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How to Become an Ordained Minister in Washington

If you lot haven't yet become ordained with the Universal Life Church, that is the first step. Anyone willing can become a legal minister of the ULC, one of the world's largest religious organizations. Online ordination is fast, easy, and completely free. Once you have your minister license, y'all'll exist eligible to officiate a wedding. To become a minister, start by clicking the button below!

Become Ordained!

How to Officiate a Wedding in Washington

Contact the office of the County Auditor in the canton where the wedding volition have identify. Introduce yourself as a government minister and ask them what documents they will demand from you. They may ask to run across a number of things, and be enlightened that these requirements vary from county to county. Whatsoever materials or documents you might demand are available in the Church Supplies section of our website.

Select your canton to view contact information for each function:

The Washington state flower, the Coast Rhododendron

The Washington state flower, the Coast Rhododendron

What Do You lot Need to Perform a Hymeneals in Washington

In one case you lot've adamant what you need, but log in to your business relationship and order the materials from our online catalog. I of our more popular items in Washington is the Classic Hymeneals Kit. Although ministers are more often than not not required to register in the country of Washington, it'south possible the Canton Auditor will enquire you lot to present proof of your ordination. Information technology is likewise common for the couple to want to see your credentials. As requested by the county, delight endeavor to place your society well in advance of the wedding to avert complications.

How to Get a Washington Marriage License

Licenses are issued by the Canton Accountant's function, and will exist picked up past the couple. Every bit a minister, it's your responsibility to understand how union licenses piece of work in Washington and its individual counties. For case, if the couple plans to get a Clark County marriage license, you should double-check if in that location are any rules specific to Clark County.

In the land of Washington, the license is valid for 60 days. In that location is a mandatory three-solar day waiting period between the solar day of awarding, and when the ceremony can be legally performed. Lastly, the signed marriage license must be returned to the issuing office inside 30 days of the anniversary. In Washington country ministers are also required to complete a wedlock certificate, which will be returned with the license.

How to Perform a Wedding

Congratulations, you're fix to officiate the nuptials! If yous need any assistance in this important task, nosotros encourage yous to utilise the tools below. Together these exclusive resources include everything you'll need to craft the perfect wedding anniversary for whatever couple. Created with our ministers in mind, they offer tips and helpful information for all aspects of performing a anniversary. Fun fact: many ULC ministers have get professional officiants using these tools equally a guide!

Finalizing the Wedlock

Afterward you perform the anniversary, you will sign the wedlock license along with the couple and their witnesses. Your title is 'government minister', the anniversary type is 'religious', and the denomination is 'non-denominational'. Yous will non exist required to provide a license number. You may besides wish to give the couple a commemorative gift, like a matrimony document to mark their special day. Last thing: make sure the signed license gets resubmitted to the marriage role before the deadline!

Washington Union Laws

Marriage laws in Washington are primarily directed by Affiliate 26.04 of Title 26 of the state code. This section defines persons authorized to perform a marriage in the Country of Washington, which includes ordained ministers of the Universal Life Church, amongst other individuals. We've reproduced the relevant portion beneath:

The following named officers and persons, active or retired, are hereby authorized to solemnize marriages, to wit: Justices of the supreme courtroom, judges of the court of appeals, judges of the superior courts, supreme court commissioners, court of appeals commissioners, superior court commissioners, any regularly licensed or ordained minister or any priest, imam, rabbi, or similar official of whatsoever religious organization, and judges of courts of express jurisdiction as divers in RCW 3.02.010.

[2012 c 3 § four (Referendum Measure No. 74, approved November 6, 2012); 2007 c 29 § 1; 1987 c 291 § 1; 1984 c 258 § 95; 1983 c 186 § 1; 1971 c 81 § 69; 1913 c 35 § i; 1890 p 98 § one; 1883 p 43 § 1; Code 1881 § 2382; 1866 p 82 § 4; 1854 p 404 § 4; RRS § 8441.]

To view the in-depth wedding laws for Washington state:

Washington Marriage Laws