What States Allow Self-Solemnization? (Where You Can Marry Without an Officiant)

What states allow self-solemnization? Self-solemnization (sometimes called a self-uniting marriage) means you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant. No pastor, no judge, no stranger standing between you — just the two of you signing the paperwork and calling it official.

For couples eloping, this is huge. It means more privacy, more flexibility, and fewer logistics to worry about.

Couple exchanging vows during a private Lake Tahoe elopement ceremony, an example often searched when learning what states allow self-solemnization.

What States Allow Self-Solemnization? (Quick List)

These states legally allow couples to marry without an officiant.

States where couples can legally marry themselves without an officiant include:

Colorado
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
Illinois
California (with a confidential marriage license)
Nevada (limited circumstances)
Kansas (religious exemption)
Maine (religious exemption)
Washington D.C.

Self-solemnization means a couple can legally marry without an officiant, performing their own ceremony and signing their marriage license themselves.

Self-Solemnization Laws by State

State	Officiant Required	Witnesses Required	Notes
Colorado	No	No	Most flexible option
Pennsylvania	No	Yes	Self-uniting license
Wisconsin	No	Yes	Religious declaration
Illinois	No	Sometimes	Religious exemption
California	No	Yes	Confidential license option
Nevada	No	Yes	Limited situations
Kansas	No	Yes	Religious exemption
Maine	No	Yes	Religious exemption
Washington D.C.	No	No	Simple self-officiating process

Colorado Self-Solemnization

Colorado is one of the easiest places in the United States to self-solemnize a marriage. Couples do not need an officiant or witnesses, which means you can legally exchange vows and sign your marriage license yourselves.

Because of how simple the process is, Colorado has become one of the most popular places for couples planning an intimate elopement.

Self-Solemnizing a Marriage in California

California allows couples to self-solemnize if they apply for a confidential marriage license. This license allows the couple to perform their own ceremony without an officiant.

The confidential license also keeps the marriage record private, which is appealing for couples planning a more intimate elopement experience.

Pennsylvania Self-Uniting Marriage License

Pennsylvania offers something called a self-uniting marriage license. This allows couples to legally marry without an officiant, though witnesses are usually required to sign the license.

Self-uniting licenses originally came from Quaker marriage traditions but are now available to couples of any belief system.

Washington D.C. Self-Officiating Marriage

Washington D.C. allows couples to apply for a self-officiating marriage license, which means you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant or witnesses.

This makes Washington D.C. another popular destination for couples planning an intimate elopement.

Couple standing above a waterfall during a mountain elopement, representing the freedom couples seek when researching what states allow self-solemnization.

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Solemnization

Can you marry yourselves without an officiant?

Yes — this is called self-solemnization or a self-uniting marriage. In certain states, couples can legally perform their own ceremony and sign their marriage license without an officiant.

What is a self-uniting marriage license?

A self-uniting license allows a couple to legally marry without an officiant. Instead, the couple signs the license themselves after exchanging vows.

Is a self-solemnized marriage legal in all states?

Yes. Once legally recorded in the state where the marriage occurred, it is recognized nationwide under U.S. law.

Couple walking through a fall landscape during an intimate elopement, a moment often imagined by couples researching what states allow self-solemnization.

States That Allow Self-Uniting for Religious Reasons

Some states technically require a reason tied to religious belief, but do not require proof.

California
You’ll need a Confidential Marriage License. No officiant required — just the two of you.
Nevada
Allows self-solemnization under specific religious circumstances.
Kansas
Permitted for religious reasons, no officiant required.
Maine
Allows self-solemnization under religious belief exemptions.

States That Require an Officiant

Most states still require an officiant to legally perform the ceremony. That said — this doesn’t have to feel formal or awkward.

✨ Many elopement couples choose:

A close friend or family member getting ordained
Or a photographer-officiant combo (👋 hi, that’s us)

Couple exchanging vows during a mountain elopement ceremony, a moment that reflects why couples research what states allow self-solemnization.

Why Couples Love Self-Solemnizing When Eloping

Total privacy — no extra people
More intimate and personal
Easier logistics for adventure elopements
Perfect for “just us” ceremonies
No awkward stranger energy during your vows

It’s especially popular for mountain elopements, sunrise ceremonies, and quiet national park days where keeping things simple matters.

Couple exchanging vows on a rocky overlook during a private elopement ceremony, illustrating why couples research what states allow self-solemnization.

Best States for a Self-Solemnizing Elopement

While several states technically allow self-solemnization, a few are much easier than others.

Colorado is the most popular because:

No officiant required
No witnesses required
No residency requirement

This means couples can literally pick up their marriage license, exchange vows privately, and sign the license themselves.

Other popular options include:

California – confidential license option
Pennsylvania – self-uniting marriage license
Washington D.C. – simple self-officiating process

For couples who want a completely private elopement experience, these locations are usually the easiest to work with.

Bride reading vows during an intimate outdoor elopement ceremony with family present, a type of ceremony couples consider when researching what states allow self-solemnization.

Important Things to Know Before You Decide

Laws vary by state and sometimes by county
Marriage licenses must still be filed properly
Witness requirements can differ
Confidential vs public licenses matter (especially in California)

This is where having someone guide you through it makes everything way less stressful.

If you’re considering a self-solemnizing ceremony, you might also want to read my guide on how to elope in California or explore the best places to elope in Lake Tahoe or Yosemite National Park.

Couple sharing a kiss after their intimate elopement ceremony, a moment many couples imagine when researching what states allow self-solemnization.

Thinking About Self-Solemnizing Your Elopement?

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back, intimate elopement — especially in California, Lake Tahoe, or Yosemite — I help couples figure out exactly what’s legal, what’s required, and what will make the day feel the most like you.

👉 Reach out here to start planning your elopement day (and skip the unnecessary stress).

Helpful Elopement Resources

How to Elope in California
Best Places to Elope in California
How to Elope in Lake Tahoe
How to Elope in Lake Tahoe
Why Couples Are Eloping: A More Intentional Way to Get Married
Mountain Elopement | Epic California Mountain Wedding Inspiration
Eloping Then Having a Wedding: How to Do Both and Love Every Minute
How to Include Your Dog in Your Elopement