How to Officiate a Wedding in West Virginia

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 West Virginia?

West Virginia is straightforward. You can handle the paperwork here, but you need to register with the Secretary of State first. It costs $25, takes up to 7 days, and can be done online (since 2021). One important detail: you’ll need a Letter of Good Standing signed by two church officers — a digital certificate printout alone isn’t sufficient.

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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. Register with the Secretary of State — West Virginia requires ministers to register before performing ceremonies. Cost: $25. Processing: up to 7 days. Online application available (since 2021). You’ll need to upload your ordination credentials (jpg/png/pdf) and provide a Letter of Good Standing signed by two church officers.
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 (just in case), 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.

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If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

West Virginia allows registered ministers to sign the marriage license. You must register with the Secretary of State first.

Statute: West Virginia Code § 48-2-402 — religious representatives authorized by their church, ordained ministers, priests, and rabbis may solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail	Info
Can officiant sign the license?	Yes (with registration)
Registration required?	Yes — Secretary of State, $25, up to 7 days
Marriage license cost	$56
Waiting period	None
License valid for	60 days
Return deadline	Promptly after ceremony
Witnesses needed	None required

Before the Wedding

• Register with the Secretary of State — $25, online application available. You’ll need to upload your ordination credentials (jpg/png/pdf) and a Letter of Good Standing signed by two church officers. Processing takes up to 7 days. Do this well before the wedding.
• Call the local County Clerk — Tell them you’re an ordained, registered 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 County Clerk’s office. No waiting period. Valid for 60 days. Cost: $56.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you and the couple. Black pen. West Virginia 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 County Clerk promptly. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony.

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West Virginia Tips

• Registration is quick ($25, up to 7 days) and can be done entirely online
• Letter of Good Standing must be signed by two church officers — a digital certificate printout alone won’t suffice
• Upload credentials as jpg, png, or pdf
• No witnesses required
• No waiting period
• Secretary of State can designate registrants as inactive — maintain “regular communication with ordaining body”
• Online ordination is widely accepted

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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 and the Secretary of State.