Get Ordained To Perform Weddings: A Simple Guide

If you want to become ordained to perform weddings, you can get ordained online for free through the Universal Life Church, Open Ministry, or American Marriage Ministries. However, it's important to note that Virginia is the only state in the US that consistently refuses to recognize ULC ordinations, and some counties in Virginia may not recognize online ordinations at all. If you're planning to officiate a wedding in Virginia, it's a good idea to check with the county clerk's office to see if they will recognize your ordination.

Check the requirements of the county where the wedding will take place

When it comes to checking the requirements of the county where the wedding will take place, it's important to recognize that these requirements can vary from county to county. It is recommended that you contact the local county clerk's office to introduce yourself as a minister and inquire about the specific documents they will need from you.

In some cases, the county clerk may ask to see a number of things, and it's important to be aware that these requirements can differ depending on the location. It is advised that you place your order with plenty of time to receive and present the required materials to the clerk before the wedding.

Additionally, it is worth noting that some states, such as Virginia, may not recognize certain ordinations. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with the clerk in your county for more information on specific requirements and recognition.

• Marriage license waiting period and validity period
• Marriage license return period
• Any specific rules or requirements related to the marriage license in the particular county
• The time and location at which the wedding will take place
• The names and places of residence of official witnesses
• The religious organization with which the officiant is ordained
• The printed name and address of the officiant

Get ordained online

Overview

Getting ordained online is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. It is a great option for those who want to officiate a wedding for a friend or family member. The basic steps for officiating a wedding include checking county marriage laws, acquiring a marriage license, and performing the ceremony.

Step 1: Choose an Organization

There are several organizations that offer online ordination, such as the Universal Life Church (ULC) and American Marriage Ministries (AMM). These organizations are recognized by law and allow you to perform legal wedding ceremonies.

Step 2: Sign Up

Sign-up is usually free and can be completed entirely online. The process is straightforward and does not require any extensive training or courses.

Step 3: Check Local Laws

After becoming ordained, check the local laws of the county where the wedding will take place. Contact the county clerk and introduce yourself as a minister officiating a wedding. Ask about the specific documents they require, as these may vary from county to county.

Step 4: Obtain Credentials

Obtain the required credentials, such as an ordination credential, a letter of good standing, or signed statements of ministry. These can often be purchased from the organization's website.

Step 5: Perform the Wedding

Once you have the necessary credentials, you are ready to perform the wedding! Remember to include the two key elements in the ceremony: the declaration of intent ("Do you take... I do" exchange) and the pronouncement, where you will pronounce the couple officially married.

Step 6: Finalize the Marriage

After the ceremony, don't forget to sign the marriage license along with the couple and their witnesses. Your title will typically be "Minister," the ceremony type is "Religious," and the denomination is often "Non-Denominational." Return the signed license to the appropriate office before the deadline.

Contact the local County Clerk's office

Contacting the local County Clerk's office is an important step in the process of becoming ordained to perform weddings. The County Clerk's office is responsible for issuing marriage licenses and can provide specific information on the requirements and procedures for officiating a wedding in their county.

When contacting the County Clerk's office, it is recommended to introduce yourself as a minister and inquire about the documents they will need from you. These requirements may vary from county to county, so it is essential to contact the office before each wedding. Some of the documents that may be requested include proof of ordination, such as a Letter of Good Standing or Ordination Credential. It is also important to be aware of the timeline for obtaining and returning the marriage license, as there may be specific deadlines that must be met.

In some cases, County Clerks in Virginia may not recognize online ordinations. However, according to the religious non-establishment clause of the First Amendment, all ministers have the right to perform marriage in Virginia, regardless of how they were ordained. If you encounter resistance, you can refer to this legal right and consider contacting a different County Clerk's office.

Additionally, it is worth noting that you do not need to register with the County Clerk in the county where the wedding will take place. Successful registration with any County Clerk in the state gives you the permission to officiate weddings anywhere in Virginia. This means you have multiple options for registration if needed.

