How to Perform a Marriage in Douglas 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 Douglas 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 Douglas 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!

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Important Info for Ministers in Douglas County

ULC Ordination Accepted:: Yes
Minister Registration Required:: Sometimes
Documents Required:: N/A
Minister's Residency:: Irrelevant
Minister's Minimum Age:: 18

2. Learn Douglas County Marriage Requirements

Once you're ordained, the next thing you'll want to do is contact the office in Douglas 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 Douglas County office's contact information below.

Office Address:: 111 East 11th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
Office Phone Number:: (785) 832-5256
Office Website:: Douglas County Office Website

3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Douglas 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 Douglas County:: $27,400

4. What You'll Need to Officiate in Douglas County

The office in Douglas 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 Douglas 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 Douglas 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 Douglas County is valid for 6 months, so don't delay. Keep in mind that once the marriage license has been obtained, there is a mandatory 3-day 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:: 3 Days
Marriage License Valid For:: 6 Months
Return Within:: 10 Days

6. Performing a Wedding in Douglas County

Douglas County is home to the University of Kansas Jayhawks, located in Lawrence, and it is known as being one of the more progressive and alluring areas of the state. Much of the landscape is rolling prairie dedicated to agriculture but downtown Lawrence has plenty of entertainment options and manmade Clinton Lake to the southwest is a great place for outdoor recreation or ceremonies. You're bound to find the perfect place for a wedding ceremony in Douglas County whatever the ideal venue may be.

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

Due to the high temperatures and humidity in July and August and the cold and snowy winters, plus strong storms occurring in spring and summer, plan to have a backup indoor venue in case the weather doesn't cooperate for an outdoor wedding.

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