How to Officiate a Wedding in Guam

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 Guam?

Guam is one of the easiest places to officiate a wedding. The law recognizes “ordained clergymen and priests of whatsoever religious faith” — that’s about as inclusive as it gets. You perform the wedding ceremony, and if you choose to assist with the marriage paperwork too, it’s a straightforward process here.

Note: Guam is a US territory. Residents are US citizens, but the territory has its own legal system and courts.

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 — Guam makes this easy. FSM ministers can sign the marriage license here. It’s recommended to visit the Office of Vital Statistics before the wedding to register, but there’s no statutory barrier.

Statute: 19 GCA § 3204 — “all ordained clergymen and priests of whatsoever religious faith who are recognized as such by the religious body whose faith they represent” can solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes
Registration required? Recommended (visit Office of Vital Statistics before the wedding)
Marriage license cost $30
Waiting period 5 days (waiver available for $50)
License valid for 60 days
Return deadline 10 working days after ceremony
Witnesses needed 2

Before the Wedding

  • Visit the Office of Vital Statistics — It’s recommended to register before the wedding. Bring your ordination credentials and letter of good standing. Located at the Rancare Commercial Building, 761 S. Marine Corps Drive, Tamuning, GU 96913. Phone: (671) 735-7185/7280.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at the Department of Public Health & Social Services, Office of Vital Statistics. Both parties appear with valid photo ID. There’s a 5-day waiting period (can be waived for $50). Valid for 60 days.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you, the couple, and 2 witnesses. Black pen. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the Office of Vital Statistics within 10 working days. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony. This is the most important post-ceremony task.

Guam Tips

  • Very FSM-friendly — “whatsoever religious faith” is about as inclusive as language gets
  • The key phrase is “recognized as such by the religious body whose faith they represent” — FSM ministers are recognized by the Church of the FSM ✓
  • Visit the Office of Vital Statistics before the wedding to register — it’s not required by statute but recommended
  • 5-day waiting period can be waived for $50 — helpful for destination weddings
  • No residency requirement for the couple or the officiant
  • Popular destination wedding location — the local offices are experienced with visiting couples

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: contact the Office of Vital Statistics before the ceremony. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with the Office of Vital Statistics.