Can You Marry Yourself?

LAST UPDATED August 3, 2023

Can You Marry Yourself?

Your Guide to Self-

Solemnization

When most of us picture a wedding ceremony, we imagine a couple, maybe some family and friends, and an officiant leading all of the proceedings. But did you know that in some states, you can just marry yourselves, no officiant needed? That’s right, when you are asking can you marry yourself, you are asking about something called self-solemnization, and here’s everything you need to know!

What is Self-Solemnization?

Self-solemnization is when the couple gets married without the presence of a third-party officiant. Simply put, this is a wedding ceremony that you do yourself. You can have whatever type of ceremony you want, sign your wedding license yourselves, and that’s it. You’re officially married!

Reasons to Self-Solemnize

There are many reasons why a couple might want to self-solemnize, but all of them really come down to one thing. This is your day, and you should be able to celebrate it exactly how you want!

Maybe you want to get married on top of a mountain. Or over an intimate meal at home. Or while jumping out of an airplane. Whatever your perfect day looks like, if the idea of an officiant doesn’t fit into your vision, self-solemnization might be for you. 

Some of the top reasons why a couple might want to officiate their own wedding:

  • Want to say their vows privately just to each other 
  • Plan to do an adventurous activity together that an officiant may not be able to participate in
  • Don’t want to be held to a strict timeline for their day
  • Prefer to have a non-traditional ceremony 
  • You are badass and just want to do things your way!

“BLOWN AWAY! Those are the words I feel best describe our wedding experience with Adam Amit. To say that Adam made the whole process a breeze would be an understatement!” – April & Devon

Which States Can You Marry Yourself?

Self-solemnization is not recognized in certain states, so it’s important to know which states recognize what.

Note that state regulations regarding marriage sometimes change, so always be sure to double-check with your state.

Can You Marry Yourself in Colorado and Washington D.C.?

Yes!! Colorado and Washington D.C are the two places where you don’t have to ask if you can officiate your own wedding, because yes, the answer is you can marry yourself without restriction! Not only do you not need an officiant, you don’t need any witnesses or any special circumstances. You can just pick up a standard marriage license, sign it, and you’re officially married. No questions asked. Cheers to that! 

Colorado also just happens to be my home base and among my favorite places in the world to shoot elopements. When people ask can you marry yourself, a lot of times they end up in Colorado because the answer is yes in CO, and it’s also one of the most beautiful places to do it! Check out all the reasons why!

Can You Marry Yourself in Wisconsin?

Yes! Wisconsin also allows self-solemnization, with the caveat that you must sign an extra form stating that your marriage may not be recognized in all cases. 

Can You Marry Yourself in Pennsylvania?

Yes! Pennsylvania does not require you to have an officiant, but you will need 2 witnesses to sign your marriage license. 

Can You Marry Yourself In Nevada, Kansas and Maine?

Yes, however these three states technically allow self-solemnization, but only if you identify as part of the Quaker (also known as Friends) religion and get married according to their traditions. See each state’s individual laws for more detail on these requirements. 

Can You Marry Yourself in California?

Yes! California has a “non-clergy” marriage license option which does not require an officiant, but does still require two witness signatures. 

Want A Free Guide to Plan Your Elopement?

This Guide and Checklist was created to make your life a whole lot easier – so you can just focus on being present and enjoying the moment!

Download the Ultimate Elopement Planning Guide and Checklist

“First off, let me start by saying this: for those who are looking for a photographer who will bring literal magic to your special day, stop scrolling, and book him NOW. Adam is your guy. This man has so much passion for what he does – from capturing your day exactly how you want it, to making you comfortable in front of the camera, to making sure everything is perfect for YOU, to simply being the kindest, bestest, awesomest addition to your wedding” — Julie & Tassia

Can You Marry Yourself – Frequently Asked Questions

As with anything that’s outside the norm, couples tend to have a lot of questions about how it works to officiate your own wedding. Don’t worry – I’ve got you! And if you have questions that aren’t answered below, feel free to reach out!

Is This Really a Legit Marriage?

Absolutely! If you get married in a state where self-solemnization is legal, your marriage is just as valid as it is for those who had a traditional wedding. In most states your marriage certificate will be exactly the same as everyone else’s, and there is zero distinction between a self-solemnized wedding and a traditional one.

Will My Marriage Be Recognized in My State?

Yes. All states in the US recognize marriages that were legally performed in another state, they don’t specifically ask can you marry yourself and then discriminate based on that. If you have a legal marriage license, it’ll be recognized in all 50 states!

Can Guests come to my Self-Solemnization?

HECK YES! Guests can absolutely come to your solemnization ceremony! In fact, you can have an unordained friend or family member lead your self-solemnization if you want.

What’s the difference between self-solemnizing and a commitment ceremony?

