Thinking of having a friend officiate your wedding in Virginia? Be careful—Virginia has strict laws about who can legally perform a marriage ceremony. Many couples don’t realize that their loved one may not be authorized, and the “one-time officiant license” is often denied. In this post, we explain Virginia’s officiant requirements, what happens if your friend can’t legally officiate, and how to ensure your marriage is valid.
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting adventure! Whether you're dreaming of exchanging vows on a tropical beach, in a romantic European villa, or atop a scenic mountaintop, an international wedding can be an unforgettable experience. However, navigating the legalities of getting married abroad can be complicated.
Many couples choose to legally marry in the U.S. either before or after their destination wedding to simplify the process and avoid potential legal challenges. In this guide, I’ll walk you through why this approach makes sense, how to do it, and how I can help make the process seamless through my legal license signing and ghostwriting services.