Choosing the Right Title for Your Marriage License as an Officiant

When deciding on the officiant title on marriage license, it’s important to choose the right one because it affects the legality and recognition of your marriage. Here’s a quick breakdown of the titles you can use in California:

• Minister: Ordained through organizations like the Universal Life Church.
• Clergy or Pastor: Traditional religious leaders.
• Judge or Justice of the Peace: Authorized by the court.
• Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages: Temporary official for a day.

Picking the right title for your officiant ensures that your marriage is legally binding and recognized, especially in Southern California. It also sets the tone for the ceremony, whether it’s religious, secular, or civil. The title must align with how the officiant was ordained or appointed.

I’m Camden Gray Alchanati, founder of Get Married Today. My extensive experience and dedication in officiating marriages ensure that all legal requirements, including the correct officiant title on marriage license, are met seamlessly.

Understanding California Marriage License Requirements

When you’re getting married in California, understanding the marriage license requirements is crucial. This section will break down the legal duties, how to handle the marriage license, and the specifics of California law.

Legal Duties of the Officiant

As an officiant, you have two main duties on the wedding day:

1. Conduct the Wedding Ceremony (Non-Legal Duty)
2. Complete the Marriage License (Legal Duty)

While conducting the ceremony is about creating a memorable moment, handling the marriage license is about ensuring everything is legally sound.

Handling the Marriage License in California

Handling the marriage license might sound daunting, but it’s quite straightforward if you follow the steps. The key steps are Ask, Confirm, Sign, and Return.

1. Ask the Couple to Present the License

It’s best to ask the couple to present their marriage license before the wedding day. You don’t want to realize after the ceremony that the license was left at home. A reminder call or message the day before can save the day.

2. Confirm the Validity of the License

Before signing, ensure the license is valid. In California:

• No Waiting Period: The couple can marry on the same day they receive the license.
• Expiration: The license is valid for 90 days.
• Witness Requirement: At least one adult witness is needed.
• Return Period: The completed license must be returned within 10 days of the wedding.

3. Sign the Marriage License

Once you’ve confirmed the license is valid, it’s time to sign. Ensure that all required fields are filled out correctly. The officiant, the couple, and the witness must sign the document.

4. Return the Marriage License

In California, the marriage license can be returned by mail either by the couple or the officiant. Make sure it reaches the County Clerk or Recorder’s office within the 10-day window to avoid any legal issues.

California Law

California has specific laws governing marriage licenses. Here are some key points:

• Physical Presence: Both parties, the officiant, and at least one witness must be physically present during the ceremony.
• Consent and Pronouncement: The couple must declare they take each other as spouses, and the officiant must pronounce them married.

For more detailed information, you can refer to California Legislative Information.

By understanding these requirements, you can ensure that everything goes smoothly on the wedding day. For any further questions, book today.

Officiant Title on Marriage License

Choosing the right officiant title on a marriage license is crucial for ensuring the ceremony is legally recognized. In California, there are specific titles you can use, each with its own requirements and flexibility.

Minister Title

One common title for officiants is “Minister.” This is often used by those ordained through religious organizations like the American Marriage Ministries (AMM) or the Universal Life Church (ULC). These organizations offer simple, legal online ordination, making it easy for anyone to become a minister.

Legal Requirements

In California, the law states that a marriage may be solemnized by a priest, minister, rabbi, or authorized person of any religious denomination who is 18 years or older. This is outlined in California Family Code Section 400.

When filling out the marriage license, write “Minister” in the title section and your legal name in the name section. If the license requests the name of the ordaining church, you can write “Universal Life Church Ministries” or the relevant organization.

Non-Denominational Title

For those who prefer a secular approach, “Non-Denominational Officiant” or “Wedding Officiant” are excellent choices. These titles are ideal for non-religious ceremonies and offer greater flexibility.

Flexibility and Inclusivity

Non-denominational titles are perfect for couples who want a personalized ceremony without religious elements. This is especially useful for same-sex couples or those with diverse beliefs. As Wendy S. Goffe noted in her experience with the ULC, online ordination made it possible for her to officiate a same-sex wedding legally and inclusively.

Common Titles

Here are some common titles you might consider:

• Minister
• Non-Denominational Officiant
• Wedding Officiant
• Celebrant

Each title has its own set of benefits and requirements. Choose one that aligns with the couple’s preferences and the nature of the ceremony.

For any further questions, book today.

Steps to Complete a California Marriage License

Asking the Couple to Present the License

Before the wedding day, remind the couple to bring their marriage license to the ceremony. Pro Tip: Reach out to them a day before the wedding to ensure they haven’t forgotten it. This simple step can save a lot of hassle and ensures the ceremony proceeds smoothly.

Confirming the Validity of the License

Once the couple presents the marriage license, you need to confirm its validity. Here’s what to check:

• Expiration: The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Make sure the wedding date falls within this period.
• Waiting Period: California has no waiting period, so the license can be used the same day it is issued.
• Required Witnesses: At least one adult witness is needed, but no more than two.

Pro Tip: Double-check these details before proceeding to avoid any legal complications.

Signing the Marriage License

During the ceremony, it’s your legal duty to complete and sign the marriage license. Follow these steps:

1. Fill Out Details: Include the date, city, and county of the wedding.
2. Officiant Signature: Sign the license yourself, including your title (e.g., “Minister”) and affiliation (e.g., “American Marriage Ministries”).
3. Witness Signature: Ensure at least one, but no more than two, witnesses sign the license.

Pro Tip: Always bring a pen and a backup copy of the license to the ceremony.

Returning the Marriage License

After the ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the county clerk’s office. This is crucial for the marriage to be legally recognized. In California, you have 10 days to return the completed license.

You can return the license in person or by mail. Make sure it’s postmarked or delivered within the 10-day window to comply with California law.

For any further questions or to book your wedding, contact us or book today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Officiant Titles

What is required to officiate a wedding in California?

To officiate a wedding in California, you must be ordained by a recognized organization, such as the Universal Life Church Ministries. This process is often quick and can be done online.

California Family Code Sections 400-402 outline who can legally officiate a wedding. According to these sections, a marriage can be solemnized by a priest, minister, rabbi, or authorized person of any religious denomination who is 18 years of age or older.

Some counties may have additional requirements, so it’s crucial to check with the local county clerk’s office where the ceremony will take place.

What do you call someone who officiates a wedding?

The person who officiates a wedding can go by several titles, depending on their role and the type of ceremony. Common titles include:

• Marriage Officiant
• Minister
• Celebrant
• Reverend

Each title has its nuances. For example, a minister is usually associated with religious ceremonies, while a celebrant is often used for non-religious or secular ceremonies.

How do you name a wedding officiant?

Choosing a catchy and professional name for your officiant services can help in branding and marketing. Here are some tips:

• Reflect Your Style: If you specialize in non-religious ceremonies, names like “Secular Celebrant” or “Non-Denominational Officiant” can be appealing.
• Include Your Location: Adding “Southern California” or “SoCal” can attract local clients.
• Be Memorable: Use unique and catchy names like “Love Knots Officiant” or “Eternal Vows Minister.”

Pro Tip: Make sure your chosen name aligns with your branding and the services you offer.

For further questions or to book your ceremony, book today.

Conclusion

Choosing the right title for your marriage license is crucial, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you go with “Minister,” “Non-Denominational Officiant,” or something unique, make sure it aligns with your style and the ceremonies you perform. 

At Get Married Today, we offer customizable services to fit your needs, whether you’re planning a casual beach wedding or a more formal event in Southern California. We’re here to make your special day as smooth and memorable as possible. For more details on our services, visit our service page.