A commitment ceremony is a non legally bound wedding ceremony. It can include friend, family, an officiant, or also be a self-solemnize ceremony. The key difference is that a commitment ceremony is not legal. For more information check out the blog below:

Are Marriage Licenses the same for couples who self-solemnize?

You betchya! States that allow self-solemnization normally have the same marriage license and procedures as a wedding ceremony that has an officiant. Always double check with the state first though.

“If you are looking for that magical elopement with 0 stress and beautiful pictures, Adam is the way to go! He made our special day the absolute best day i could’ve asked for. in our case a literally winter wonderland. i couldn’t thank him and his company enough. truly deserves more then 5 stars in my opinion.”  – Jacey & Cori

What Are Some Activities I Can Do At My Self-Officiated Wedding?

When you marry yourself you still have lots of options for what you can do on your wedding day! Here’s a list of options:

1. Read your own vows

2. Hand-fasting ceremony

3. Mix Sand

4. Plant a tree or plant

5. Read notes from loved ones

6. Watch videos from loved ones

7. Paint and smush your art together

8. Read your favorite passages together

9. Sing or play music.

There are so many creative ways to have a non-traditional wedding. There truly is no rulebook for elopements, and every single one is different. That’s one of the best things about elopements and something I tell my Amores all the time. It’s all about YOU!

Couple at their hot springs colorado elopement

Can I Have Witnesses Even if They Are Not Required?

Yes! Just because witnesses are not required doesn’t mean that you can’t add them to your marriage license.  Depending on the state, you can add 1, 2, or even more witnesses to your marriage license. And because they are not technically required you don’t need to follow the usual rules (that they are over 18, or even human ? ). That’s right – you may be able to have children or even pets sign!

In Colorado, for example, one of my favorite things is to have couples add their fur baby as a witness (just bring an ink pad so they can stamp their paw). ?

He immediately felt like a old friend that we were comfortable around so the stress of a stranger melted quickly. We needed a little guidance and advice since it was just the two of us and he was right there to help. He was very encouraging and made us feel like rockstars. Our pictures turned out even better than I imagined!” – Christine and Bo

What If My State Requires Witnesses and I Don’t Want to Include Guests?

There are many ways to get around the witness requirement if you don’t have guests for your elopement. For one, your elopement photographer can always sign as one witness. If you are hiking or participating in another outdoor activity, you can usually find a fellow adventurer on the trail to sign. People love weddings. Complete strangers will be stoked to share in your special day. You may even make some new friends!

And don’t forget that other vendors that may participate in your day like drivers, hair and makeup artists, or guides can also be witnesses.

If your ceremony location is truly remote, you can always plan to visit a more populated area at some point during the day to recruit some witnesses. Have fun with it! 

What If I Want a Private Ceremony, But Don’t Live In/Can’t Travel to a State the Allows Self-Solemnization?

Even if you aren’t eloping in a state that has self-solemnization, you can still have a private ceremony. One popular option is to have a quick official ceremony at a county courthouse or clerk’s office in your state either before or after your adventure elopement. That way, you don’t have to worry about any of the legal details and can just enjoy your day in whatever way you want.

Many couples also plan a small gathering with family or friends after their elopement to celebrate, so this may be an opportunity to include an officiant and witnesses to make it “official.”

The Bottom Line

Wedding culture is so ingrained in our society that it’s easy to get hung up on the details, especially when it comes to what traditions you may or may not follow. Or what other people think about those plans. But here’s the thing: This is your day. You deserve to have everything exactly how you want it and get married in the way that’s most authentic to you. So if you are asking can you marry yourself, because your dream day does not include an officiant, the answer is emphatically yes!

At the end of the day, your love is what really matters. Not when, where or how you got that piece of paper!

Meet Your Self-Solemnizing Photographer

Hi there! I’m Adam. Elopements are my thing and helping couples make their dreams come true is what puts a smile on my face.

I can help you figure out the best elopement package and help you plan the day of your dreams. If you are excited about creating your perfect day or have questions about eloping or self-officiating reach out. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Want A Free Guide to Plan Your Elopement?

This Guide and Checklist was created to make your life a whole lot easier – so you can just focus on being present and enjoying the moment!

Download the Ultimate Elopement Planning Guide and Checklist

CHECK OUT REAL ELOPEMENTS

see for yourself what it’s actually like

122 Comments

  1. Hi! I know this is sort of off-topic however I needed to ask.
    Does running a well-established website such as yours require a
    lot of work? I am completely new to blogging but I do write in my
    journal on a daily basis. I’d like to start a blog so I
    can easily share my own experience and thoughts online.

    Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips for brand new aspiring
    bloggers. Thankyou!

