Officiating a wedding in North Dakota
Registration, the license, and who returns it — the essentials for officiants.
Informational only. Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with the county clerk or issuing office that handles the license.
Reviewed August 2026 · Issuing office: co.richland.nd.us
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
North Dakota sets no state officiant registration, despite a widely repeated claim to the contrary: the Century Code carries no filing, recording or registration step for ministers, and two county recorder pages impose none. Judges of courts of record, municipal judges, recorders, ordained ministers and clergy authorized by recognized denominations, and any individual authorized by the rituals and practices of any religious persuasion may solemnize anywhere in the state. One genuine local variation exists, and it is statutory: a board of county commissioners may designate an official other than the recorder, so the office you deal with can differ by county. A county counter may still ask to see credentials as local practice.
Who returns the license, and by when
The person who solemnized returns the license and certificate to the office that issued it within five days of the solemnization, and two witnesses sign the certificate with the officiant. Confirm the window with the county recorder, or with whichever official the county commission designated.
Suggested return window: about 5 days after the ceremony. Confirm the current deadline with the issuing clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ministers have to register in North Dakota?
No. The registration claim that circulates in secondary guidance is not in the Century Code, and the county recorder pages reviewed impose none. A county counter may still ask to see credentials as local practice.
Which office issues the license in North Dakota?
Usually the county recorder, but a board of county commissioners may designate a different official, so confirm which office you are dealing with before the date.
When is a North Dakota marriage license due back?
Within five days after the solemnization, to the office that issued it. Two witnesses sign the certificate with the officiant.
Never miss a return deadline
RiteBinder's license tracker keeps every state's note in front of you (free, no card). On Solo it also turns the signed license into a task and reminds you before the deadline.
Confirm the current rule with the issuing office:co.richland.nd.us.