This application is for individuals who are Utah residents and would like to be designated by the Utah County Clerk with civil authority to officiate marriage ceremonies. Applicants must provide a Utah-issued driver license or ID card. Applicants without a Utah driver license or ID can be considered for a one-time designation.

Privacy Notice: The information you provide will be used solely to determine your eligibility to act as a designee. If you fail to provide the requested information, you cannot become a designee. Your personal data will not be shared with anyone outside the Utah County Marriage License Office. Your designee status may be a public record.

Please note the following requirement:

Indefinite Designees must be Utah residents who can show a driver license or ID card issued by the state of Utah. If you don’t have a Utah-issued ID you can be considered for a one-time designation

1. General Requirements

I request appointment as a One-time Designee of the Utah County Clerk to perform a marriage ceremony in Utah under Utah Code § 17-70-302. I will comply with all applicable Utah laws and all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a Designee.

Utah does not require religious marriage officiants to register with the state or county. I am applying for an independent civil designation, not registering any religious authority.

The ID I submit is my own valid identification showing my legal name and correct date of birth, and the selfie I submit is an accurate likeness of me. I am at least 18 years old.

2. Using a Utah Marriage License

I will only perform a ceremony for a couple with a valid Utah marriage license (valid for 32 days from issuance) and I am responsible for verifying the couple’s identities.

I may solemnize marriages only within the State of Utah and am not authorized to officiate outside of Utah.

For ceremonies conducted by remote appearance, I must be physically located in Utah at the time of the ceremony and provide the required marriage recognition warning. See Utah Code § 81-2-302.

3. Ceremony Standards

I will provide a ceremony allowing each party to affirm their willing intent to marry (e.g., by responding “Yes” or “I do,” or through a voluntary statement). See Utah Code § 81-2-302. The Utah County Marriage website has additional information about Officiant Responsibilities that may be helpful in preparing for a ceremony.

Two people at least 18 years old must witness the ceremony. I am responsible for verifying their identities, and their names must be recorded on the finalized license/certificate. See Utah Code § 81-2-302.

I will not officiate a wedding ceremony where one of the parties appears to be under duress or otherwise unable to provide a willing statement of intent to enter a marriage. Free resources and training about human trafficking can be found at IAmOnWatch.org.*

4. Legal Warnings

Knowingly solemnizing a marriage for any person younger than 16 or for a person age 16 or 17 without written authorization from a juvenile court is a third-degree felony under Utah Code § 76-7-107.

I will ensure that the marriage license is completed accurately and fully. I will list my title as “County Clerk Designee” and will finalize a digital license online or return a paper license to the issuing county clerk within thirty days. Failure to do so may result in an infraction under Utah Code § 81-2-305.

Knowingly or intentionally making false statements on the certificate of marriage (including the online officiant submission) could lead to prosecution for “Falsification in Official Matters.” See Utah Code § 81-2-305 and Utah Code § 76-8-5.

5. Limitations of Authority for One-time Designees

My indefinite designation is contingent on providing proof of Utah residency at the time of application and my designation is suspended if I am no longer a Utah resident.

Under Utah Code § 81-2-305, County Clerks and their designees may not refuse to solemnize a legally valid marriage and may not discriminate on any characteristic protected by law. I will not refuse to officiate a ceremony based on any protected characteristic.

I am responsible for setting and managing my own compensation. I will maintain a consistent fee schedule and will not discriminate or offer preferential pricing based on any protected characteristic.

6. Relationship with Utah County

My appointment as a Designee does not create an employee, contractor, or other employment relationship with Utah County.

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Utah County and its officers, agents, officials, employees, and volunteers from any liability, costs, or expenses arising from any acts or omissions—negligent or otherwise—by me or by the marriage parties.

My appointment as a County Clerk Designee may be terminated at any time for material breach by either party, or at any time without cause with 30 days written notice. These terms and conditions may be updated at the discretion of the County Clerk with 30 days written notice.