How to Officiate a Wedding in Georgia

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 Georgia?

Georgia has very broad language for who can officiate — any minister or person of any religious society authorized by that society. No registration required, no waiting period. It’s a friendly state for FSM ministers.

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. 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.
  3. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  4. 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.
  • On the license: Mark the ceremony type as “Religious” even if your ceremony isn’t particularly religious. “Civil” is reserved for government officials. Just a bureaucratic checkbox.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Good news — Georgia makes this easy. FSM ministers can sign the marriage license here, no registration required.

Statute: Georgia Code § 19-3-30 — ministers or other persons of any religious society authorized by that society can solemnize marriages. Must be 18+.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes
Registration required? No
Marriage license cost $56–$76 (varies by county)
Waiting period None
License valid for Varies by county (some have no expiration)
Return deadline 30 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed Check with your county (sources differ)

Before the Wedding

  • Call the local Probate Court — Tell them you’re an ordained minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you (including whether witnesses are required in that county). They do this every day and they’re almost always helpful.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at their county Probate Court. Both parties appear with valid photo ID. No waiting period. GA residents can apply in any county; out-of-state couples apply in the ceremony county.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you and the couple (and witnesses if your county requires them). Black pen. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the Probate Court within 30 days. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony. This is the most important post-ceremony task.

Georgia Tips

  • Very broad “any religious society” language — FSM-friendly
  • No registration required, though some counties may ask to see ordination documents
  • Witness requirements vary — confirm with the local Probate Court
  • License expiration varies by county — ask when the couple picks it up
  • GA residents can apply for their license in any county
  • No common-law marriage recognized since January 1, 1997

County-Specific Info

  • Cobb County — serving Marietta, Smyrna, Mableton, Kennesaw…
  • Fulton County — serving Atlanta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Duluth…

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to your local Probate Court 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 Probate Court.