| Who You Gonna Call? Find the Right Wedding Officiant
Are you wondering how to find the right wedding officiant to preside over the beginning moments of your life together? This may be one of the most personal decisions you make during your Williamsburg VA wedding planning process. Behind the party planning, wedding showers, the excitement of the honeymoon and the countless details involved in coordinating a wedding event, the two of you exchanging vows is what your wedding is really all about. Like many brides and grooms-to-be, you may be unsure how to find an officiant to perform your ceremony. Our best suggestions include shopping around, and being prepared with the right questions! Whether you choose a religious or a secular ceremony, there are several types of professionals qualified to perform your marriage ceremony:
Rules and regulations for civil wedding officiants vary widely from state to state, so be sure to check the guidelines that apply to yours specifically. Feeling comfortable with your wedding officiant is important…he or she will be representing you both in front of family and friends. Your choice of ceremony may require thoughtful consideration to allow for differences in your family’s religious backgrounds and beliefs, or even cultural distinctions. Are there certain questions you should you ask your wedding officiant? Absolutely!
Your wedding officant should make you feel welcome to openly discuss your ideas, wishes, and suggestions, helping guide you through the steps to a meaningful and momentous exchange of wedding vows. You can find all this advice and more on WilliamsburgWeddings.com |
The State of Virginia has its own set of laws and regulations regarding application for a marriage license. The documents and information you need are listed below, but certain counties may have their own separate requirements. It’s a good idea to begin this process a month or so before your planned wedding date just in case: The License: In the state of Virginia, marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the city or county where either the bride or groom lives. You don’t need to be a resident of Virginia in order to apply for a license with any Circuit Court Clerk. If you are under 18: If either of you are under 18 years of age, you must provide written, notarized consent by a parent or legal guardian. You must be at least 16 years old to marry in Virginia. What will you need? You will be required to present valid identification such as a driver’s license, military ID, state ID, or passport and a certified copy of your birth certificate, and both of you must be present. You will need the full names of both parents, including both mothers’ maiden names. (If you have been married previously, some Virginia counties may require documentation to prove it has been dissolved through death or divorce.) Are there tests required? Virginia does not require a blood test or physical examination to obtain your marriage license, but the license itself must be paid for in cash; the cost is approximately $30 (no checks accepted). Once you have received your license, there is no waiting period, and no witnesses are required. Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days. Call one of the numbers below for more information. Who can perform the ceremony? A wedding officiant in Virginia is any ordained minister who can show proof of ordination. Marriage Commissioners and Judges (Circuit Court, District Court, or retired) can perform civil wedding ceremonies. Planning a wedding in beautiful Williamsburg VA? For more information check with the helpful officials at the number below: WILLIAMSBURG/JAMES CITY COUNTY |
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