    Here is my homepage … twicsy review

  2. I don’t even know the way I finished up right here, however I assumed this submit was good. I do not recognize who you’re however definitely you’re going to a famous blogger in the event you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  3. When I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. Is there any method you may take away me from that service? Thanks!

  4. I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
    The issue is something which not enough folks are speaking
    intelligently about. Now i’m very happy I came across this in my hunt for something
    concerning this.

    Have a look at my web blog: buy instagram followers uk

  5. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Firefox. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The design and style look great though! Hope you get the issue solved soon. Cheers

  6. What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & aid other users like its aided me. Great job.

  7. I will immediately snatch your rss as I can’t to find your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me understand in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  8. Way cool, some valid points! I appreciate you making this article available, the rest of the site is also high quality. Have a fun.

  9. There are some attention-grabbing cut-off dates on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There’s some validity however I’ll take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as nicely

  10. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I’m hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing skills has encouraged me to get my own website now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a good example of it.

  11. Wow! This can be one particular of the most helpful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Great. I am also an expert in this topic so I can understand your hard work.

  12. Wow, awesome blog format! How long have you ever been running a blog for? you make running a blog look easy. The total glance of your site is magnificent, let alone the content material!

  13. I conceive this website has some real fantastic information for everyone :D. “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” by Victor Hugo.

  14. Hi! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering
    which blog platform are you using for this website?
    I’m getting fed up of Wordpress because I’ve had problems
    with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
    I would be fantastic if you could point me Preis von dulcolax in Amsterdam the direction of a good platform.

  15. Definitely believe that that you stated.

    Your favorite justification seemed to be at the internet the simplest factor to take into account of.
    I say to you, I definitely get irked while other
    people think about issues that they just do not recognize about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also outlined out the entire thing with no need side effect , folks could take a signal.

    Will probably be again to get more. Thank you

    Here is my web blog :: affordable health insurance

  16. If you wish for to take a good deal from this piece of writing then you have to apply
    these methods to your won webpage.

    Here is my webpage; see post

  17. Hi, i think that i saw you visited my web site so i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to
    enhance my website!I suppose its ok to use some of
    your ideas!!

    my web site Get the facts

  18. Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break.
    I enjoy the info you provide here and can’t wait to take
    a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..

    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, great site!

    my blog post :: https://hypothes.is/users/twin68yz

  19. Everything wrote was very reasonable. But, think on this, what if you were to create a killer headline?
    I am not saying your content is not solid, but what if you added a post title that makes people desire more?
    I mean Can You Marry Yourself? Guide to Self-Solemnization. – Adventure Amore
    is a little plain. You might look at Yahoo’s home page and see how
    they write post headlines to get people to click.
    You might add a video or a pic or two to grab people interested about what you’ve
    got to say. Just my opinion, it could make your posts a little livelier.

    Here is my web blog; poepzakjes voor honden

  20. Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage?
    My blog site is in the very same niche as yours and my users would really benefit from
    a lot of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this alright with you.
    Thanks a lot!

    My blog post :: top hondenbadjas

  21. Excellent blog right here! Additionally your website rather a lot up very
    fast! What host are you the use of? Can I am getting your associate link for your host?
    I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

    Feel free to visit my homepage; honden bodywarmers

  22. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same
    nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

    Take a look at my web site – hundos puppyren

  23. Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better!
    Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He constantly kept talking about this. I most certainly will
    send this information to him. Fairly certain he will have a
    good read. Thank you for sharing!

    Here is my homepage; achat de somnifères suspendol

  24. I think that is among the such a lot vital information for me.
    And i’m glad studying your article. However want to commentary on some common issues, The website style is wonderful, the
    articles is in point of fact nice : D. Just right process, cheers

    Feel free to visit my blog … hek voor honden

  25. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
    Very helpful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot.
    I was seeking this particular info for a very long time.

    Thank you and best of luck.

    Check out my web site: beste puppyren

  26. Greetings from California! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break.
    I really like the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my cell
    phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow,
    very good blog!

    Also visit my web site :: halsband voor hond

  27. Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during
    lunch break. I really like the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my mobile ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, excellent site!

    Take a look at my homepage https://seriouslyfish.com/forums/users/88betks/

  28. Bursa’nın en güvenilir kompresör çözümleri için buradayız! Kaliteli ürünlerimizle verimliliğinizi artırın.

  29. Pretty component to content. I just stumbled upon your website
    and in accession capital to say that I acquire actually enjoyed
    account your weblog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds
    and even I fulfillment you get right of entry to consistently fast.

    Here is my web site – about

  30. Hi exceptional website! Does running a blog like this require a lot
    of work? I’ve virtually no understanding of computer programming however I had been hoping to start
    my own blog soon. Anyhow, if you have any recommendations or
    tips for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off
    topic but I just wanted to ask. Thank you!

