How to Perform a Marriage in Forsyth County

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

Have you been asked to officiate a wedding in Forsyth County? Performing a wedding is an exciting job, but it’s also a tremendous responsibility. This comprehensive guide will explain the process in detail to ensure you know everything there is to know. We’ll dive into important questions like what you’ll need to officiate, how to contact the office that handles marriage licenses, and how to properly register the wedding you perform in accordance with the rules in Forsyth County.

1. How to Become a Minister in Forsyth County

The first step you’ll need to take is to become an ordained ULC minister (assuming you haven’t completed this part already). Get Ordained™ provides ordination through the Universal Life Church free of charge and welcomes all who feel called to ministry. It’s also easy to join; the process can be done entirely online and takes only a few minutes from start to finish. Once ordained, you’ll have the authority to perform legal marriage ceremonies! To begin, just click the button below.

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Important Info for Ministers in Forsyth County

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

2. Learn Forsyth County Marriage Requirements

Your next step will be to reach out to the office that processes marriage licenses in Forsyth County. Let them know that you’re an ordained minister and that you’re curious about what documents or credentials they need to see from you, as the wedding officiant, before performing a ceremony in their jurisdiction. You’ll find contact information for the Forsyth County office listed below.

Office Address:: 201 North Chestnut Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Office Phone Number:: (336) 703-2700
Office Website:: Forsyth County Office Website

3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Forsyth County?

One great candidate: You! (At least, as soon as you are ordained). We all know that weddings are notoriously spendy, but one way that couples are reducing their costs – and bringing deeper meaning to the event – is by choosing an officiant they know personally.

For loved ones who are asked to officiate, this is an incredible honor; serving in the role of officiant signifies a deep level of faith and trust between you and the couple. But not all couples are aware this is an option! If someone you love has an upcoming wedding, you might offer to preside over the ceremony as an ordained minister in case they hadn't considered it. In the end, the decision will of course be theirs.

Average Cost of a Wedding in Forsyth County:: $20,000

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

After speaking with the office in Forsyth County, you should have a clearer idea of what you might need to order from our online catalog. Many of our ministers in Forsyth County decide to get an Classic Wedding Kit with a Letter of Good Standing, though your choice may vary based on the specific requirements in place.

With all that prep work out of the way, you’ll be set to officiate the wedding! Woohoo! If this is your first time performing a wedding (or you just want to brush up on your knowledge) head over to our wedding training center, where you’ll find all sorts of useful tools and resources.

5. How Forsyth County Marriage Licenses Work

After the ceremony is over, your last (and vital) responsibility will be to sign and return the marriage license. In Forsyth County, a marriage license is valid for 60 days. Once it has been picked up, there is no mandatory waiting period before the wedding ceremony may be performed. Please keep in mind that the license must be returned within the prescribed period after signing.

This is a legal document, so please double-check that it is correctly filled out before returning it to the office that issued it. For detailed instructions on how to fill out a marriage license, visit our marriage license training page.

Marriage License Waiting Period:: None
Marriage License Valid For:: 60 Days
Return Within:: By Expiration

6. Performing a Wedding in Forsyth County

Neighboring Greensboro, Forsyth County is home to casual southern eats and beautiful Salem Lake. If you're someone who like shrimp and grits for breakfast followed by a day on the lake, this is the place for you! With options for a lake-view wedding or a wedding that's more urban, Forsyth County has you covered. Couples will enjoy loads of wedding venues in a quiet area when they pick Forsyth County as their wedding destination.

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

With a crisp fall season and a mild spring, look to participate in a wedding during those times so as to avoid the muggy NC heat and the bitter-cold winters!

Now that you know everything there is to know about Forsyth County weddings, don’t forget to take that all-important first step in this process by officially becoming ordained with the ULC! Click the button below to get the ball rolling.