Instant certificate. Valid for life. Legally recognized in Montana.
Get Ordained NowBest months for an outdoor ceremony here: June, July & August (avg 68°F)
Scenic settings for a ceremony: Soda Lakes & The Island
Source: U.S. Census Bureau — 2023 Population Estimates, ACS 5-year estimates & 2020 Census. Wedding estimate: population × Montana's 2023 CDC marriage rate. Ceremony months: NOAA county climate normals, 1995–2024. Places: USGS Geographic Names Information System.
Same-sex couples have married legally in Montana since 2014. The story of marriage equality in Montana →
Plan aheadno waiting period — marry the same day you get the license · 2 witnesses must sign · self-uniting licenses available (no officiant legally required — though we know where you can find one)
Online ordination accepted
No registration required
Documents typically requested:
Montana accepts online ordinations and also allows self-uniting marriages. Verify with the clerk of the district court.
Montana allows ordained ministers and other religious officials to solemnize marriages.
Montana Code § 40-1-301Get 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 Carter County County clerk before officiating.
Confirm Requirements
Call (406) 775-8749 and confirm that Carter County accepts your online ordination. Ask about any documents you’ll need to present.
Prepare Your Documents
Have your ordination certificate ready for the ceremony and to present to the clerk if asked.
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.
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.
Yes — Carter County accepts online ordination for wedding officiants. Montana accepts online ordinations and also allows self-uniting marriages. Verify with the clerk of the district court.
No — Carter County does not require officiants to register before performing a wedding.
2 witnesses must sign the marriage license.
Carter County Clerk's Office — 214 Park St, Ekalaka, MT 59324 — phone (406) 775-8749.
Get ordained with the Church of Pride. $20, instant certificate, valid for life.
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.