Registration of Ministers Authorized to Perform Marriages
State Registration
In 2001, the West Virginia Legislature adopted S. B. 59, establishing
provisions for the registration of religious representatives to be
authorized to perform marriages in any county in West Virginia.
The provisions replaced previous requirements for registration
with the county clerk, however approval of the bond or exemption from the
bonding requirement was left with the county commission.
Requirements for Registration
1. Proof of Age
The registrant must be 18 years of age or older, and may show
proof using a birth certificate, driver license, passport or military ID.
2. Proof of Authority
The registrant must be:
-
duly authorized to perform marriages by his or her church,
synagogue, spiritual assembly or religious organization; and
-
in regular communion with that group of which he or she is a member.
Registry
The Secretary of State established a registry of all
persons authorized to perform marriages.
County clerks in the 55 counties forwarded to the Secretary of State
the names persons authorized since 1960 to perform marriages for inclusion in the
registry. The Secretary of State provided the completed
registry and provides periodic updates back to the county clerks.
Application: To be placed on the Statewide
Registery
- Download the form using the Acrobat Reader (see Acrobat
Reader Help if you have not used this program before) or e-mail your request for an
application form.
Application in order to be placed on the Statewide Registry of
persons authorized to perform marriages in West Virginia
- Complete the application form online and print. Be sure the
application is properly signed.
- If you are unable to provide documentation for authorization (question 1),
obtain a surety bond in the amount of $1,500.
- Mail or deliver your completed application and bond form, if applicable,
with a fee of $25. See Ordering
& Payment.
State Registry Search
To search the registry, go to License Search and select "Ministers".
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