Officiating a wedding in Vermont
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: vtcourts.gov
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
Vermont authorizes officiants two ways beyond its resident clergy, justices of the peace and judicial officers. Any individual 18 or older may register as a temporary officiant with the Secretary of State for one specific marriage, and that certificate is attached to the signed marriage certificate when it is returned. Non-resident clergy instead petition the Probate Division of the Superior Court in the county where the marriage will take place, with proof of residence outside Vermont and proof of clergy membership. Vermont’s statutes would not open on the legislature’s site during this review, so these points rest on three official Vermont government pages that agree. The couple gets the license from any Vermont town clerk, and it is valid 60 days from issue.
Who returns the license, and by when
The officiant returns the certificate to the town clerk’s office where the license was issued within 10 days after the wedding. One town page loosely says two weeks; ten days is the figure the other official sources give, so work to ten and confirm with the issuing town clerk.
Suggested return window: about 10 days after the ceremony. Confirm the current deadline with the issuing clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a friend officiate a Vermont wedding?
By registering as a temporary officiant with the Secretary of State. The registration covers one specific marriage, expires when that license expires, and the certificate is attached to the marriage certificate on return.
Can out-of-state clergy officiate in Vermont?
Yes, with an authorization from the Probate Division of the Superior Court in the county where the marriage will take place, supported by proof of residence outside Vermont and proof of clergy membership.
When is a Vermont marriage certificate due back?
Within 10 days after the wedding, to the town clerk’s office that issued the license. Town clerks say Vermont law does not require witnesses.
Never miss a return deadline
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Confirm the current rule with the issuing office:vtcourts.gov.