Your Complete Guide To Becoming A Wedding Officiant
So, you’re wondering how to get ordained online. Maybe a friend or family member has asked you to officiate their wedding to add a personal touch. Or perhaps you’re thinking about becoming a wedding officiant as a side gig. Or, like me, you might be an elopement photographer looking to expand your skills and offer a complete package to your couples by officiating their weddings. Whatever your reason, getting ordained online is surprisingly simple. In fact, becoming a wedding officiant is often the easiest part of the job!
The process is straightforward: you fill out a quick form with some basic personal details, and within minutes, you can receive your certificate of ordination. However, the tricky part comes after you’re ordained when you must understand the steps to officiate a wedding legally and lead a smooth ceremony.
But don’t worry — I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to walk you through every step of becoming a wedding officiant. From choosing the right organization for ordination to understanding how to register as an officiant in your state and preparing to officiate a wedding, here’s everything you need to know about how to get ordained online.
What Does It Mean To Get Ordained Online?
Getting ordained online means becoming a legally recognized minister through an online organization. This allows you to perform ceremonies such as weddings. Unlike traditional paths to ordination, like attending a seminary or doing extensive training, online ordination is quick.
Online ordination is recognized in many jurisdictions, but the legality of performing weddings varies on local laws. Some states may require additional steps, like registering with the local government or providing proof of ordination. Others may not require any registration. Always research the specific requirements in the area to ensure your ordination is valid. More about that in this blog!
Why Should You Get Ordained Online?
Getting ordained online offers flexibility in choosing an organization that aligns with your beliefs, especially if you or the couple want to avoid traditional religious affiliations or organizations at the wedding.
Online ordination also allows for a more personalized wedding experience. Couples often prefer a friend or family member to officiate — someone who knows them well and can make the ceremony meaningful. Besides, getting ordained online is cost-effective and quick.
How To Get Ordained Online To Become A Wedding Officiant
Here are the five steps to getting ordained online.
- Choose An Ordination Organization
Several organizations and churches provide ordination for free online, and the process only takes a few minutes. I recommend ULC or AMM because they’re fast and recognized in every state. You can read more about each in this section.
- Complete The Application Process To Get Ordained Online
This is the easiest part! Most organizations only need your legal name, consent, and age to ordain you. Ensure all your information is correct before submitting. Otherwise, you won’t be able to officiate a wedding.
- Understand The Marriage Laws In The State
Check with state and county laws where the couple is getting married to see what you need to officiate a wedding legally. Many states require proof that you were ordained online, which you’ll have to purchase in advance from the organization you got ordained from. Some states require you to register as an officiant before performing the ceremony. This process is easy and quick in some jurisdictions and more difficult and time-consuming in others. More information on finding the marriage requirements for the state where you’ll be officiating in this section.
- Get The Proper Credentials For Your State
Depending on your local laws, you’ll need a certificate of ordination, a letter of good standing, or a signed statement of ministry. It can take a couple of weeks to obtain this documentation from your ordination organization, so make sure you get ordained at least a month before the ceremony.
- Prepare to Officiate The Wedding
Now that you’re ordained online, the real work begins! Many online ordination organizations offer education on how to solemnize a marriage. Don’t forget to talk to the couple and practice before the wedding and rehearsal.
How To Choose Where To Get Ordained Online
A quick Google search of “where to get ordained online” results in multiple options. Some have religious affiliations, others identify as non-denominational. Most people who want to get ordained online are looking for something quick, free, affordable, and valid in the state where the marriage will take place. So, when figuring out where to get ordained online, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you agree with the organization’s values?
- Is the online ordination from this organization valid in the state where the marriage will be performed?
Where You Can Get Ordained Online
To make it easier, I’ve picked out the two top places that offer online ordinations. These organizations are free, legally recognized in all 50 states, and not religiously affiliated. Plus, their application process takes less than ten minutes.
Universal Life Church is one of the most well-known organizations for online ordinations. As an elopement photographer, I’m ordained at Universal Life Church to sign for couples who need an ordained minister. According to the church’s website, celebrities like Conan O’Brien, Lady Gaga, The Rock, and Paul McCartney are all ordained ULC ministers.
It takes seconds to get ordained. All you need to do is submit your full legal name, e-mail, country, and state and confirm that you are over 18. ULC will email you the certificate. Apply to get ordained online at ULC here.
Another straightforward place to get ordained online is American Marriage Ministries. Their online ordination is valid in all 50 states. On their website, they advertise that there are over 1.3 million ordained AMM ministers. To apply, you must provide your full legal name, street address, age, and consent to become a minister of AMM. You can get ordained online at AMM here.
What To Look For When Researching Marriage Laws
Now that you know where and how to get ordained online, it’s time to figure out the laws for the location of the wedding. When you’re researching the local laws around who can officiate a marriage, look for information about the following:
- How old do you need to be to get ordained? Some states require officiants to be at least 21. Most states require 18 years, though.
- Are you required to register as a marriage officiant with the government? More information about this is below.
- Who is in charge of applying for and filing the marriage license? In some states, it is the couple’s job. In others, it is the officiant’s.
- How many witnesses are required? Some states require two, while others allow self-officiating where no witnesses are needed.
