedding rites or other types of commitment ceremonies.

Considering the above findings, I would be willing to advise a couple on the religious aspects of marriage but I would not currently be willing to officiate at a wedding. If a member in good standing wants me to officiate at a civil ceremony, I would be willing to consider it but only for demos members. At some time in the future, when I am more confident that I could satisfy the requirements, I'll reconsider but that will probably require a church building and a larger membership count. In any case, I would not be willing to officiate at an illegal wedding.

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Works Cited

• "Marriage Information - Fairfax County, Virginia - Circuit Court". Circuit Court of Fairfax County, Virginia. Accessed on 25-April-2003. www.co.fairfax.va.us/courts/circuit/marriage_info.htm
• "VCB Marriage in Virginia". Virginia State Bar Association. Accessed on 25-April-2003. www.vsb.org/publications/brochure/married.html

Approved
4-May-03.