Ulc Ministers: Officiating Weddings Legally In Ohio

If you're planning to get married in Ohio, or you're planning to become a wedding officiant to perform a marriage ceremony in the Buckeye State, there are a few things you should know.

First, ministers ordained through the Universal Life Church (ULC) can perform weddings in Ohio, and they have done so for thousands of couples over the years. However, ULC ministers must register as officiants with the Secretary of State in Ohio and present their credentials and letters of good standing to receive a special license that grants them temporary permission to perform weddings in the state.

In addition, there are some basic steps that everyone must follow to officiate a wedding in Ohio:

1. Become Ordained as a Minister: To officiate a wedding, you must first be ordained as a minister, which grants you the authority to perform legal wedding ceremonies.

2. Contact the Relevant Marriage Authority Office: Before officiating a wedding, you may need to show official credentials to prove your status as a minister. This is usually done through a county clerk, who may ask to see documentation such as your ordination credential or a letter of good standing.

3. Officiate the Wedding Ceremony: With your credentials in order, it's time to plan for the big day! Keep in mind that the couple may ask you to write the ceremony script, so be prepared to create a full wedding ceremony script or consult resources for guidance.

4. Make the Marriage Official: After the ceremony, the final and most important step is to fill out and sign the marriage license with the couple and ensure it's returned to the issuing office before the deadline.

ULC ordination and Ohio marriage laws

Yes, ministers ordained through the Universal Life Church (ULC) can officiate weddings in Ohio. ULC ministers have successfully performed thousands of weddings in the state. However, there are a few important steps and requirements to keep in mind to ensure that the ceremony is legally recognized.

Steps to Officiate a Wedding in Ohio as a ULC Minister:

• Get Ordained: The first step is to become an ordained minister with the ULC. This process is straightforward, fast, free, and good for life.
• Check County Marriage Laws: Marriage laws can vary by state and county, so it is important to review the specific laws and requirements for the county in Ohio where the wedding will take place.
• Acquire Ohio Marriage License: The couple must obtain a marriage license from the county probate court. The license is valid for 60 days, with no mandatory waiting period, and must be returned within 30 days of the ceremony.
• Register as an Officiant: In Ohio, ULC ministers must register as officiants with the Secretary of State. This requires presenting credentials and a Letter of Good Standing to receive a special license granting temporary permission to perform weddings in the state.
• Perform the Ceremony: With all the necessary paperwork in order, the ULC minister can perform the wedding ceremony. The minister must ensure that the couple properly fills out the marriage certificate, which must be filed with the appropriate probate court within 30 days of the ceremony.

Ohio Wedding Officiant Requirements:

• Registration: ULC ministers must register at the state level, not the county level, by contacting the Ohio Secretary of State's office and providing necessary documentation.
• Minimum Age: The minimum age to officiate a wedding in Ohio is 18 years.
• Documentation: It is recommended to order a Classic Wedding Set and an Official Letter of Good Standing from the ULC Minister Store to satisfy Ohio's minister registration requirements.
• Timing: It is important to order the required materials well in advance of the wedding (at least three weeks prior) to avoid any last-minute issues.

By following these steps and requirements, a ULC minister can legally officiate a wedding in Ohio and ensure that the ceremony is properly recognized and recorded.

Minister registration in Ohio

To register as a wedding officiant in Ohio, you must first get ordained online. This can be done by finding a website that offers online ordinations that reflect your values. Once ordained, you will need to register with the Ohio Secretary of State. This is a simple process that can be completed by mail.

Minister Registration Requirements

• Completed Application for Minister's License to Perform Marriage
• Ministry Credentials (Ordination Certificate or Letter of Good Standing)
• A $10 check or money order payable to the "Ohio Secretary of State"

Where to Send Your Application

Mail your application, credentials, and check or money order to:

Ohio Secretary of State Minister's License

180 East Broad Street, Suite 103

Columbus, OH 43215

Provided there are no complications, the Secretary's office takes no more than 2-3 days to process your application. Factoring in shipping time, it is recommended that you allow for one week before you hear back.

Contact Information for the Ohio Secretary of State

• Phone: 614.466.8770
• Toll-Free: 877.767.3453
• Email: [email protected]

Additional Notes

Ohio has stricter minister registration rules than almost every other state in the country. In Ohio, every ordained minister needs to register with the Secretary of State before they will be permitted to legally perform a wedding.

Ohio marriage license requirements

Who Can Get Married in Ohio?

