Hundreds of years ago Kings and Queens used to address the Pope in order to receive permission to marry and divorce. Today that is not the case. Marriages and divorces have become recognized more as an official state document rather than that of a religious nature. It is still widely respected as a religious nature but more and more state officials are granting the power of marriage to ordinary people. Ordinary people such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles that can be recognized legally as a reverend and given to permission to conduct wedding ceremonies for friends and family. The point of this is to no longer have people wait around for court house weddings but to allow families to carry on this personal ceremony amongst their loved ones.
The role of a minister is to oversee the legal obligation that individuals have when engaging in marriage. Legal obligations such as the wedding documents, wedding certificate and any prenuptial agreements that may exist. Not only does the minister oversee these documents but they may also orchestrate the ceremony, share comforting words and tell the bride to kiss the groom. Nothing will be as memorable as having a cherished loved one see that two love birds become officially married.
Each state has its own laws regarding marriage, however to become ordained in any of the 50 states visit the American Marriage Ministries website for more information. It is free to register, however there is a small cost in order to receive the legal documents to officiate the wedding. Fortunately, the prices are very affordable and there is an abundance of supplies that can be purchased as well to help make the wedding much easier.
Sources:
American Marriage Ministries