A wedding is a joyous occasion, and it is a privilege to be able to celebrate a married couple's official legal union with them as the officiant. However, to do so, you must be ordained. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to have a seminary degree to gain the credentials you need to officiate a wedding. Getting an ordained license online through the Universal Life Church is simple, but it's natural to have a few questions about the process.
Is Online Ordination Legal in Every State?
Most areas of the United States accept online ordination without prejudice. Currently, however, Tennessee is an exception, as the state has passed legislation that would prohibit ministers ordained online from performing ceremonies. No matter what state you are in, though, it's important to know the specific steps you need to take to ensure the wedding is legally binding. To review the laws for your state, click on the appropriate location on the map provided. If you are performing a wedding outside the country, be sure to check with local officials regarding ordination requirements.
Is Online Ordination Free?
Before you pursue this career path, it's smart to understand the ordained minister license cost through the organization you choose. To honor the desire to be a minister without imposing potentially prohibitive expenses for some members, the ULC offers free online ordination. The only potential costs associated with the process are purchases, shipping and handling through the online store.
Does My Ordination Have an Expiration Date?
A common question people ask is, "Does an ordained minister license expire?" Some organizations may have an expiration date on ordinations due to the criteria they require for ministers, but once you are ordained by the ULC, it is valid for life. If your ordination has expired elsewhere and you are looking for a more permanent solution, fill out the form on the website to get started.
How Do I Prove I'm Ordained?
Once you have filled out the online ordination form, you will receive a confirmation email. You can then access your online account to acquire the credentials you need for your state. The classic wedding kit is a good place to start, as it includes an official credentials of ministry certificate. You can add on a letter of good standing if needed. Alternatively, couples who are looking for an officiant or officials who want to confirm your ordination status can use the ordained minister license lookup page.
Can I Marry LGBTQIA+ Couples?
The ULC is proud to recognize and celebrate love in its many forms. There are no restrictions through your online ordination for LGBTQIA+ couples. The key to determining whether you can marry them is by looking through state laws. Check with your county clerk's office or research your state's marriage laws online to find out if LGBTQIA+ couples can marry in your area. As long as the state in which the couple resides recognizes the union, the ceremony you perform will be legally binding.
How Do I Perform a Ceremony?
Once you have a minister license, you can officiate a wedding legally. There are extra steps to take to make the ceremony go smoothly. There are many resources on the training page that help you with everything from writing the perfect wedding script for the happy couple to ensuring that you fulfill all the final requirements to make the union legal.
It is a delight to officiate the ceremony that marks the beginning of a happy couple's life together. When you obtain an online ordained minister license, you can be an integral part of their special day.