Key point 3-04. All states permit clergy to perform marriage ceremonies. However, some states permit only "ordained" or some other classification of clergy to perform marriage ceremonies. It is important for clergy to determine if they are legally authorized to perform marriages under applicable state law, and in addition to be aware of the legal qualifications for marriage and any license and reporting requirements prescribed by state law.
Performance of Marriage Ceremonies
* A federal court in Utah upheld the validity of a state law barring ministers who are ordained over the Internet from performing marriage ceremonies. Ministers are authorized to perform marriages in every state. But sometimes the courts are asked to determine whether a particular individual qualifies as a "minister" authorized to perform marriages. Such was the question in a recent case. In 2001 the Utah legislature ...
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