Performing an upcoming wedding in Pierce County? Congratulations! Presiding over a wedding ceremony is one of life's great memorable experiences. However, this important role also brings with it considerable responsibility. In this guide, we'll dive into the process in detail to make sure you’re aware of what exactly will be required of you. We'll cover details like how to prepare for a wedding ceremony, how to check the officiant requirements in your area, and how to make sure the marriage is legally recorded in Pierce County.
1 How to Get Ordained as a Minister in Pierce County
If you haven't already, you'll first need to get ordained as a minister of the Universal Life Church. This might sound a bit intimidating on its face, but we promise the process is simple. ULC ordination can be completed online, free of charge, and will provide you the power to perform legal wedding ceremonies! Best of all, getting ordained takes only a few minutes. You can get started by tapping the button below!
Key Info for Ministers in Pierce County
- ULC Ordination Accepted:
- Yes
- Minister Registration Required:
- No
- Documents Required:
- N/A
- Minister's Residency:
- Irrelevant
- Minister's Minimum Age:
- 18
2 How to Officiate a Wedding in Pierce County
The next step is an important one. Once ordained, you'll want to get in touch with the government office in charge of handling marriages in Pierce County. Explain to the office that you’re an ordained minister wishing to know what documentation or information they need to see prior to you performing a wedding in their district.
If you scroll down to the next section, you'll find contact information for the relevant office in Pierce County listed.
- Office Address:
-
2401 S 35th St Room 200
Tacoma, WA 98409 - Office Phone Number:
- (253) 798-7435
- Office Website:
- Pierce County Office Website
3 What You'll Need to Officiate in Pierce County
After learning what you'll need to officiate, you can visit our online catalog to order any documents or supplies for the ceremony. For Pierce County we typically advise ministers get an Ordination Package, but your conversation with local officials will give you a more specific idea of what to include in your order.
4 How Pierce County Marriage Licenses Work
Now you’re ready to officiate the wedding! If it’s your first time officiating (or even if it’s not) be sure to check out our wedding training center for helpful tips and tools.
After the ceremony is over, the last important box to check is filling out the marriage license. In Pierce County, this license is valid for 60 days, there is a mandatory 3-day waiting period, and the completed license must be returned before its listed expiration date. If you're unfamiliar with the process of filling out this document, please visit our marriage license training guide.
- Marriage License Waiting Period:
- 3 Days
- Marriage License Valid For:
- 60 Days
- Return Within:
- 30 Days
5 What to Know About Pierce County Weddings
Tacoma may be stuck with the reputation as Seattle's little brother, but it's actually an incredible destination to hold your wedding. Located in Pierce County and just a short drive from the big city, weddings here offer the chance to enjoy the sights and smells of the Puget Sound without paying the high prices that Seattle has become known for. With plenty of different venues to choose from, there's something for just about any budget and desired theme.
