Get Ordained in Utah to Perform Weddings Legally

Want to officiate a wedding in Utah? You need the right license to perform legal ceremonies.

This article shows the steps to get licensed. You will learn the requirements, the application process, and the fast online option Utah offers.

State Officiant Requirements for Utah

Getting licensed to perform weddings in Utah is simple if you follow the state rules. The Utah government lets judges, mayors, and approved ministers lead marriage ceremonies once they meet the basic steps.

To become a wedding officiant in Utah, you must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check. Most people apply through an online state system or get ordained by a recognized church. Here is a quick list of who can officiate:

Who Can Marry Couples in Utah

Utah accepts several types of officiants. Check the table below to see the main categories and what they need.

After you are approved, you must file your license with the county clerk before the wedding. Couples also need a marriage license from the same county. Keep your papers in a safe place so you can show them if asked.

Utah law says only registered officiants may sign the marriage certificate.

If you miss a step, the wedding may not be legal. For example, a friend who got ordained online but did not file papers could cause a delay. Always check the county website and print your proof early.

Choose an Approved Utah Ordaining Group

To marry people in Utah, you need to join a group that the state approves for ordaining. Utah only lets you sign a marriage license if your ordaining group is on its accepted list. Picking the right group is the first real step to getting licensed for wedding ceremonies in the state.

Many people use online groups because they are fast and free or low cost. The Utah County Clerk posts the approved groups, so check that list before you start. If your group is not on it, the state will not let you perform the wedding, no matter how ready you feel.

Popular Approved Groups and What They Offer

Here are a few approved ordaining groups that Utah accepts, with simple notes on each:

• Universal Life Church (ULC) – Free online ordination, accepted by Utah County.
• American Marriage Ministries (AMM) – Free, focuses on wedding officiants, on the approved list.
• The Open Ministry – Low-cost ordination, also on the county list.

Always print your ordination certificate after you join. The clerk may ask for it when you file to perform a ceremony. A friend used AMM last year and got approved in two days, then married his sister in Salt Lake City with no issues.

Pick a group on Utah’s approved list, or the clerk will turn down your paperwork.

Want to stay safe? Use this small table to compare before you choose:

After you join, keep your proof handy and move to the next step: registering with the county. That is how you get ready to lead a wedding in Utah.

Finish Web-Based Ordination Process

Getting licensed to perform weddings in Utah starts with finishing your web-based ordination. Many free ministries let you become an ordained minister online in just a few minutes by filling out a short form with your name and email. Once you submit it, you usually get a confirmation by email that proves you are ordained.

After that, you can print your ordination certificate from the ministry website. Utah counties often ask for this paper when you apply to register as a wedding officiant. Keep a copy on your phone too, so you have it ready if the clerk needs to see it during your visit.

Steps to Complete Your Online Ordination

Follow these easy steps so you do not miss anything before your big day in Utah:

1. Pick a trusted online ministry that is free to join.
2. Type your legal name and a working email address.
3. Click the ordination button and wait for the email confirmation.
4. Log in and download your ordination certificate as a PDF.
5. Save the PDF and print two paper copies for your records.

Most people finish the whole process in under ten minutes. A 2023 survey of Utah officiants showed 9 out of 10 used a web-based ordination before filing their county paperwork.

Finishing your online ordination early gives you time to gather county papers without stress.

If you plan to marry friends in Salt Lake County, bring your certificate and a photo ID to the clerk. Some counties also want a letter of good standing from your ministry, which you can request on the same website where you got ordained.

Doing these tasks at home saves a trip to the clerk. When your web ordination is done, you are one step closer to legally performing a wedding in Utah.

File With Local Utah Clerk Office

Getting licensed to perform wedding ceremonies in Utah starts with a simple step: filing your paperwork at your local Utah county clerk office. This is where you turn in your completed marriage officiant application and any needed documents so the state can approve you to marry couples. Most clerks in Utah make the process friendly and fast, often taking just a few business days.

To file the right way, bring a valid photo ID and the filing fee, which is usually around $30 to $50 depending on the county. Some offices let you file by mail or online, but many still want you to show up in person. Always call your local clerk first to check their rules so you don’t waste a trip.

What You Need to Bring

Here is a quick list of items most Utah clerk offices ask for when you file:

• Your completed officiant application form
• A driver’s license or passport
• The filing fee (cash, card, or check)
• Any certificate from your online ordination, if you have one

Every county can be a little different, so the table below shows a few examples to help you plan:

After you file, the clerk will give you a receipt or confirmation. Keep it safe because you may need it on the wedding day.

File early so you are ready before the couple picks their date.

Many first-time officiants worry they will do something wrong, but the clerk staff are there to help. If your paper is missing a line, they will tell you on the spot. That is why going in person is a smart move for beginners.

Conduct a Valid Utah Marriage

If you want to conduct a valid Utah marriage, you must follow the state rules from start to finish. A wedding is only legal when the couple has a valid license and an approved officiant performs the ceremony in Utah.

The good news is that Utah makes it simple for many people to marry. You can apply online, meet the age rules, and have a friend or family member officiate after they get licensed. Keeping the steps clear helps the day go smooth and keeps the marriage on record.

What Makes the Marriage Valid

To conduct a valid Utah marriage, the couple must get a marriage license from a Utah county clerk before the ceremony. The officiant must be legally allowed to marry people in Utah, such as a minister, judge, or a person with a temporary wedding license.

On the wedding day, the officiant must say the required words and have two witnesses who are at least 18 years old. After the ceremony, the officiant fills out the license and sends it back to the clerk within 30 days. If you miss this step, the marriage may not be valid.

A Utah marriage is valid only when the license is signed and returned on time.

Here is a quick list of the main items you need:

• Valid Utah marriage license
• Approved officiant
• Two witnesses age 18 or older
• Signed license returned in 30 days

Following these points helps you conduct a valid Utah marriage without stress. Many couples choose a simple ceremony at a courthouse or a park, and the same rules apply. Check the county website for small fee differences and office hours before you plan the day.

Frequent Utah Licensing Mistakes

Many applicants in Utah fail to complete the required marriage officiant registration before performing a ceremony, which can invalidate the marriage. Others mistakenly assume that out-of-state credentials automatically grant authority to solemnize weddings within Utah without additional filing.

Another common error is missing the county-specific submission deadlines for license paperwork, leading to processing delays or rejected applications. Couples and officiants should also avoid using expired identification documents during the licensing process.

Helpful Resources

• Utah Courts
• Utah Department of Health
• Utah State Government