When the day comes and someone asks you to officiate a wedding, you may be so filled with excitement that you forget to think through a few basic points. For one, those who have never taken on this task before usually don’t have the first clue about how to get started. You might find yourself swimming in a sea of questions like “Is there an official process to officiant licensing?” and “Does it cost a lot of money to become a minister?” 

Take action to find the answers to these questions and more. Look over this general guide to how you can get started on the process of getting your license, and learn everything you need to know to complete the task with minimal effort.

Talk to the Couple

Since a lot of work goes into planning a wedding, your first step should always be to discuss the details of the event with the couple. Not only will this give you a general idea of how to get started on obtaining your wedding officiant license, but it can also clear the air and provide you with the exact expectations the couple has. There’s a reason these people asked you to take on this role, but they will likely want you to behave and perform in a certain way so you can align with the event’s vibe.

You might also find this early talk is helpful for establishing the tone of your speech. The officiant has to do the most talking and performing during the ceremony, so all eyes and ears are going to be on you for a chunk of the services. Whether you make jokes to lighten the mood or stay somber to reflect the importance of the moment, you cannot make choices of this nature without knowing what the couple desires. Finally, this conversation will give you pertinent details, like the date and location of the wedding itself.

Start the Application 

Once you have the information about the wedding date and location, you can start your application process. The reason these details are crucial is because the date offers you a timeline for your own tasks and the location is required for the application. Though the process is not very involved, you will still be asked a few questions that must be answered honestly. One question is where you should be registered. Though you might assume your home state is the answer, you actually need to put the state where the wedding will transpire.

Beyond this, you will likely be asked details about your name as it appears on official legal documents. This is also important because there needs to be some record of your identity; this may need to be proven later if someone challenges the wedding or paperwork goes missing. However, overall, the wedding officiant license online process is fast and easy.

Consider a Physical License

While most officiants are able to register and perform services without a fuss, you never want to rest on the idea that you will be totally fine. In fact, some states have requirements for what the minister must do before marrying a couple. For example, some states may require you to produce a physical copy of your license. This is why many ministers will opt to order a copy of the document from the Universal Life Church while going through the process of getting an officiant’s license online. 

Though far from a challenging process, registering to become an officiant is something that deserves a little time and attention. Follow the steps offered here, and you should have no trouble getting this completed with plenty of time to spare.