How to Officiate a Wedding in Indiana

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

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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 Indiana?

Indiana is one of the most explicitly friendly states for online-ordained ministers. The statute specifically says clergy qualify “even if the cleric does not perform religious functions for an individual congregation.” No registration, no waiting period, no witnesses. Easy.

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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.

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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.

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If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Good news — Indiana makes this easy. FSM ministers can sign the marriage license here, no registration required. The statute is one of the most welcoming in the country for online-ordained clergy.

Statute: Indiana Code § 31-11-6-1 — members of the clergy of a religious organization can solemnize marriages, “even if the cleric does not perform religious functions for an individual congregation.”

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail	Info
Can officiant sign the license?	Yes
Registration required?	No
Marriage license cost	$18 (residents), $60 (non-residents)
Waiting period	None
License valid for	60 days
Return deadline	30 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed	None

Before the Wedding

• Call the local County Clerk — Tell them you’re an ordained 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. Two certificates are issued — one for the couple, one for the clerk.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you and the couple. No witnesses are legally required (though having them is fine). Black pen. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the County Clerk 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.

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Indiana Tips

• One of the most explicitly online-ordination-friendly statutes in the country
• $18 for residents is one of the cheapest marriage licenses in the US
• No registration, no witnesses, no waiting period — couldn’t be simpler
• Non-residents pay more ($60) but the process is the same
• Two certificates issued — one for the couple, one for the clerk
• 30-day return deadline is generous

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County-Specific Info

• Marion County — serving Indianapolis, Beech Grove, Speedway…

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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.

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