Our Philosophy on Marriage
We believe that every couple has the constitutionally protected right to enter into the institution of marriage on their own terms, which includes the right to choose who performs their wedding ceremony.
American Marriage Ministries is a constitutional church, meaning that our mandate is based on this country's foundational documents and the philosophies that inspired the Founding Fathers during the formative years of this nation. We draw inspiration from all who have advanced society's protections of individual freedoms and rights, from Judeo-Christian and eastern teachings, to the enlightenment philosophers, to name a few.
We source these documents and ideas not as scripture, but as insight into how human beings should treat each other with respect and dignity. You can read our Theological Doctrine for more on this subject.
When it comes to marriage, AMM exists to fulfill a spiritual need that other institutions are not willing to, or unable to provide - access to marriage for all, regardless of religion, sexuality, or other defining traits. As the role of mainstream churches dwindles in the modern era, couples are turning to those that they know and trust to bless their marriage. AMM exist to facilitate this choice.
There are no good reasons why a couple should not be able to choose the person performing this most sacred rite. It is your inalienable right to choose the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, and equally so, the person best fit to bless that union.
What We Believe
- All people, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, have the right to marry.
- It is the right of every couple to choose who will solemnize their marriage.
- All people have the right to solemnize marriage.
Our Philosophy on Ordination
In order to make marriage and its benefits available to all, AMM's online process removes the conventional barriers to ordination, eliminating mainstream churches as gatekeepers to this institution.
Choosing an officiant should be as simple as finding someone that shares the couple's values and beliefs. So, while ordination is an important step, it should not be restricted to individuals that are able to dedicate the long hours and thousands of dollars that many churches demand, especially when it comes to officiating marriages because those costs are ultimately passed on to the couple.
AMM offers an alternative. Our ordination is not contingent upon declaring your exclusive faith and devotion to us, or any other institution. If you have a good-faith intent to perform marriage and, and are committed to upholding our values in this capacity, then we gladly welcome you into our ministry.
AMERICAN MARRIAGE MINISTRIES
Since 2009 we have ordained over 1,184,475 ministers who have performed over 250,000 weddings in all 50 States and Territories.
Meet the Church Board
American Marriage Ministries is an IRS 501(c)3 Public Charitable Organization. We are governed by a board of officers who share a unified understanding that marriage is a right, not a privilege.
Dylan James Wall
Vice-President
As Vice President of AMM, Dylan is dedicated to strengthening the ministry's global fellowship of ministers and providing new officiants with the tools they need to build communities through the institution of marriage. With half a dozen weddings officiated himself, Dylan understands first-hand the challenges that officiants face, and takes their cause personally.
Glen Yoshioka
President
Glen founded American Marriage Ministries in 2009 and has spent the last decade growing the organization's national footprint. It is one of his proudest achievements, and he is grateful for the support of ministers throughout the country who have helped make his dream a reality.
Sara White
Officer
Sarah is proud to serve on the board of American Marriage Ministries because she believes that everyone should have the right to marry the person they love, and have that ceremony performed by a person they love. As a long-serving board member, Sarah has helped shepherd the ministry through its remarkable growth. In addition to serving on the AMM board, Sarah works as a Youth Services Librarian at her local public library, and remains an engaged member of her community
