American Samoa § 42.0102 - Persons who may perform ceremony.
Full text of American Samoa American Samoa Code Annotated § 42.0102 — Persons who may perform ceremony., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42.0102. Persons who may perform ceremony.
(a) No minister of any Christian religion has authority to solemnize or perform any marriage ceremony without first having registered with the Registrar of Vital Statistics a letter of identity and confirmation of his authority as a minister in the particular church to which he belongs. Any minister performing marriage in violation of this section shall be deemed guilty of an offense against this title. (b) No marriage shall be invalid for a failure by the minister to register such letter of identity and confirmation of authority; if the minister is, in fact, a duly ordained and confirmed member of the clergy of any Christian religion. (c) The following are valid and binding marriages: (1) a marriage performed by a minister of any Christian religion authorized to perform marriages; (2) a marriage performed by an associate judge, or the Associate Justice or the Chief Justice of American Samoa; (3) All marriages solemnized before the enactment of this regulation by any minister of any Christian religion, duly appointed or ordained or reputed to be duly appointed or ordained. (d) No marriage is void by reason only of the same having been celebrated by a person not a duly registered minister if either of the parties to the marriage believed at the time that the person was a duly registered minister.
Source: official American Samoa text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About American Samoa § 42.0102
What does American Samoa Code Annotated § 42.0102 cover?
Section 42.0102 ("Persons who may perform ceremony.") is part of the American Samoa Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of American Samoa. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite American Samoa § 42.0102?
A common citation format is "American Samoa Code Annotated § 42.0102" (American Samoa). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of American Samoa law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the American Samoa official source linked on this page or consult a licensed American Samoa attorney.
How does American Samoa § 42.0102 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in American Samoa can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in American Samoa.