How to Become a Wedding Officiant in San Antonio

So, you’ve been asked to officiate a wedding in San Antonio? Congrats! Whether you are a friend, family member, or just someone with a knack for public speaking, becoming a wedding officiant is an exciting journey. And in Texas, it’s easier than you might think. But where do you begin? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide for how to become a wedding officiant in San Antonio.

Quick summary

Anyone who is legally ordained can perform a marriage ceremony.
The easiest way to become ordained is through online ministries.
Once the ceremony is concluded, mail the signed marriage license to the County Clerk’s office from which it was purchased.
Remember to practice the ceremony beforehand.
Always try and step to the side during the couple’s first kiss.

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How to Become a Wedding Officiant in San Antonio: A Step-by-Step Guide

Know the Legal Requirements

First things first, let’s get legal. In Texas, the laws regarding who can officiate a wedding are pretty relaxed. Essentially, anyone who is legally ordained can perform a marriage ceremony. This means you can become ordained through religious organizations, online ministries, or even get a one-time authorization from a Texas county clerk.

Texas marriage statutes: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/

Choose Your Ordination Method

There are several ways to get ordained, but the quickest and easiest route is often through online ministries. Websites like the Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries offer simple, free online ordination that’s recognized in Texas. Just fill out a form, click submit, and boom – you’re ordained!

Universal Life Church: www.themonastery.org
American Marriage Ministries: www.americanmarriageministries.com

Check County-Specific Requirements

While Texas state law is pretty straightforward, some counties may have additional requirements or paperwork. Bexar County does not have any additional requirements if you wish to become a wedding officiant.

In case you are officiating a wedding outside of Bexar County, however, it’s crucial to check the specific rules and regulations of the county where the ceremony will take place. Most county clerk websites will have this information readily available.

Prepare for the Ceremony

Once you’re ordained and have confirmed any county-specific requirements, it’s time to start prepping for the big day. Meet with the couple to discuss their vision for the ceremony, go over any readings or rituals they want to include, and ensure you have all the necessary legal documents ready to go.

Officiate the Wedding

On the day of the wedding, arrive early to familiarize yourself with the venue and set up any equipment you may need, such as a microphone or speaker system. Take a deep breath, relax, and remember that you’re there to help create a meaningful and memorable experience for the couple and their guests.

The Final Paperwork

Once the ceremony concludes, you will join the couple and their two witnesses in signing the marriage license. Your official title will be ‘minister’, with the ceremony type categorized as ‘religious’, under the denomination ‘non-denominational’. No license number will be required from you.

If you want to go the extra mile, then consider gifting the couple a commemorative item, such as a personalized marriage certificate, to celebrate their unforgettable day. Lastly, ensure that the signed license is promptly resubmitted to the marriage office before the deadline to finalize the legal process. The license should be mailed to whichever county from which it was originally purchased.

Helpful Tips

Practice, Practice, Practice: Even if you’re a seasoned public speaker, officiating a wedding is a whole different ballgame. Rehearse your script multiple times to ensure smooth delivery on the big day.
Watch a few ceremonies on YouTube: I would also recommend watching a few wedding ceremony videos online just to make sure you know what to expect.
Don’t forget the magic words: Some of the things I have seen officiants forget is to tell the guests that can be seated or to let the bridal party know that they can now be seated.
Stay Organized: Keep all your paperwork, including the marriage license and any other legal documents, organized and easily accessible.
Be Flexible: No matter how much you plan, things can still go awry on the day of the wedding. Stay flexible and be prepared to roll with the punches.
Have a black pen on hand: You will be signing the marriage certificate with the couple following the ceremony, so be ready.
When the couple kiss, please step to the side with the microphone: This is a big issue with photographers as we are trying to get a photo of the couple kissing without the officiant and microphone stand in the background. If you can, always take the microphone and step to the side once the couple is given the go ahead to kiss.

Becoming a wedding officiant in Texas is a straightforward process that anyone can do with a little time and online effort. So, if you’ve been asked to officiate a wedding or are considering becoming ordained, don’t hesitate to take the plunge. With the right preparation and a whole lot of love, you’ll be sure to create a ceremony that the happy couple will cherish for a lifetime.

About the Photos

Accompanying this article are photos from Elizabeth and Joe’s wedding at the Housing Works Bookstore & Cafe (check out all their photos here). Their wedding was a hoot, and featured two of my favorite officiants. You know your ceremony is going to be a blast when the ‘ministers’ arrive dressed as a nun and a bishop! (And note, they did make a quick outfit change, mid-ceremony.)

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Are you interested in saying ‘I do’ San Antonio? Drop me a line and let’s chat about how I can help you. I have hourly rates, and all photo shoots include editing and high-resolution files.

To view more images from my wedding photography portfolio, please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com