Whether the person who marries you is a friend or a minister, this is your officiant. The person may be ordained or conduct a civil ceremony.
Each state has its own rules about officiants. Visit Virginia’s http://www.vdh.state.va.us/vital_records/marry.htm to find theirs.
If the officiant is from another state be sure to call the Circuit Court in the county where you will marry for s/he may need to sign a petition and provide a filing fee.
To be a Civil Celebrant or One-Time-Ceremony Civil Celebrant, the individual(s) must reside in Loudoun County. A petition must be filed and a $84 filing fee paid to the Circuit Court. The completed petition will be forward to Circuit Court judge for his review and approval. Once the order has been approved, the petitioner must post a $500 surety bond and take an oath before the Clerk.
the National Association of Wedding Officiants: http://www.nawoonline.com/tips.htm
from Brides.com: http://www.brides.com/wedding-ideas/wedding-ceremonies/2006/12/civil-ceremony-success
from Martha Stewart: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226743/expert-advice-officiant
from ezinearticles: http://ezinearticles.com/?Selecting-an-Officiant-For-Your-Wedding-Ceremony---What-to-Know-Before-You-Walk-Down-the-Aisle&id=4316652
PS:
To obtain a marriage license see http://www.loudoun.gov/index.aspx?NID=1162 or your own courthouse.
