OrdainelyHow to Become a Wedding Officiant in Georgia
| Online ordination | Accepted |
| Registration required | No |
Requirements
Georgia allows ordained ministers and judges to officiate weddings. Ministers must be "authorized by a court to perform marriage ceremonies" or be an active minister of any religious society. Judges of any court in the state may also perform ceremonies. There is no minimum age specified for ordained ministers.
Registration
Georgia does not require officiants to register with any government body before performing a wedding ceremony. Ordained ministers should keep their ordination documentation accessible in case questions arise when the license is filed.
Georgia Marriage License Filing Requirements
Once you're ordained, you'll need to know the filing rules for the county where you officiate.
View Georgia county filing guides →Frequently Asked Questions
Are online ordinations accepted in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia generally accepts online ordinations from organizations like Universal Life Church and American Marriage Ministries. Marriages performed by online-ordained ministers have been upheld by Georgia courts.
Do I need to register as an officiant in Georgia?
No. Georgia has no registration requirement for wedding officiants. You need only be ordained or hold an authorized judicial position.
What should I do if the county clerk questions my ordination?
Have your ordination certificate, letter of good standing, and any documentation from your ordaining organization readily available. If a specific county clerk raises concerns, contacting the probate court in that county can help clarify local expectations.
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