How to Officiate a Wedding in the Northern Mariana Islands

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

---

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 the Northern Mariana Islands?

The CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) is one of the easiest places to officiate a wedding. The law simply says “an ordained minister” — no denominational restrictions, no registration required. You perform the wedding ceremony, and if you choose to assist with the marriage paperwork too, it’s a straightforward process here.

Note: The Northern Mariana Islands is a US territory (commonwealth). 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.

---

---

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

Statute: 8 CMC § 1203 — “an ordained minister, a judge, the Governor, or any person authorized by law to perform marriages” can solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail	Info
Can officiant sign the license?	Yes
Registration required?	No
Marriage license cost	$225 non-residents ($125 application + $75 ceremony + $25 documentation); $105 residents
Waiting period	None
License valid for	60 days
Return deadline	10 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed	2

Before the Wedding

• Contact the Office of the Mayor in Saipan — Tell them you’re an ordained minister performing a wedding. They may ask for proof of ordination, so have your credentials on hand. Contact: PO Box 501457, CTC Building Oleai, Teer Dive, Saipan 96950, phone: (670) 234-6208.
• The couple gets their marriage license — They apply through the Governor’s office or any Mayor’s office. Both parties appear with valid photo ID. No waiting period. Valid for 60 days.

Note on fees: The CNMI distinguishes between residents and non-residents. Residency requires 12 months in the CNMI. If either party is a non-resident, non-resident fees apply. The ceremony must be performed in the Commonwealth.

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 Clerk of Courts of the Commonwealth Trial Court within 10 days. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony. This is the most important post-ceremony task.

---

CNMI Tips

• Very FSM-friendly — broad “ordained minister” language with no denominational restrictions
• No registration required — just have your ordination credentials and letter of good standing ready
• No waiting period — one of the few US jurisdictions with no wait at all
• Non-resident fees are significantly higher ($225 vs $105) — plan accordingly
• Popular destination wedding location for visitors from Japan and Korea
• The ceremony must take place within the Commonwealth

---

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: contact the Office of the Mayor 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 the Mayor or the Commonwealth Trial Court.