You want to elope in Hocking Hills with just your closest loved ones, and you want one of them to officiate? Getting them ordained and registered with the state of Ohio is easier than you think. As a photographer who specializes in elopements and is ordained myself, I’ve created this step by step guide to make things as easy as possible for you – just send them this guide to get started!

Looking for a photographer who can help you not only get beautiful photos of your elopement, but also plan it? Learn more about my Hocking Hills elopement photography services.

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Get Ordained Online for Free

There are several organizations that offer online ordination for free. I personally used the Universal Life Church to get ordained and it was as simple as registering through their website. In all the process should take you less than 10 minutes.

Order a Copy of Your Credentials

Ohio requires you to register with the state and receive your Minister License before you can legally officiate a wedding ceremony. As part of that application, you have to submit your official credentials from the organization you were ordained through. This will usually cost around $15-30 depending on who you got ordained through.

Register for Your Minister’s License Through the State of Ohio

Once you have been ordained and received your official credentials, you’ll complete an online application for your Minister’s License with the state of Ohio. You’ll submit your information, a copy of the credentials, and a $10 fee payment. It’s super quick and easy, no stress! Mine was approved within a few days of applying.

Officiate the Hocking Hills Elopement

Once you have gotten your registration from the state, you are officially in the clear to officiate your loved one’s Hocking Hills elopement! 

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve never officiated an elopement ceremony before. What do I do or say?

The good news is that Ohio has no rules about what you have to say during a wedding ceremony aside from the Declaration of Intent (some variation of “Do you [NAME] take [NAME] to be your lawfully wedded [WIFE/HUSBAND]”) and the Pronouncement that they are officially married. You can find example ceremony scripts online or develop a fully custom script based on your knowledge of the couple.

What happens with the marriage license? Who is signing what?

You and the couple will sign the marriage license. Before signing, make sure you verify that it’s valid (within the expiration dates, etc.). There are no witnesses required in Ohio, so it’s truly just you and the couple.

Should I return the marriage license for them or does the couple do that?

The marriage license will need to be returned to the Probate Court within 30 days of the ceremony. There’s usually no rule about who has to return it, so check with the couple to see if this is something they’d like you to take care of or if it’s something they’d like to do. The marriage license will come with instructions about how to return it. 

Your Elopement Photographer

As someone who eloped myself, I know how intimidating it can feel to plan all the little details – things are so different from a big wedding and all the traditional advice! That’s why I help the couples I work with to not only get great photos of their day but to also help with the planning logistics. Whether it’s questions about getting folks ordained to officiate or location advice or what to bring the day of, I’ve got your back. You can learn more about my services in Hocking Hills here.