CAN I BE ORDAINED OVER PHONE?
According to our policy, the ordination cannot be conducted over phone, the ordination request should submitted electronically through our ordination form, or be submitted by mail. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET ORDAINED TO PERFORM WEDDINGS?
The ordination does not cost you anything. It is for free and is valid for a lifetime. The ministers are neither charged anything nor do they require any kind of monthly or annual fees.
However, we do rely on your support and help. We will be able to offer free online wedding ordination as well as many other services for free if you make some donations and request for hard copies of your own credentials. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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IS THE PROCESS LEGAL?
A religious institutional status is maintained so that marriages may be officiated by the ministers in the United States. Please keep in mind, the protocol for each county in each state is subject to change. This makes it necessary for you to always carry your credentials so that your status may be verified with local agency, or county clerk issuing marriage licenses, before performing any ritual. The Marriage Laws section will help you know about the several wedding requirements which are given in the listing categorized state-wise.
This information may be taken as general guidelines for conducting of marriage within America. You can also take it as guideline for issues to talk about and discuss to get some more information. Relevant public officials should be contacted to confirm about the latest requirements needed to officiate marriages. Click here to begin the ordination process.
While talking to the local agency or county clerk issuing the marriage license of the couple, you should use some of the following phrases and questions:
One thing to note is that the presiding Chaplain grants you online wedding ordination. You cannot become an ordained minister without the signature of the presiding Chaplin of an authorized organization. After your registration form is processed and reviewed, you will become a registered minister in the United States. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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WHAT IS NEEDED FOR PERFORMING A WEDDING?
It is a requirement of most states that a registration must be done with a local agency or the county clerk’s office in charge of recording marriages, before a ceremony may be solemnized or performed.
Since there are different requirements in every county for the registration process, you will most likely need a proof of the ordination in the form of an Ordination Credential, and may even need a Letter of Good Standing. These documents are normally sufficient for registration. However, some counties may request additional documentation.
Some of the states that demand these are: New York, Hawaii, Clark County (Nevada, Las Vegas), and West Virginia.
For detailed information on the states of New York, Hawaii, Clark County and West Virginia, you can visit the State Marriage and Wedding Laws section. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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WHAT IS THE DATE OF ORDINATION?
The recording of the Ordination Date is done on the day of application and confirmation of the ordination with ministry. You can login to your account to find the Ordination Date.
After logging in, your name, along with the ordination date, will be displayed at the top of the page.
One thing to note is that the registered name will appear in your requested ministerial credentials and other legal documents. So please ensure that the spelling of the name is correct before requesting for any kind of ministerial credentials. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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WHAT INFORMATION DOES THE ORDINATION PROCESS REQUIRE?
Your entire legal name, email address, date of birth, current mailing address, state, county, city along with phone number is needed.
In case your last name has been changed due to marriage, please visit the section “How do I change my name”. If your name has been legally changed or you have reverted back to the maiden name, documentation stating this may be required.
Please note that in case of a questionable name in the application, a proof of the legal name may be required (like a copy of your driving license). Click here to begin the ordination process.
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AFTER ORDINATION, WHAT WILL BE MY TITLE?
Any apt title describing accurately your ministry’s nature, from any spiritual tradition may be used. Generally the title of Minister or Reverend is granted, but you may title yourself according to your personal religious or spiritual organization.
These religious titles will not be displayed in your letter of good standing, wallet card or credentials, since they are legal documents, and titles are not your legal name. Click here to begin the ordination process.
One thing to note is that in case you want a specific title in the credentials, you should read the section “How do I change my name”. Then the title may be added to the first name before you request for credentials.
Also your minister account information will not be updated by requesting Honorary Titles. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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WHERE TO GET ORDINATION?
Applications for free ordination may be made by new ministers by simply clicking on the Get Ordained section located on the navigation panel on the screen’s top. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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HOW DO I PERFORM A BAPTISM?
There may be various different ways to perform a baptism. Many ceremonies, use blessed water for the common way of anointing. This is commonly done in almost every baptism, but the variation lies in the application manner. The water or in some cases fine blessed oil is sprinkled on the child’s head. Sometimes they may be immersed in it once or even thrice, backwards and forwards in a natural water body. For some ceremonies, water is not used; blessed anointing oil is used for baptizing a person.
Some people believe in “Baptism of Believer” and “Baptism of Infant”. According to your congregation’s members and requirements, both may be appropriate.
