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How to Become a Wedding Officiant

Everything you need to legally officiate weddings in any US state — ordination options, registration requirements, and state-specific legal details.

Four ways to become an officiant

Online Ordination

Free through ULC or AMM. Takes under 5 minutes. Accepted in ~47 states.

Religious Ordination

Through a denomination or seminary. Universally accepted. Longer process.

Judicial Authority

Judges, justices of the peace, and magistrates. Varies by state.

Temporary Authorization

Some states allow one-time designations (e.g., California's Deputy Commissioner for a Day).

Select your state

AlabamaALAlaskaAKArizonaAZArkansasARCaliforniaCAColoradoCOConnecticutCTDelawareDEDistrict of ColumbiaDCFloridaFLGeorgiaGAHawaiiHIIdahoIDIllinoisILIndianaINIowaIAKansasKSKentuckyKYLouisianaLAMaineMEMarylandMDMassachusettsMAMichiganMIMinnesotaMNMississippiMSMissouriMOMontanaMTNebraskaNENevadaNVNew HampshireNHNew JerseyNJNew MexicoNMNew YorkNYNorth CarolinaNCNorth DakotaNDOhioOHOklahomaOKOregonORPennsylvaniaPARhode IslandRISouth CarolinaSCSouth DakotaSDTennesseeTNTexasTXUtahUTVermontVTVirginiaVAWashingtonWAWest VirginiaWVWisconsinWIWyomingWY

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a wedding officiant?

The fastest way is to get ordained online through Universal Life Church (ULC) or American Marriage Ministries (AMM). It takes under 5 minutes and is free. Once ordained, you can legally officiate weddings in most US states.

Do I need to register after getting ordained?

Most states do not require registration. Notable exceptions include Nevada (county-level registration required), New York City (registration with City Clerk), and Virginia (circuit court authorization required).

Can I officiate a wedding in a state I don't live in?

In most states, yes. Your ordination is generally valid nationwide. However, some states have additional local requirements — always check the specific state guide before traveling to officiate.

Is online ordination legally valid?

Online ordination is accepted in approximately 47 states. Virginia is the most notable exception, consistently refusing to recognize ULC ordinations. A few other states have had isolated county-level challenges.

How much does it cost to become an officiant?

Getting ordained through ULC or AMM is free. Some organizations offer optional credential packages ($20–$50) that include a physical certificate, letter of good standing, and wallet card.