How to Officiate a Wedding in DeSoto County, Mississippi
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Instant certificate. Valid for life. Legally recognized in Mississippi.
Get Ordained NowDeSoto County by the Numbers
- Population
- 193,247
- Since 2020
- +3.8%
- Households
- 70,986
- Median Age
- 37.3
- Median Household Income
- $85,297
- Weddings / Year (est.)
- ≈ 1,100
- Same-Sex Couple Households
- 354
Best months for an outdoor ceremony here: May, September & October (avg 70°F)
Scenic settings for a ceremony: Horn Lake, Cow Islands & Lake Cormorant
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2023 Population Estimates, ACS 5-year estimates & 2020 Census. Wedding estimate: population × Mississippi's 2023 CDC marriage rate. Ceremony months: NOAA county climate normals, 1995–2024. Places: USGS Geographic Names Information System. Photos: Wikimedia Commons (click a photo for credit & license).
Same-sex couples have married legally in Mississippi since 2015. The story of marriage equality in Mississippi →
Eloping in DeSoto County?
Elope-friendlyno waiting period — marry the same day you get the license · no witnesses required
Officiant Requirements
✓
Online ordination accepted
✓
No registration required
Documents typically requested:
- Ordination certificate
Mississippi accepts online ordinations with no registration required. Verify with the circuit clerk.
Mississippi State Law
Mississippi allows ordained ministers to perform marriages without prior registration.
Mississippi Code § 93-1-17Marriage License Info
Verified- Waiting Period
- None
- License Valid For
- No expiration
- Witnesses Required
- None
- Blood Test Required
- No
County Clerk Contact
DeSoto County Clerk's Office
2535 Hwy 51 S, Room 201, Hernando, MS 38632
Get directions →Visit website →Step-by-Step Guide
1
Get Ordained
Get ordained online through the Church of Pride for $20. Your ordination is instant, valid for life, and recognized under First Amendment protections. Confirm local requirements with the DeSoto County County clerk before officiating.
2
Confirm Requirements
Call (662) 429-1325 and confirm that DeSoto County accepts your online ordination. Ask about any documents you’ll need to present.
3
Prepare Your Documents
Have your ordination certificate ready for the ceremony and to present to the clerk if asked.
4
Perform the Ceremony
Officiate the wedding ceremony. Make sure both parties and any required witnesses sign the marriage license. Keep the tone personal and celebratory — this is their day.
5
Return the License
Return the signed marriage license before the deadline — confirm timing with the clerk’s office. This is a critical step — the marriage isn’t official until the license is filed.
Resources
DeSoto County Officiant FAQ
Is online ordination accepted in DeSoto County, Mississippi?
Yes — DeSoto County accepts online ordination for wedding officiants. Mississippi accepts online ordinations with no registration required. Verify with the circuit clerk.
Do officiants need to register with DeSoto County before the ceremony?
No — DeSoto County does not require officiants to register before performing a wedding.
How many witnesses are required at a DeSoto County wedding?
None — no witnesses are required to sign the marriage license in DeSoto County, Mississippi.
How do I contact the DeSoto County clerk?
DeSoto County Clerk's Office — 2535 Hwy 51 S, Room 201, Hernando, MS 38632 — phone (662) 429-1325.
Other Mississippi Counties
Ready to Officiate?
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Get Ordained — $20Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage laws change frequently and can vary by county. Always verify current requirements with the local county clerk's office before officiating any ceremony. Information was last reviewed 2026-02-20.