Overall, contacting the local County Clerk's office is a crucial step in becoming ordained to perform weddings. They can provide specific information on the requirements and procedures, ensuring that you have the necessary documentation and are aware of any deadlines or special considerations.

Obtain a valid marriage license

A marriage license is a legal document that proves you are allowed to marry. It is different from a marriage certificate, which proves that you are married. The license is obtained before the wedding, and the certificate is obtained after.

Marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk's office in the jurisdiction where the marriage will take place. The couple being married will be the ones to pick up the license, but as an officiant, it is your responsibility to understand the rules for marriage licenses in the state and county where the wedding will take place. For example, if the couple is getting a license from Fairfax County, then make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of Fairfax County to help make sure the couple is doing everything correctly according to the law.

Marriage licenses typically expire, so it is important to know the wedding date in order to stay within the license's specific deadline. In Virginia, for example, marriage licenses are valid for 60 days. In New York, they are valid for 60 days. In California, they are valid for 90 days. In Hawaii, they expire after 30 days, and in Oregon, they are valid for 60 days. Most marriage licenses expire within 30 days to a year, depending on the issuing state.

To obtain a marriage license, you will need to bring certain documents to the county clerk's office. These typically include:

• Proof of identity: This could include a driver's license, passport, or military ID. Some states may also require a birth certificate.
• Information about your parents: This may include their full birth names, birth dates, birth states, and dates of passing (if applicable).
• Certificate of divorce or death certificate (if applicable): If it isn't your first marriage, you'll need to bring your certificate of divorce or the death certificate of your former spouse.
• Parental permission (if under 18): If you're under 18 years old, you'll likely need permission from a parent or both parents to wed. Some states may even require you to obtain a court order as additional documentation.
• Name change documentation (if applicable): If you're planning on changing your name, you can do so at this time.
• Fee: There is typically a fee to apply for a marriage license, ranging from $35 to $150 depending on the state and county.

Once you've proven your identity, turned in your paperwork, and paid your fee, you'll be granted a marriage license. Some states will hand you the marriage license right then and there, but others will mail it out to you within a few days.

Prepare for the wedding ceremony

9 Months Before the Wedding

As soon as the wedding date is set, meet with the couple to discuss their expectations of the ceremony and review any registration requirements. You will need to make sure you have copies of your credentials and fill out any necessary applications to complete the registration process. If you haven't already, get ordained online through websites such as Universal Life Church, American Fellowship Church, Rose Ministries, and Universal Ministries.

6 Months Before the Wedding

Now that you have a clear understanding of the couple's vision, you can start writing an introduction and putting together the text that will surround the readings, exchanging of vows, exchanging of rings, and the pronouncement of marriage. Infuse the ceremony with sweet stories about the couple and heartfelt sentiments. Jokes can be great, but don't take it too far.

3 Months Before the Wedding

Before the ceremony rehearsal, take time to practice reading through your script. Make notes about where to pause for effect and practice saying words that might get stuck on your tongue. This is a great way to get used to what you'll be saying to minimize how emotional you may be on the wedding day.

1 Month Before the Wedding

Even if you write the ceremony, it's up to the couple to finalize the plan. Though some couples want to be somewhat surprised during the ceremony, it's always a good idea to have them take a look at your introduction and any statements you might make about their relationship. Be receptive and accommodate any changes they request.

The Day Before the Wedding

Now's the time to triple-check that you've got all your bases covered. If you’re performing any other special unity ceremonies, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything set up and ready to go. For example, if the couple wants a unity candle ceremony, you’ll need to have matches, a lighter, and a table prepared. Also, be sure to ask who will be in possession of the rings so that there’s no confusion when it comes to the handoff and exchange of the rings during the ceremony.

The Day of the Wedding

Make sure you have your ceremony script on hand, along with a few extra copies just in case. You'll also want to bring along copies of the couple's vows as a backup, as well as any readings that take place during the ceremony. Stay calm and confident as you guide the ceremony.

Frequently asked questions