OK SB811

Exempts ministers of the Gospel or similarly situated officiants whose sincerely held faith, doctrine, practice, or conscience forbids state-issued marriage licenses from the requirement to obtain a license before solemnizing marriages within their community of faith.

Requires exempt ministers to provide parties with a written statement advising them they are responsible for obtaining civil recognition of the marriage if desired, and may request signed acknowledgment of receipt.

Protects exempt ministers from civil or criminal liability for solemnizing marriages without a state license upon production of a true copy of the written statement, whether filed with the court or not.

Adds "fraudulent or criminal intent" as a required element for prosecution of persons performing marriage ceremonies in violation of marriage law, changing the offense standard.

Becomes effective November 1, 2015.