In case of Baptism of Believer, a conscious choice is being made by an adult for the baptizing in a specific religious group or church. They get choices regarding sprinkling or immersing but ultimately the decision and responsibility of their spiritual growth is their own. During this baptism, you may be required to offer guidance. It may also depend on the belief of a person, beyond the affiliation of the church. It is said that the practice of “Baptism of an Infant” was established during the period of Apostle and during this time children of Christians had to be baptized into particular religious denomination. Generally in case of infant baptism, the child’s guardians or parents speak on their behalf. Most ceremonies include a promise or pledge that is made to the congregation along with the child, stating that the spiritual growth of the child is and will be the accepted responsibility of the parents or guardians. The infant’s guiding factors until he or she is of the age to make choices about their spiritual responsibility are the beliefs and faith of the guardians or parents. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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PERFORMING A CIVIL UNION
As of 2014, 17 states across the nation recognize civil unions and same-sex marriages. If you are performing a gay wedding in one of these states, you have legal authority to do so. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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REGISTERING AS A MINISTER
When you are registering as minister, the entire process is not quite the same as getting registered to solemnize wedding or become a wedding officiant.
When you become a wedding officiant you act as the liaison between the state and the couple and there may be specific requirements of the state for you to register as minister.
In many states there are no implicit requirements of ministers to be registered for the performing of religious duties since according to the constitution, the separation between the state and the church is clearly mentioned. However, if you want to start a ministry of your very own, you should contact your regional chamber of commerce and also any local or state governmental agencies to satisfy any further queries. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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REGISTERING AS A WEDDING OFFICIANT
According to different states and counties, the laws governing the minister registration differ for marriages. Some states require extremely particular obligations to be met while registering as wedding officiant when you have to perform baptisms, weddings or funerals.
For ordained ministers, understanding and acting within their local or state laws is their utmost responsibility. The regulations and rules that are set by the local government must be followed at all times. It is recommended that you ask for your credentials to contact the agency or local county clerk who will issue the marriage license of the couple. Click here to begin the ordination process.
While contacting or speaking to the local county clerk, you can ask some of the following questions:
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DO I GET TO CHARGE FOR THE SERVICES RENDERED
When you become a minister you have the right to charge for the services rendered. When you are performing some ceremony, like a wedding, it is best to discuss with the couple and arrive at an agreement on the amount which is both fair for the couple as well as for you.
When you become a minister, your personal record keeping and tax information is your own responsibility. We do not give any advice regarding the maintaining or keeping of the tax and income records. However, we do suggest that a professional tax specialist’s advice be taken if you are going to start a ministry. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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CAN OTHERS BE ORDAINED BY ME?
If you are an ordained minister with good standing in our organization then we encourage and authorize you to ordain others as well. This is in fact a very important role to be played by you when you become a minister. The ceremony of ordination is up to you, whether you want any or not.
You make it really informal or you could wear your cassock and finest robes to have elaborate ceremonies.
But before the process may be said to be legal, it has to be recorded in the institutes’s directory and registry. To ensure that the records carry your minister’s name you should submit an application at our website after or before the ceremony.
Do note that you cannot ordain others without having their permission and consent. After submitting an ordination, the email address will receive a confirmation to confirm the receipt and after the credentials are obtained they will be reviewed as well as recorded. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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CAN A WEDDING BE PERFORMED OUT OF THE USA BY ME?
We have recognition in the USA and if you want to perform wedding outside the country then you can do the following:
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CAN THERE BE AGE LIMITS ON PEOPLE WHO CAN BE MINISTERS?
Age is not a factor when you want to become a minister. However, some states specify that weddings cannot be registered, solemnized or officiated by a person if he or she is under 18 years of age and that person has to attest to that fact. But the legalities vary from one state to another. You may have to check with the agency or county clerk recording marriages in that region for detailed information regarding age restrictions. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF SACERDOTAL DUTIES?
Special tax guidelines are there for America’s clergy and the IRS definitions must be met by the ministers for the factors. These include whether the minister performs Sacerdotal duties or not. These duties are tasks related to spirituality that are performed by recognized members of any religious society such as ministers and clergy. Here are different ways in which sacerdotal duties are defined by different religions. These days, sacerdotal duties are defined by most religions to include:
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DEFINE NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Generally non-denominational refers to varying forms of independence- theological as well as political. This means a religious disagreement may lead to independence. The concept may lead to some confusion in perception. There are some organizations that claim to be non-denominational since there are no central headquarters; however, there may be affiliations with different congregations. Some other organizations claim to be non-denominational due to their unique belief structures. Click here to begin the ordination process.
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All Other Questions
Do you have other questions not listed here? If so, feel free to reach out to us through one of our different contact methods, and we will try our best to get back to you as soon as we can.
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