How to Officiate a Wedding in Arkansas

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In Arkansas?

Arkansas is straightforward. You can handle the paperwork here, but there’s one extra step — you need to record your credentials with the County Clerk before performing ceremonies. It costs about $50 and can take up to 30 days to process, so plan ahead. The good news: registering in one county authorizes you to officiate statewide.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. Register with the County Clerk — Arkansas requires ministers to record their credentials with the County Clerk before performing ceremonies. It costs about $50 and can take up to 30 days to process. Register in any county — once recorded, you’re authorized statewide.
  3. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  4. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  5. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials (just in case), and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Arkansas allows ordained ministers to sign the marriage license, but you must record your credentials with the County Clerk first.

Statute: Arkansas Code Annotated § 9-11-213 — regularly ordained ministers or priests may solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes (with registration)
Registration required? Yes — County Clerk, ~$50, up to 30 days
Marriage license cost $60
Waiting period None
License valid for 60 days
Return deadline Promptly after ceremony
Witnesses needed None required

Before the Wedding

  • Register with the County Clerk — Record your ordination credentials with any County Clerk in the state. Costs about $50, can take up to 30 days. Once registered in one county, you’re authorized statewide. Do this well before the wedding.
  • Call the local County Clerk — Tell them you’re an ordained, registered minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you. They do this every day and they’re almost always helpful.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at their County Clerk’s office. Both parties appear with valid photo ID. No waiting period. Valid for 60 days.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you and the couple. Black pen. Arkansas doesn’t require witnesses, but having one or two sign doesn’t hurt. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the County Clerk promptly. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony.

Arkansas Tips

  • Registration takes up to 30 days — start early
  • One county registration = statewide authorization
  • No witnesses required
  • No waiting period for the marriage license
  • You may need to mark “religious ceremony” on the license
  • Online ordination is widely accepted

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to your local County Clerk before the ceremony. They do this every day. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with your local County Clerk.