A How-to Guide for Getting Someone Ordained

While you need to check with your county and state’s regulations, becoming an officiant is often easier than it seems. You can get ordained online through the Universal Life Church, (ULC) a non-denominational online ministry. The ordination, which is valid in 48 states, is totally free and takes just a few minutes. Your ordination is valid for a lifetime and also allows you to perform baptisms and funerals. ULC “is probably the fastest site, and they have kept records on the ordained for decades, says Francesca. Other ordination sites include American Marriage Ministries, Open Ministry, and First Nation Church & Ministry.

Become deputized in a county that allows you to do so to perform a civil wedding. For example, Francesca says San Francisco County allows individuals to become a deputy for a day. “You will have to fill out some paperwork, pay a little over a hundred dollars, and agree not to use any religious words in the ceremony,” she says. 

 If you want a friend or family member to officiate your wedding, consider whether that person has a “strong clear voice, and comfort reading a script in public,” says Francesa, noting the person must also be dependable, available to arrive early to the wedding, and able to follow through on tasks, such as getting deputized or ordained. Keep in mind that your friend or family member who’s officiating may also have more down time than he or she expects. There’s a bit of lining up and waiting for the ceremony to start. “Know that nearly every wedding ceremony starts a few minutes late,” says Francesca. If your friend or family member decides to get ordained, he or she needs to take the role seriously, including rehearsing the ceremony and filling out the wedding license information. So choose someone who will understand the significance of the task and be honored to lend a hand!