- Is there a waiting period for the marriage license and the actual ceremony?
- When does the marriage license expire?
- What information is needed to fill out the marriage license? Ensure you know the title you received at ordination and ask the organization that ordained you what to put for religious denomination or affiliation.
How To Find The Ordination Requirements For Your State
Wedding officiant and marriage laws by state change regularly. It’s best to look up this information to ensure it’s current. Here’s how to find the information you need about getting ordained online. Remember, the marriage laws that apply to you depend on the state where the couple is getting married — not where they (or you) live.
- Check State Government Websites
Visit the state government’s official website where you plan to perform the ceremony. Typically, the marriage laws are under departments like the Department of Health, the Bureau of Vital Statistics, or the Secretary of State. You can also Google the state name + words like “Marriage Licenses,” “Marriage Laws,” or “Officiants.”
- Contact the County Clerk’s Office
Some counties have different requirements for weddings. Even if they don’t, the County Clerk is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and maintaining records. Search for the county where the couple will be getting married and call or email for information about the wedding rules for that jurisdiction. Most offices have detailed information on who is legally allowed to officiate weddings.
- Review Local Legal Statutes
Research the local legal statutes or codes. These are often accessible through a state’s legislative website. These laws will outline who is permitted to perform marriage ceremonies. You can search for terms like “marriage officiant,” “who can solemnize a marriage,” or “marriage laws,” followed by the state where the couple is getting married.
- Use Online Resources
Some websites provide comprehensive information about state requirements for officiants, including those ordained online. Look for online resources with state-by-state guides outlining the legal requirements and steps to register as an officiant. AMM has excerpts from the code of law for each state here. ULC has a state-by-state guide.
- Ask The Ordination Organization
Reach out directly to the organization through which you plan to get ordained (e.g., Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries). They often have staff or resources to help you understand the state’s legal requirements. Many organizations will also explain how to register with local government offices if additional steps are required after ordination.
How To Register As A Marriage Officiant With The State
Some states require you to register with them after you get ordained online. This is why checking the ordination requirements for your state is so important. If the wedding location requires you to register, it’s usually with the county or city office. Depending on the state, you may need to submit an application form, have it notarized, or provide additional proof of online ordination. Some states require additional documentation if you’re not a state resident.
Some locations require in-person registration (like in New York), while others accept mail-in or online registration. You’ll also need to be prepared to pay a registration fee, which varies by jurisdiction.
Depending on the state, processing times can be on the same day or up to 6 weeks (like in Nevada). You’ll receive a confirmation of your registration, usually in the form of an officiant’s license or a certificate of authority. You may have to present this document when signing the marriage license after the ceremony.
States That Require You To Register As An Officiant
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
So You Got Ordained…How To Prep For The Ceremony That You’ll Be Officiating
Now that you’ve been ordained online and understand the legal requirements, it’s time to prepare for the ceremony. As the officiant, your presence and practice are important.
Talk to the couple about:
- What they want their ceremony to look like
- What do the duties of a wedding officiant look like to them
- If you’ll need to be present for the rehearsal
- The dress code for you
- Anything you can’t mention
- Strained relationships, divorces, or drama you should know about
What To Do On The Day Of The Wedding As The Marriage Officiant
- Arrive Early
You’ll want to arrive with plenty of time to spare before the ceremony. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with the venue, confirm the ceremony details, and coordinate with other vendors. You’ll also want to conduct a final run-through of the ceremony with the couple and any participants. Also, make sure the marriage license and any other required documents are ready.
- Officiate The Ceremony
Lead the ceremony according to the agreed-upon script. The marriage ceremony must include the couple’s declaration of intent (the “I do”) and the pronouncement from the officiant, where you announce that they’re legally married. Your role will go beyond that, though, as you manage the time, adapt to any changes, and put the couple at ease.
- Oversee The Marriage License
Immediately after the ceremony, ensure the couple and witness sign the marriage certificate. You will likely have to provide information as well. Ensure all the signatures and dates are correct. Depending on the state or county, it might be your responsibility to return the signed marriage license to the appropriate county or city office in the allotted time frame.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Ordained Online
Who can get ordained online?
Any adult over 18 can get ordained online to perform weddings and, in some cases, other rites. Check with local state and county laws to see if you need to register as an officiant before performing a wedding ceremony.
Is online ordination legally recognized in all states?
All states recognize online ordination as long as it’s from an approved organization. However, some states have different requirements for proving you’re ordained legally. These states often require you to register, and the process can be quick or lengthy, depending on the laws.
How long does it take to get ordained?
Completing the application form to get ordained online takes only minutes. However, obtaining proof of ordination, registering with the state, and prepping for the ceremony can take time.
How much does it cost to get ordained?
Most online ordinations are completely free. However, purchasing proof of ordination and/or registering with the state or county as an officiant can cost money.
Can you self-officiate?
In some states, you’re not required to have a third party witness or officiate your wedding. This is called self-solmization.
The Wedding Photographer Who Goes All-In
As an ordained minister and adventure wedding and elopement photographer, I can help you create a personalized ceremony and capture every moment. From scouting locations to including your important person as an officiant or legally signing the marriage license, I’m here to capture the epic adventure of your love story. Get more information about my elopement packages here.
