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Leah
Just Said Yes October 2020

Help!! Legalities of Officiant

Leah, on August 16, 2020 at 12:02 AM Posted in Wedding Ceremony 0 14
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My fiancé and I have had to make some last-minute adjustments due to COVID. The only people who will be in attendance will be my immediate family who are all very high risk, and my fiancé’s two kids who live with us. Because of distancing, we thought we would have the eldest (21 y/o) officiate. I would prefer to not have to be masked during the ceremony and since our options are limited of who we can be around (i.e. just his kids) this seemed like the logical choice. Now I’m reading some conflicting things regarding the legalities of officiants who are ordained online. I’m in N.C. and need to know what my options are. Any advice is appreciated!

14 Comments

Latest activity by Jana, on August 17, 2020 at 7:28 PM
  • V
    Champion July 2019
    Veronica ·
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    I would call the court house where you are getting married. They will know the rules the best out of anyone. Some states recognize someone becoming ordained online, but others don't.
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  • V
    Champion July 2019
    Veronica ·
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    I just looked it up after my original comment and it according to what I found N.C. is actually very clear on the rules. If someone is ordained online, the marriage wouldn't be considered valid.
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  • Kelly
    Champion October 2018
    Kelly ·
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    It’s not legal in North Carolina for online officiants to perform a wedding. The legality of your marriage could be challenged. It’s not something I would personally risk.
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  • Caytlyn
    Legend November 2019
    Caytlyn ·
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    Officiants ordained online cannot perform a legal wedding ceremony in NC.
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  • M
    Master October 2021
    Mrs.a ·
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    Can you do a self uniting ceremony without an officiant?
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  • V
    Champion July 2019
    Veronica ·
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    I just looked this up. Very few states actually allow self uniting and North Carolina isn't one of them. North Carolina only allows a magistrate to perform a non-religious ceremony.
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  • M
    Master October 2021
    Mrs.a ·
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    View Quoted Comment

    Aw Boo! I’m sorry

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  • Asia
    Devoted December 2021
    Asia ·
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    I believe they have to be at least 18. Considering the circumstances, I believe it is a good idea and makes it more personal. Congratulations
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  • Asia
    Devoted December 2021
    Asia ·
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    All states are different. Maybe find something definitely for the eldest. I understand the mask thing tho.
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  • VIP August 2020
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    I don't know about NC, but online ordination isn't valid in MA. However, there is an option for someone to get a one day permit to perform weddings, so that's another thing you could look into.
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  • Kyle
    Beginner May 2021
    Kyle ·
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    I'm in NC and had the same question. I called the county last week and they said online ordination is fine.... but I keep reading that it is not fine. So, I'm going to call again and/ or email to confirm one more time and maybe get it in writing.

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  • Leah
    Just Said Yes October 2020
    Leah ·
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    Thanks, y’all! What are you ladies doing about masks? Or should I just stand six feet away from the magistrate and accept that I’ll have a mask on the whole time?
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  • Jessica
    Dedicated July 2020
    Jessica ·
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    One option, if you aren't able to find someone legally able to marry you in time, is to just get the legal paperwork completed after your wedding ceremony by scheduling a visit to your church or local courthouse.

    Many people actually do this. I think that the day you make the promise to be together forever to each other is the most important...the legalities are just the boring part and can easily be done afterwards.

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  • J
    Master October 2022
    Jana ·
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    Call the marriage license office in your state to find out what the laws are.
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