Learn the best place to get ordained online for free & officiate a wedding in California! 

 

 

ASK AMM: How much does it cost to get ordained online in California?

 

This will probably be a shorter article than you’re expecting… Because online ordination with American Marriage Ministries is always free in California! 

 

• Get Ordained online for free with AMM here

 

American Marriage Ministries a non-profit, interfaith and non-denominational church that provides free ordination, advocacy, and training for our ministers to ensure that all people have the right to get married and to perform marriage. 

 

To date, we’ve ordained over one million ministers who have officiated weddings all across the United States… including almost 170,000 ministers in California.

 

• How to Become a Wedding Officiant in California
• Conviértete en un Oficiante de Bodas en California

 

Are there additional costs for officiating a wedding in California? 

 

No: California doesn’t require ministers to register with the state or obtain a license before performing a marriage ceremony – this means that once you’ve become ordained online, you’re qualified to officiate a wedding anywhere in the state and don’t need to purchase additional documents. To learn more about California wedding officiant requirements, click the links below:

 

• California Officiant Government Registration Requirements
• Requisitos para Registrarte como Oficiante en California

 

However, it’s recommended that you order proof of your ordination for your records, to have on hand in case you need to verify your standing as an ordained minister. These credentials can be ordered from the AMM Store: 

 

 

♦ ORDER YOUR MINISTER CREDENTIALS HERE

 

Above: AMM's Standard Minister Ordination Package comes with your official ordination certificate, a letter of good standing, an exclusive minister manual, a sample wedding ceremony script, and other materials to help you solemnize your first marriage ceremony like a professional. See the full package here.

 

 

Is online ordination legal in California? 

 

Yes! Online ordained ministers are recognized clergy in California and are allowed to perform marriage ceremonies. This means that once you become an ordained minister online, your right to conduct religious ceremonies of all forms is protected by the religious non-establishment clause of the First Amendment of the US Constitution. 

 

Keep in mind that officiating weddings is the only rite that also involves a legal government component: completing and signing the marriage license. 

 

 

Photo: Rafael Ben-Ari / Adobe Stock

Who can officiate a wedding in california? In addition to ordained clergy, there are several officials allowed to officiate weddings in California, including judges, magistrates, and other government officials. To see a full list of authorized marriage officiants visit California Marriage Laws: § 400 Persons Authorized To Solemnize Marriage. 

 

 

What are so other low-cost or free online ordination options in California?

 

If you’re researching how to get ordained online in California, and believe that all people have the right to get married and officiate weddings, AMM might be the best place to get ordained for you. But we know it’s important to consider all your options!

 

Below, we compare the costs of several internet churches offering online ordination to help you choose the best place to get ordained online for your unique needs and beliefs. Some of these options are free, while others charge a fee. 

 

Online Ordained Minister Cost Comparison: 

Decide the Best Place to Get Ordained Online for YOU! 

 

 

1. American Marriage Ministries: Free

 

As mentioned above, AMM offers free online ordination to people of all faiths and backgrounds, and our ordinations are legally recognized in California. AMM is an inclusive federally-recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit interfaith church. We believe that every couple has the constitutionally protected right to enter into the institution of marriage on their own terms, including the right to choose who performs their wedding ceremony.

 

• Get ordained in California to officiate weddings 

 

 

2. The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster : $59

 

It doesn’t cost anything to be a Pastafarian, but members who wish to become ordained through The Church of the FSM to perform weddings or other ceremonial rites will need to purchase an Official Ordination Pack. At the time of writing, this package costs $59 and can be purchased on the SpaghettiMonster.org website. 

 

3. The Universal Life Church (ULC): Free

 

Originally formed in the early 1960s, ULC follows the doctrine, “Do that which is right.” Several offshoots of this church have formed over the years, including some that aren’t affiliated with the original Modesto church. Ordinations through The Universal Life Church are free, but may not be recognized in all states. 

 

4. Various online Christian Churches: $100 or less

 

There are several online Christian ordination services that offer ordinations for free, or for a fee of $100 or less. It’s important to note that these organizations require ministers / pastors to adhere to their specific religious views and practices (or sign a Statement of Faith), and to the views of each individual church, in order to become ordained. A few lower-cost Christian options include Minister Now ($25 at time of writing); Christian Harvest Church ($78 at time of writing); and the National Association of Christian Ministers.

 

In addition to the few listed here, there are many other organizations providing online ordination for free or for a fee. Research your options carefully to choose the best ordination for your needs, beliefs, and budget. 

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Next, learn how to officiate a wedding in California!

Become a friend officiant, or take the leap as a professional wedding officiant! 

 

After you get ordained, it’s time to learn about your role as a wedding officiant! You can continue your education as a minister and wedding officiant with American Marriage Ministries. Start for free, or invest in a low cost training course!

 

The links below offer useful resources for first time officiants and those considering professional officiant training:

 

• Free Wedding Officiant Training
   
• Low Cost Professional Wedding Officiant Training Online: Courses

 

• Officiant Accelerator: Live Officiant Training Seminars

 

• Officiants Online: Virtual Lectures and Events

 

 

Photo: Carsten Vollrath

How much does it cost to become a wedding officiant? Your minister ordination gives you the authority to serve as a California wedding officiant: There is no additional cost to get started, although you may choose to purchase ministry credentials to have in your records, or invest in a professional officiant training course as you continue on your journey.

 

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Read Next: 

 

• How to Get Married in California - Planning a Wedding in The Golden State

 

• Todo lo que necesitas saber acerca de las licencias matrimoniales confidenciales del estado de California

 

• Everything You Need to Know About California’s Confidential Marriage Licenses

Read all California Wedding Ideas & Inspiration

 

 

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Officiate Weddings in California!

 

Read How to Become a Wedding Officiant in California

 

Conviértete en un Oficiante de Bodas en California

 

Friends and family members can officiate a wedding in California if they’ve been ordained. Online ordination is free and easy with American Marriage Ministries. 

 

♡ Get ordained online with AMM here

 

 

 

 

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Free Online Wedding Officiant Training

 

Visit Wedding Officiant Training for free resources on how to officiate a wedding for the first time. You'll find information on the basic parts of a wedding ceremony, what your legal responsibilities are and how to fill out the marriage license, how to write a custom wedding ceremony script for the happy couple, and advice for the wedding day. 

 

 

Visit AMM Wedding Officiant Training 

 

 

 

 

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