Anyone can get married in Ohio, even if they are not a resident of the state. However, there are some restrictions on who can marry whom. Marriages can only occur between people who are not closer in blood than second cousins, and who do not have living spouses. Same-sex marriage is recognised in Ohio.

Where to Apply for a Marriage License

Marriage licenses are issued by each county's Probate Court. If you are a resident of Ohio, you can apply in the county where either applicant resides. If you are not a resident, you must apply in the county where the wedding will take place.

How to Apply for a Marriage License

Both parties must be present for the entire duration of the application process, unless an appropriate legal exception applies. Some counties allow online applications, while others require in-person appointments. It is best to check with your local Probate Office to find out their specific requirements.

Required Documentation

Both parties will need to provide basic information about themselves, including:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• City of residence
• Name of their intended officiant
• Mother's and father's maiden names

If either party has been married before, they will need to show relevant divorce documents and the names of the previous spouse and any children of the marriage. Supporting documents can include a driver's license, passport, birth certificate, immigration records, and professional licenses.

Fees

The fee for a marriage license varies according to the county, ranging from $40 to $75. Some counties may charge an additional fee for paying with a credit card.

Waiting Period

There is no waiting period for marriages in Ohio. Once the marriage license has been issued, the marriage can take place immediately. However, the license is only valid for 60 days, so the ceremony must take place within this time frame.

Returning the Marriage License

The signed and completed marriage license must be returned to the issuing office within 30 days of the ceremony.

The role of a wedding officiant

The wedding officiant plays a significant role in the wedding ceremony and is responsible for various tasks before, during, and after the wedding. The role of a wedding officiant can be performed by different people, including religious leaders, civil officiants, professional officiants, or even friends and family members of the couple. The specific requirements and recognition of officiants vary by state, and in some cases, additional registration or licensing is needed.

Before the Wedding

Before the wedding, the officiant works closely with the couple to craft the ceremony, which may include personal vows, readings, music selections, and other unique touches. They also ensure that the couple understands the legal requirements for marriage in their state and help them obtain the necessary marriage license. Officiants may also provide premarital counselling and assist with wedding rehearsal planning.

During the Wedding

During the wedding, the officiant is responsible for leading the ceremony and ensuring it flows smoothly. They guide the couple and guests through the rituals, vows, and ring exchange. The officiant also acts as a friendly reminder that the wedding is about the couple and their love story. They may share details about the couple, such as how they met or unique aspects of their relationship, to personalise the ceremony.

After the Wedding

After the wedding, the officiant has the important task of signing the marriage license, which certifies that the couple is legally married. They may also be responsible for returning the completed marriage license to the appropriate authorities and providing the couple with a copy for their records. Additionally, the officiant may continue to offer support and guidance to the couple through premarital counselling or other preparations as they transition into married life.

In Ohio

In Ohio, ministers must register at the state level by contacting the Ohio Secretary of State's office and providing the necessary documentation. Online ordinations, such as those from the Universal Life Church, are recognised in Ohio, but ministers must register and obtain a special license to perform weddings in the state. Ohio also has specific requirements for marriage licenses, including a validity period of 60 days and a return period of 30 days after the ceremony.

Finalising the marriage

Signing the Marriage License:

After performing the wedding, the officiant, couple, and their two witnesses must sign the marriage license. The officiant's title on the license will be "Minister", the ceremony type is "Religious", and the denomination is "Non-Denominational". No license number is required.

Returning the Marriage License:

It is essential to return the signed marriage license to the issuing office within the specified deadline. In Ohio, the signed marriage license must be returned within 30 days of the wedding ceremony. Ensure that the deadline is met to finalise the marriage legally.

Marriage Certificate:

Consider providing the couple with a commemorative marriage certificate to mark their special day. This certificate serves as a tangible reminder of their union and can be customised to include their names, the date of the ceremony, and other relevant details.

Understanding Marriage Laws:

Familiarise yourself with the marriage laws in Ohio, which are primarily outlined in Title 31 of the state code. These laws define the legal requirements for finalising a marriage, including the authorisation of ordained ministers from the Universal Life Church to solemnise weddings.

Ordination Credentials:

Keep your ordination credentials and a Letter of Good Standing readily available. These documents may be requested by the relevant marriage authority office to verify your status as a minister. Staying organised with your paperwork ensures a smooth process when finalising the marriage.

Connect with the Couple:

Frequently asked questions