Marriage license & legal paperwork: Officiants and who can marry you

Religious leaders, judges and clerks can officiate; in many places a friend can be ordained online. Check local rules.

The key points

Confirm the officiant is legally recognized
Discuss the ceremony and timing
Make sure they file the license
Plan a thank-you or fee

Quick answers

Who can officiate a wedding?

It depends on your state or country: religious leaders, judges, clerks and, in many places, friends who become ordained online. Check the rules where you are marrying.

Ceremony & traditionsAll questions

Who can officiate an interfaith wedding?

Co-officiants from each faith, an interfaith minister, or a friend ordained for the day, depending on local law and your families.

Ceremony & traditionsAll questions

How many vendors does a wedding need?

The Knot’s 2026 study found an average of 13. A small wedding might need four or five: venue, food, photographer, officiant and flowers.

Vendors & contractsAll questions

Who walks down the aisle first?

In many Western ceremonies: officiant and groom take their places, then grandparents and parents are seated, then attendants, the maid of honor, ring bearer and flower girl, and finally the bride. See the ceremony order guide.

The wedding partyAll questions

Marriage license & legal paperwork: Officiants and who can marry you

Quick answers

One calm, useful email at a time.