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.

Authorization for Temporary Officiants

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.

Authorization for Out-of-State Clergy

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: