Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Getting Ordained
Choosing to become an ordained wedding officiant grants you the privilege of presiding over one of the most important days in your friends' or family members' lives: their wedding day.
The officiant performs the vital role of writing the ceremony script, leading the wedding ceremony, completing their part of the couple's marriage license, and, in some cases, mailing it to the appropriate government office to be filed. Becoming a wedding officiant is an important job and one of the greatest acts of service you can do for a couple you're close to.
When it comes to finding out how to get ordained, the process might be easier (and cheaper) than some realize. However, there are legal requirements that vary by county and state, personal preparations, and certain responsibilities that come with this honorable role. Read on to learn what you need to know about becoming a wedding officiant and how you should prepare.
Choose an Ordination Path
“If you’re not already a judge, ordained minister, or justice of the peace, you’ll need to get ordained,” says Samantha Capone of Three Little Words wedding planning firm in New Orleans, Louisiana.
When you're considering how to get ordained, choosing a path that feels right to you is important. You can consider religious institutions, online ministries, and interfaith organizations.
“The simplest is an online ‘church,’ of which you can pay a small amount and become part of their ‘clergy,’” says Jocelyn Voo, a wedding officiant, photographer, and owner of NYC-based Everly Studios. She cites groups like Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries, or Open Ministry. “There are also more comprehensive organizations, like the Celebrant Foundation and Institute, which offer a multiweek program to educate you on the more thoughtful and artistic aspects of crafting a meaningful ceremony,” says Voo.
A primary deciding factor might include how much time you have before the wedding date — a few weeks versus a year may look like radically different paths. You’ll also want to consider if this is the only wedding you ever plan to officiate or if there’s a chance you’ll preside over more ceremonies in the future.
“If you might officiate multiple weddings, you'll want to properly register as a marriage officiant in that state,” says Voo. “However, if it's for just one special occasion, some states like New York offer 1-day marriage officiant licenses, so you can go directly through the city rather than a third-party organization,” she adds.
Research the Legal Requirements for Your County and State
Since the laws vary somewhat by state, begin by researching the legal requirements for officiating weddings in the jurisdiction where you plan to perform ceremonies. You’ll want to know what credentials or licenses are required or if you need to register with a specific religious or secular organization.
For example, in Capone’s state of Louisiana, the newly ordained party must first register in the parish where the ceremony will occur. So, a newly minted minister in Orleans Parish would take the following steps:
Print the ordination certificate received via email from Universal Life Church (or whichever organization you've been ordained through).
Print and fill out the appropriate affidavit form — but wait to sign it.
Bring the form and certificate to a notary public, sign the form, and have it notarized.
Mail the form to the Office of Vital Records (the address will be on the form).
Wait for the office to send confirmation and your proof of registration as the officiant.
Receiving the officiant proof of registration from the Office of Vital Records can take several weeks, so don't delay in mailing this in!
How Much Does It Cost to Get Ordained?
Public organizations typically offer free or low-cost ordination, while private establishments may have additional membership fees or educational requirements.
“Universal Life Church costs $29.99 (plus shipping and handling) for New York," says Voo. "The current tuition to become a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant is $2,400.”
How Long Does It Take to Get Ordained?
While you want to make sure all of your paperwork for the wedding is filed promptly, getting ordained can happen on the timeline that works best for you.
“The process can range from a few minutes to a few weeks, depending on the organization and the state's requirements," Says Angela Seidman, an attorney based in Fort Worth, Texas. "Online ordination is usually a swift process, while some private organizations may have additional steps or waiting periods.”
Some organizations may also provide basic ordination certificates, while others offer credentials like wallet-sized ID cards, official letterheads, or commemorative marriage certificates. “Membership benefits can include access to resources, networking opportunities, and ongoing support from the organization,” says Seidman.
Tailor Your Ceremony for the Couple and Practice Your Delivery
One of the joys of officiating a wedding is crafting personalized ceremonies that reflect the couple's individuality.
You should consult with the couple to understand their desires, values, and vision for their wedding day. Collaborate with them to create a ceremony that encompasses their story, while incorporating rituals, readings, and symbolic gestures that hold special meaning to them. Tailor each ceremony you officiate to honor their cultural backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, or secular values.
Of course, it's important to practice delivering your ceremony script with clarity, warmth, and poise. Pay special attention to pacing, tone, and gestures. If you have months to prepare, you can even seek out opportunities to practice your public speaking skills by joining an organization like Toastmasters or enrolling in a public speaking course.
Perform the Ceremony and File the Marriage License
When the day of the wedding ceremony finally arrives, your goal is to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere where attendees feel included. Remember, being an officiant goes beyond just conducting a ceremony — it's about connecting with the couple, respecting their wishes, and facilitating a joyous celebration that will be cherished for a lifetime.
After the ceremony, the officiant, the couple, and a witness (if applicable) will fill out the marriage license. Make sure to file this certificate of registry to the recorder of the county in which the license was issued within 10 business days (typically) after the date of the ceremony — this must be done for the couple to receive their final marriage certificate. The license is legal proof of their right to marry, while the certificate is proof the marriage occurred.
In states like Texas and California, marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If the couple does not marry within 90 days, the license will no longer be valid. In other states, they have 30 to 60 days.
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