Can the marriage ceremony be performed by any pastor without the actual ceremony?

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1. Licensed in CA

   

   Celeste Johansson

   Alameda Marriage / Prenuptials Lawyer

   Contributor Level 13

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   Answered April 26, 2011 11:57. In addition, you can have any adult "deputized" to perform your marriage ceremony if you choose to do so. They have to fill out an application that you can get from the clerk-recorder's office, pay a small fee, and they will be given an instruction packet on the language they need to use during the ceremony (e.g. "by the power granted me by [the county], I now pronounce you husband and wife"...). Then you will need to have the deputized person sign the license, as well as two witnesses, before you mail it back.

   Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on, as each situation is... morePlease note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on, as each situation is fact specific, and it is not possible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and court pleadings filed in the case. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. less

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2. Licensed in CA

   

   Pamela Koslyn

   Los Angeles Business Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

   Answered April 25, 2011 06:41. You don't have to have a religious ceremoney with a pastor. Non-religious, civil ceremonies are legal too, as long as the officiant is licensed, like e.g. a judge or the Mayor. Please see the link below.

   I'm only licensed in CA. Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied... moreI'm only licensed in CA. Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on, since each state has different laws, each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. less

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3. Licensed in CA

   

   Richard BryanPro

   San Francisco Marriage / Prenuptials Lawyer

   Contributor Level 10

   

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   Answered April 25, 2011 17:55. In California, a marriage ceremony can be performed by a priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination.

   The above is general information only. It should not be considered as legal advice applicable to your specific... moreThe above is general information only. It should not be considered as legal advice applicable to your specific circumstance. Reliable legal advice applicable to your situation cannot be given without a consultation. The above response does not create an attorney client relationship nor should it be considered as a privileged attorney client communication. less

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