How to Get Ordained Online to Officiate a Wedding

Legal & Ordination

Getting ordained online is usually the very first step toward officiating a wedding, and it’s simpler than most first-timers expect. Here’s exactly how it works.

Step 1: Choose an ordination organization

The two most commonly used are:

• Universal Life Church (ULC) — free ordination, widely recognized, instant online certificate.
• American Marriage Ministries (AMM) — also free, similarly widely recognized.

Both are legitimate, non-denominational organizations that ordain anyone who completes their online form, regardless of religious belief.

Step 2: Complete the online form

This takes about 5-10 minutes: your name, contact information, and confirmation that you agree to their terms. No interview, background check, or religious test is required.

Step 3: Confirm you’re ordained

You’ll typically receive immediate confirmation by email, along with a digital ordination certificate. Some officiants order a physical card or certificate as a keepsake, but it’s not legally necessary in most places.

Step 4: Check your specific state and county requirements

This is the step people skip — and shouldn’t. A handful of states (and some individual counties) have additional requirements: registering your ordination with the county clerk, providing your ordination paperwork in advance, or in rare cases, not recognizing online ordination at all. See our state-by-state legal guides or call the county clerk’s office directly.

Step 5: Keep your ordination proof accessible

Bring a copy of your ordination certificate (digital or printed) to the wedding, along with the marriage license paperwork. Some counties ask for this when the license is filed.

What happens after you’re ordained

Once ordained and confirmed with the relevant county, you’re legally able to officiate. The next step is preparing the ceremony itself — see our full checklist and timeline kit for what to do week by week between now and the wedding.