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You are here: Experts > Style > Weddings > Weddings > Legal wording in wedding ceremonies
Weddings - Legal wording in wedding ceremonies
Expert: Reverend John Fliris - 10/27/2009
Question
Dear Sir,
I am soon to be getting married in Texas, and would like to know whether there are any legal requirements as to the wording of the ceremony. For example, does the minister HAVE to say "... by the power invested in me by the State of Texas..."? Can they miss the "state of Texas" bit and just say "... by the power invested in me as a minister of the Gospel..." or something similar?
I am British, and know that in weddings over here there must be (among other things) a declaration of one's freedom to marry ("I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I ..., may not be joined in matrimony to ..."). Is the same true of marriages in the USA?
Thanks very much for your help.
Answer
Yes the Minister can say by the power invested in me as a Minister in the Church of... or as your example states... Also no public declaration needs be made other than your promise of free will such as is done in reciting your vows. The promise of Intent (vows), the exchange of rings and pronunciation... in many states witnesses are not even required... so its always best to check with your State and County that you are getting married in... Hope this helped
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