How to Perform a Marriage in St. Joseph County

Researched and edited for you by trained team members at GetOrdained.org

If you've been asked to officiate a wedding, you know it's an exciting opportunity. However, it can also be a bit intimidating. That's why we've put together this guide on officiating weddings in St. Joseph County! We'll go over everything you need to know, from how to get ordained, to how to contact your local wedding registrar, and what, exactly, you'll need from us.

1. How to Become a Minister in St. Joseph County

If you haven't already, you'll want to get ordained as a ULC minister by clicking the button below. Get Ordained™ offers ordination through Universal Life Church within moments and completely free of charge. All you have to do is sign up, fill out a short form, and you'll be a legally ordained minister, able to officiate weddings and more. Sign up today!

Get Ordained Now

Important Info for Ministers in St. Joseph County

ULC Ordination Accepted:: Yes
Minister Registration Required:: No
Documents Required:: N/A
Minister's Residency:: Irrelevant
Minister's Minimum Age:: 18

2. Learn St. Joseph County Marriage Requirements

Once you're ordained, the next thing you'll want to do is contact the office in St. Joseph County that handles marriage licenses. You'll want to tell them that you're an ordained minister officiating a wedding, and ask what documentation they want to see from you in order to officiate a wedding. You can find the St. Joseph County office's contact information below.

Office Address:: 101 S. Main St.
South Bend, IN 46601
Office Phone Number:: (574) 235-9635
Office Website:: St. Joseph County Office Website

3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in St. Joseph County?

If you're ordained as a minister of the Universal Life Church, you can! Many couples are choosing to both cut costs and personalize their event by enlisting a close family friend or loved one to officiate their ceremony.

The couple could ask anyone, but they've asked you to forever be a part of their love story! Consider it a great honor. It's important to note that not everyone knows that this is even an option. If you know someone who has an upcoming wedding, you might consider asking who is performing their ceremony, and let them know that you're available if needed. Who knows, you might just get a reputation as a go-to officiant!

Average Cost of a Wedding in St. Joseph County:: $18,000

4. What You'll Need to Officiate in St. Joseph County

The office in St. Joseph County will be able to tell you what you'll need to pick up from our online store in order to perform a wedding. One of the most popular options for ministers in St. Joseph County is the Classic Wedding Kit!

Now you can get to the fun part: officiating the wedding itself. Whether it's your first time performing a wedding, or you just need to refresh your memory, we suggest taking a look at our wedding training center, which is full of all the resources you'll need to give the couple the wedding they deserve.

5. How St. Joseph County Marriage Licenses Work

With the ceremony complete, the last - and most important - responsibility remains: Signing and returning the marriage license. A marriage license in St. Joseph County is valid for 60 days, so don't delay. Keep in mind that once the marriage license has been obtained, there is no mandatory waiting period before the wedding ceremony can happen. Also note that the marriage license must be returned to the office that issued it within the time limit given after it has been signed.

Remember, this is a legal document! Take your time to ensure that it's been filled out properly before it is returned to the issuing office. If you need in-depth instructions on how to fill it out, take a look at our marriage license training page for assistance.

Marriage License Waiting Period:: 0 Days
Marriage License Valid For:: 60 Days
Return Within:: By Expiration

6. Performing a Wedding in St. Joseph County

If couples are looking for a place to hold their wedding ceremony that features handsome cities with waterfront views, they should consider St. Joseph County, Indiana. The area is named for the river that runs through it into Lake Michigan. This county is home to the University of Notre Dame, which provides some breathtaking architecture that would serve as a perfect backdrop for wedding photos (particularly for fans or alumni of the fightin Irish).

7. What You Should Do Now for a Wedding in St. Joseph County

If a couple has always wanted a Christmas wedding, the higher than average snowfall in St. Joseph county will provide them the perfect opportunity.

You know the ins and outs of officiating weddings in St. Joseph County now, but don't forget to sign up as a ULC minister for free by clicking the button below!