How to get ordained to perform weddings

A friend or family member asked you to marry them, and now you need to get ordained. Take a breath, because this is the easiest part of the whole job. You can get ordained online in about five minutes, it’s usually free, and there’s no test, no class, and no reason to stress. Here’s exactly how to do it, what it costs, whether it’s legal where you live, and what actually matters once you’re ordained.

How to get ordained online in under 5 minutes

You get ordained through an online church, not through me or this website. Three of them have long, solid reputations, and any one of them works:

1. Pick a church. The Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries, or GetOrdained.org. I don’t officially endorse any one of them, but all three are widely used and have generally good reputations.
2. Fill out the form. It’s just your name and contact info. There’s really nothing to it, and you’ll be ordained in less than five minutes.
3. Check your county. Online ordination is recognized in nearly every state, but laws are old and sometimes aren’t what you’d expect, and a few counties want you to register or show credentials before the wedding. A quick call to your county clerk settles it. I live in Arizona, which doesn’t require proof of ordination.
4. You’re done. Ordination is generally free. The churches make their money selling optional credentials like plaques and cards, which you most likely won’t need. In over 19 years of officiating, I can count on one hand the times someone asked to see proof I’m ordained, and it’s usually the bride or groom’s religious grandma.

That’s it. You’re now legally able to perform the ceremony. The hard part isn’t the paperwork, it’s what comes next.

Why so many people get ordained online

Around half the ceremonies in my town are performed by friends and family who got ordained online, so you’re in good company. It makes sense. Not every couple is on a spiritual path or practices a specific religion, so ordaining a close friend or family member to officiate is a great option, and it makes the day far more personal. According to AnswerThePublic, New York, California, Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and Alabama see the highest number of online ordinations.

Plenty of celebrities have gotten ordained to marry friends too. Here are a few just for fun:

• Jimmy Kimmel
• Hoda Kotb
• Ted Danson
• Tom Hanks
• Emma Stone
• Jonah Hill
• Lady Gaga
• Benedict Cumberbatch
• Conan O’Brien
• Martha Stewart

I’m no celebrity, but it’s how I got started. My best friend asked me to officiate his wedding back in 2007. I was originally ordained through the Universal Life Church, then later went to the University of Metaphysical Sciences and got ordained after finishing their master’s program. Hundreds of weddings later, helping new officiants get this right is what I do.

Getting ordained is the easy part. Here’s what actually trips people up.

Ordination takes five minutes. Delivering a ceremony that doesn’t fall flat takes a little preparation. Non-religious wedding ceremonies don’t have many rules, but there are three things new officiants underestimate most. I’ve written a full guide on each, and they’re worth reading before the big day.

Run the rehearsal like a pro

Knowing how to run the couple’s rehearsal is one of the parts newly ordained ministers most often mess up. Here are the first four of ten things to consider:

1. Review the couple’s notes from your meeting. Make sure you’re aware of any deceased parents, divorced parents, or potentially strained relationships. Every now and then someone is rude, and it’s good to know it’s because that person is stressed over a strained relationship and has nothing to do with you personally. Divorced parents who still don’t get along can easily bring down the positive vibe.
2. Bring a printed copy of the ceremony. On the last page or wherever there’s space, write down the couple’s parents’ names (sometimes last names differ), any children’s names, the coordinator’s name, the photographer’s name, and the DJ’s name. Coordinators often email a timeline to the vendors with this info on it. It always impresses people when you walk up, introduce yourself, and already know their name.
3. Introduce yourself to everyone at the rehearsal and write names down. Members of the bridal party are prospective clients, parents sometimes give gratuity, and fellow vendors give referrals. You’ll also need to know who’s holding the rings so you can invite them up during the ceremony.
4. Ask the coordinator how they like to run the rehearsal. Normally they’ll line everyone up where they’ll stand during the ceremony, practice walking out, then walking back in and lining up, then the officiant runs through the bullet points of the ceremony, and finally everyone practices walking back out again.

Want all ten, plus a downloadable rehearsal guide? Grab the complete wedding rehearsal guide here and then check your email.

Wedding officiant tips that make you look like a pro

There are quite a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years. A few of my favorites:

1. Match your tie to the wedding colors. Ask the couple their colors ahead of time and coordinate your tie. I can’t tell you how many times someone has complimented my tie matching the couple’s colors. It instantly makes you look like a pro.
2. Bring mints. Nothing says professional like handing out mints while everyone is lined up waiting to walk in for the processional.
3. Do a sound check with the DJ. Find a volume that’s comfortable for you before the ceremony starts. When I hear my own voice too loudly it’s distracting, so getting the level right matters.

There are at least five more pro tips here, and the full list of newbie ordained minister mistakes and how to avoid them, like forgetting to ask guests to “please rise” when the bride walks in, then forgetting to seat them again.

Ready to officiate? Here’s what you need next.

Getting ordained takes five minutes. Having ceremony material that sounds good, and knowing how to deliver it with confidence, is what turns a nervous first-timer into the person everyone compliments afterward.

• Ceremony Material, 80+ modern, nonreligious scripts ready to customize ($99)
• Video Training, learn to deliver every section with confidence ($49)
• The Bundle, scripts and video training together, save $19 ($129)

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get ordained online?

Usually under five minutes. You fill out a short form with your name and contact details, and you’re ordained right away.

How much does it cost to get ordained?

The ordination itself is typically free. The online churches make money selling optional credential cards and plaques, which most officiants don’t actually need.

Is online ordination legal?

It’s recognized in nearly every state. A few counties ask you to register or present credentials before the ceremony, so call your county clerk’s office to confirm your local rules.

Which online ordination site is best?

The Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries, and GetOrdained.org all have good reputations. Any of the three works fine, so pick whichever you like.

What do I do after I get ordained?

You’ll need ceremony material and a plan for delivering it. That’s the part most new officiants underestimate, and it’s what my scripts and video training are built to handle.

For a complementary read, see who can officiate a wedding, where I cover the legal rules and where to get ordained in more detail. Questions? Leave a comment below, I’m always happy to help.