    Here is my web site :: survey-fatigue

  31. Hey there! I’ve been reading your site for a long time now
    and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from
    New Caney Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the good work!

    Feel free to surf to my blog post katten mand

  32. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting
    my own weblog and was curious what all is required to get set up?
    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Many thanks

    Feel free to visit my web-site top luxe kattenmand

  33. Hi i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace,
    when i read this piece of writing i thought i could also make comment due
    to this sensible piece of writing.

    Feel free to surf to my site – porn hub

  34. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of
    plagorism or copyright violation? My site has a lot of unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is
    popping it up all over the internet without my agreement. Do you
    know any techniques to help protect against content from being stolen?
    I’d definitely appreciate it.

    Also visit my web-site: visit site

  35. Nice post. I waas checking constantlpy this blog andd I’m impressed!
    Very helpful info particularly thee last part :
    ) I caare for suchh info much. I was seeking this certwin information for a llong time.
    Thawnk you annd best oof luck.

    my site … tight pussy phat ass

  36. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to
    be actually something which I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post,
    I’ll try to get the hang of it!

    Also visit my page :: https://www.reverbnation.com/bong88moe

  37. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both
    equally educative and entertaining, and let me tell
    you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that not enough people are speaking intelligently about.
    I’m very happy that I came across this during my search for something relating to this.

    Also visit my web blog :: matje voor kattenbak

  38. Hi! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that
    would be ok. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.

    My web page; foxmix

  39. I have read some good stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting.
    I surprise how a lot attempt you put to create any such wonderful informative site.

    Here is my web page :: msmarin

  40. Howdy I amm so happy I found your weblog, I really found you byy mistake, while I
    waas researrching on Googlpe ffor something else, Nonetheles I amm here
    now and would just likke to ssay thank yoou for a incredible post and
    a all rounjd exciting blo (I alo love the theme/design),
    I don’t have time too look over iit alll at thee moment but I have
    savced itt aand als dded inn youur RSS feeds, so when I have time I wil be back to reead much more, Pleaase do keepp up the
    awesome work.

    Look into mmy webpage :: https://ai-porn.click/brasileiras/

  41. May I simply say what a relief to discover a person that truly understands what
    they are talking about over the internet. You certainly realize how to
    bring an issue to light and make it important. More
    and more people should look at this and understand this side of the story.
    I can’t believe you are not more popular since you definitely have the gift.

    Here is my web site :: kitten tuig

  42. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but
    instead of that, this is great blog. A fantastic read.
    I will definitely be back.

    Here is my blog: snack voor katten

  43. Hello, I think your site might bee haaving broweer compatibility issues.
    Whhen I look at your website inn Chrome, iit looks fine but whe oopening
    in Internet Explorer, iit haas spme overlapping.
    I just wanted to giove youu a quck heads up! Otherr then that,
    terrific blog!

    Feeel fre to suyrf to my bblog post: https://ai-porn-gen.com/woman-in-lingerie

  44. Howedy would you ind staging which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m lookingg tto srart myy oown blogg in tthe nedar futhre but I’m havig a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reson I aask is because yokur design and stgle seems different then most blogs
    andd I’m looking for something unique. P.S Apologies for being off-topic bbut I hhad tto
    ask!

    Here is my wweb page … https://ai-porno.net/annarella-bono-sexy-nudes.html

  45. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but
    I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me.
    I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

    my blog; top placemat kat voerbak

  46. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post
    seem to be running off the screen in Safari.

    I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to
    do with internet browser compatibility but I thought
    I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though!
    Hope you get the issue resolved soon. Many thanks

    My page – mag een kat kaas

  47. Unquestionably believe that which you said.
    Your favorite reason seemed to be on the internet the easiest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I definitely get irked while people
    think about worries that they plainly don’t know about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having
    side-effects , people could take a signal. Will probably
    be back to get more. Thanks

    my website … ai-porn-art.com

  48. First off I would like to say great blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to
    ask if you do not mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and
    clear your head prior to writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out there.

    I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the
    first 10 to 15 minutes are usually lost just trying to figure out
    how to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Many thanks!

    my web page :: aipornpictures.org

  49. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
    I’m quite sure I will learn a lot of new stuff right here!

    Best of luck for the next!

    my blog … madepics.net

  50. Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form?

    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one?
    Thanks a lot!

    Feel free to visit my page – pornmidjourney.com

  51. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for
    me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
    Exceptional work!

    Check out my site – midporney.com

  52. It’s really a cool and useful piece of info. I am glad that you just shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  53. My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs. But he’s tryiong none
    the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on various websites for about a
    year and am anxious about switching to another
    platform. I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can import all my wordpress content into it?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Here is my web blog :: ai-porn-maker.com

  54. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *