How to Register as a Premarital Course Provider in Your State

Why Registration Matters

In states that offer a marriage license fee discount for completing premarital education, couples need a certificate from a qualifying provider. If you are a therapist, counselor, or clergy member who provides premarital counseling, registering as an approved provider means your couples can receive that discount.

This is good for your practice. It is good for the couples. And in many states, the process is straightforward.

State-by-State Registration Guide

Florida (Save $32.50 + waive 3-day wait)

Who qualifies: Licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), or a clergy member registered with the county clerk.

Requirements:

• Course must be at least 4 hours
• Must cover communication, conflict resolution, finances, children, and commitment
• Clergy must register with the county clerk's office in the county where they practice

Process:

1. If licensed therapist/counselor: Your state license is your qualification. No additional registration needed. Issue a certificate of completion to the couple.
2. If clergy: Contact your county clerk's office to register as a premarital course provider. Bring proof of ordination and a copy of your curriculum.

Statute: FL § 741.0305

Texas (Save $60 + waive 72-hour wait)

Who qualifies: Licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor, licensed psychologist, ordained clergy, or a person authorized to conduct the Twogether in Texas program.

Requirements:

• Course must be at least 8 hours
• Must use a state-approved curriculum from the Twogether in Texas program list
• Providers must complete the Twogether in Texas provider training

Process:

1. Visit healthymarriages.org to apply as a provider
2. Complete the provider orientation training
3. Select an approved curriculum
4. Once approved, you can issue Twogether in Texas certificates to couples

Statute: TX Family Code § 2.013

Minnesota (Save $75)

Who qualifies: Licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed psychologist, licensed professional clinical counselor, or ordained clergy.

Requirements:

• Program must be at least 12 hours total
• Must include at least 3 hours of face-to-face counseling (not just video or workbook)
• Content must cover communication, conflict resolution, and commitment

Process:

1. No formal state registration process — your license or ordination is your qualification
2. Issue a certificate of completion to the couple documenting the 12+ hours and 3+ hours of face-to-face time
3. The couple presents the certificate to the county when applying for the license

Statute: MN § 517.08 Subd. 1b

Tennessee (Save $60)

Who qualifies: Licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor, licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or ordained clergy.

Requirements:

• Course must be at least 4 hours
• Must include conflict management, communication skills, and financial responsibilities

Process:

1. No state registration required — your license or ordination qualifies you
2. Issue a certificate of completion documenting the hours and content covered
3. The couple presents the certificate to the county clerk

Statute: TN Code § 36-3-104

Georgia (Save $16–$50, varies by county)

Who qualifies: Licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or ordained clergy.

Requirements:

• Program must be at least 6 hours
• Must be a recognized premarital education program

Process:

1. No state-level registration — qualification is based on your license or ordination
2. Issue a certificate of completion
3. The couple presents the certificate to the county probate court

Statute: GA Code § 19-3-30.1

Oklahoma (Save $20)

Who qualifies: Licensed minister, rabbi, or other religious leader; licensed marriage and family therapist; licensed professional counselor.

Process:

1. No formal registration — your license or ordination qualifies you
2. Issue a certificate after the couple completes your premarital program
3. The couple presents the certificate when applying for the license

Statute: OK § 43-5.1

South Carolina (Save $25)

Who qualifies: Licensed or ordained minister; licensed marriage and family therapist; licensed professional counselor.

Requirements:

• Program must be at least 6 hours

Process:

1. No state registration required
2. Issue a certificate documenting the hours completed
3. The couple presents the certificate to the probate court

Statute: SC Code § 20-1-230

Utah (Save $20)

Who qualifies: Licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed psychologist, ordained clergy, or certified premarital education provider.

Requirements:

• Program must be at least 6 hours

Process:

1. No formal state registration for licensed providers or clergy
2. Issue a certificate of completion
3. The couple brings the certificate to the county clerk

Statute: UT Code § 30-1-30

What to Include on Your Certificate

While each state has slightly different requirements, a good premarital course certificate should include:

• Provider name and credentials (license type and number, or ordination information)
• Couple's full names
• Dates of the course (start and end dates)
• Total hours completed
• Topics covered (communication, conflict resolution, finances, etc.)
• Provider signature and date
• Contact information for your practice or church

Liability and Insurance Considerations

If you provide premarital counseling as part of your professional practice:

• Ensure your professional liability insurance covers premarital counseling services
• If you are clergy, your church's insurance policy typically covers pastoral counseling activities
• Document your sessions and keep records as you would for any professional service

For a deeper dive on licensing requirements, see our guide: Do You Need a License to Offer Premarital Counseling?

Bottom Line

Registering as a premarital course provider is one of the simplest ways to add value for your couples. Most states do not even have a formal registration process — your existing license or ordination already qualifies you. The key is to meet the hour minimums, cover the required topics, and issue a proper certificate.

Your couples save money. You provide a structured service. Everyone wins.

See all state marriage requirements →