Authorization to Perform a Marriage

If you live outside of Vermont, 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.
  • If you are a member of the clergy, you can get a certificate from the Probate Division of the Superior Court.

18 V.S.A. § 5144 and 18 V.S.A. § 5144a.

 

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 on the Secretary of State's Temporary Officiant Registration web page. The page includes 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. Find more information about becoming a temporary officiant on the Secretary of State's Temporary Officiant Registration web page. The page includes a registration form and a sample marriage ceremony.

Alternatively, you may 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:

See the Information Sheet for Non-Resident Ministers (form 700-00209A) for more details.

 

Forms

Petition for Non-Resident Minister to Perform Marriage Ceremony
(700-00209)