Who may perform marriages in indiana?
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The state of Indiana allows a wide variety of officials to solemnize marriage ceremonies within its borders. Not only are judges and ministers eligible to perform such services, but mayors and clerks as well. Marriage officiants in Indiana must have been licensed in the state and, in some counties, registered with the local clerk as an officiant.
Members of Clergy
Ordained members of clergy may perform marriages within their own religious organization, even if they do not perform religious functions for general congregations. For instance, an ordained minister in the German Baptist faith may perform marriage ceremonies for people within the German Baptist church, in accordance with the rules of its society, even if the minister does not regularly conduct church celebrations. Each member of clergy must, however, perform religious marriages only within his own faith.
Judges
Justices of the peace and magistrates are eligible to perform secular marriage ceremonies throughout the state of Indiana. Unlike other elected officials, whose ability to perform marriages ends at the boundaries of their respective counties, judges are able to travel to different parts of the state to join couples together in matrimony. For a roster of judges and magistrates in the state of Indiana, visit the Indiana Courts website or your local county court.
Mayors
Mayors in Indiana may perform marriage ceremonies anywhere within their home county. However, their influence does not span the entire state. This is because the position is a locally elected one, resulting in mayors only having jurisdiction over their own voting population. Mayors may perform secular marriages for resident couples as well as out-of-state couples who hold a valid Indiana marriage license. However, retired mayors are unable to perform this service.
Clerks
A clerk or clerk-treasurer may perform marriage ceremonies throughout the county in which she resides. Clerks of the circuit court are also able to preside over marriage ceremonies. These elected officials only assert their power within their own county, limiting their ability to perform marriages to their respective realms. For a list of county clerks in Indiana, go to WeddingVendors.com.
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