How to Officiate a Wedding in Vermont

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 Vermont?

Vermont is straightforward for residents and for ministers from neighboring states (New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, or Quebec with a parish partly in Vermont) — no registration needed. If you’re a non-resident from elsewhere, you’ll need to petition the Probate Division of Superior Court for authorization. That costs about $100 and takes up to 7 days.

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. If you’re a non-resident (not from NH/MA/NY/Quebec): Petition the Probate Court — Non-residents from states other than NH, MA, NY, or Quebec must petition the Probate Division of Superior Court for authorization. Cost: ~$100. Processing: up to 7 days. Vermont residents and ministers from neighboring states with parishes partly in Vermont are exempt.
  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, your court authorization (if non-resident), 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

Vermont allows ordained ministers to sign the marriage license. Residents and neighboring-state ministers need no registration; other non-residents need court authorization.

Statute: Vermont Statutes Title 18 § 5144 — ordained or licensed clergy may solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes (residents freely; non-residents may need court authorization)
Registration required? Non-residents (except NH/MA/NY/Quebec): Probate Court petition, ~$100, up to 7 days
Marriage license cost $60
Waiting period None
License valid for 60 days
Return deadline 10 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed None required

Before the Wedding

  • Non-residents (not from NH/MA/NY/Quebec): Petition the Probate Court — Apply at the Probate Division of Superior Court. ~$100, up to 7 days processing. Do this well before the wedding.
  • Call the Town 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 the Town Clerk’s office. No waiting period. Valid for 60 days. Cost: $60.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you and the couple. Black pen. Vermont 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 Town Clerk within 10 days. Failure to return on time can result in a $10+ fine. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony.

Vermont Tips

  • Residents and neighboring-state ministers (NH/MA/NY/Quebec): no registration needed
  • Non-residents from other states: $100 Probate Court petition, up to 7 days
  • No witnesses required
  • No waiting period
  • 10-day return deadline — $10+ fine for late returns
  • Among the first states for marriage equality
  • Vermont is a popular destination wedding state — plan the non-resident petition in advance
  • Online ordination is widely accepted

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to your local Town 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 Town Clerk.