PLEASE NOTE:  It is unlawful to perform a marriage ceremony before you obtain a certificate from the County Clerk in the county where the ceremony is to be held.

Instructions for Minister Certificate Application

The following documents are required to apply for a Certificate of Authority to Solemnize Marriages in the State of Nevada:

1.                         1.    Application for a Certificate of Authority to Solemnize Marriages in the State of Nevada. 

2.                    2.  Affidavit of Authority to Solemnize Marriages (must be signed by someone in your church or      religious organization that has authority to speak on behalf of your church or religious organization and can verify that you are in good standing within that church or religious organization.  This form cannot be signed by the applicant.  A letter of good-standing from the church can no longer be substituted for this form.)
           
            3.   Copy  of  Ordination Certificate        

 If you are a resident of Douglas County, click on the RESIDENT forms below to apply for a certificate to perform marriage ceremonies on a permanent basis.  If you are not a resident of Nevada, click on the NON-RESIDENT forms below to apply for a certificate to perform a single marriage ceremony.

Per NRS 122.062, a non-Nevada minister or other person authorized to perform marriage ceremonies, and authorized by the County Clerk, may perform NOT MORE THAN (5) marriages in Nevada in any calendar year.   A minister/officiant must apply to the County Clerk for authorization for each marriage ceremony performed.  Violation of this law may result in criminal prosecution.

The completed and notarized  forms and the copy of your ordination certificate, must be submitted to the Douglas County Clerk’s Office, PO Box 218, Minden, NV  89423 at least three weeks prior to the wedding ceremony.  If approved, the certificate will be mailed to the mailing address listed on the application.    An instruction sheet,  which provides information on how the minister is to complete the marriage certificates, will be sent with the Authorization to Solemnize Marriages.  If the application is not approved, you will receive a letter explaining why it was not granted.  Paperwork that is incomplete or incorrect will delay the process and may result in the certificate being denied. 

 PLEASE ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR PROCESSING IF YOU PLAN TO PERFORM A WEDDING IN THE NEAR FUTURE!  

CLICK TO ACCESS DOUGLAS COUNTY RESIDENT MINISTER APPLICATION FORMS

CLICK TO ACCESS NON-RESIDENT MINISTER APPLICATION FORMS