Authorization to Perform a Marriage
If you live out of state, there are two ways you can be authorized to perform a marriage in Vermont. If you are at least 18 years old, you can get authorization from the secretary of state to serve as a temporary officiant. Or, if you are a member of the clergy, you can get a certificate from the probate division of the Superior Court.
If you are at least 18 years old, you can apply to the Vermont secretary of state for authorization to become a temporary officiant. The authorization will be limited to a specific civil marriage of a specific couple. Your authority will expire once the couple has received their marriage license.
Find more information about becoming a temporary officiant, including a registration form and a sample marriage ceremony.
If you are a member of the clergy and would like to perform a marriage ceremony in Vermont, you can apply to become a temporary officiant through the secretary of state's office in the same way as any other person.
You may also file a petition with the probate division of the Superior Court in the county where the marriage will take place. To do so, you must:
- Show that you reside out of state
- Complete a Petition for Nonresident Minister to Perform Marriage
- Provide proof that you are a member of the clergy
- Pay a filing fee