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How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained Online in Texas?

Published Tuesday, Jun. 20th, 2023


Este articulo en español

Groom twirls the bride while dancing outdoors on their wedding day
How much does it cost to get ordained online in Texas? Your minister ordination is always free with AMM! Become a minister and wedding officiant today! (Photo: Omar Lopez / Unsplash)

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

 

 

Ask AMM: How much does it cost to become an ordained minister online? 

 

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

 

 

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 107,000 ministers in Texas. 

 

 

 

Are there additional costs for officiating a wedding in Texas? 

 

No: Texas doesn’t require ministers to register with the state or obtain a license before performing a marriage ceremony – this means that once you’ve been ordained online, you’re qualified to officiate a wedding anywhere in the state and don’t need to purchase additional documents. 

 

 

However, it’s recommended that you order proof of your ordination for your records to have on handin 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

 

Product photo of AMM's standard minister ordination package, with an official ordination certificate, minister manual, letter of good standing, and other credentials

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 Texas? 

 

Yes! Online ordained ministers are recognized clergy in Texas 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. 

 

 

 

Young newlyweds stand in front of a window at the wedding venue with their wedding officiant, who places a hand on the groom's shoulder in a supportive way.

Who can officiate a wedding in Texas? In addition to ordained clergy, there are several officials allowed to officiate weddings in Texas, including judges. To see the full list of authorized marriage officiants, visit Texas Marriage Laws: § 2.202
Persons Authorized To Conduct Ceremony

 

 

Are there other low-cost or free online ordination options in Texas?

 

If you’re researching how to become an ordained minister online for free in Texas, 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, online ordination is free through AMM and available to people of all faiths and backgrounds – in Texas and across the U.S. 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.

 

 

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 specific religious views and practices (sign a Statement of Faith), and to the views of each individual church, in order to become ordained. A few low-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. 

...


Next, learn how to officiate a wedding in Texas!

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:

 

 

 

 

 

A young minister smiles at the older couple she is marrying at the wedding altar

Photo: wavebreak3 / Adobe Stock

How much does it cost to become a wedding officiant? Your minister ordination gives you the authority to serve as a Texas 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.

 


 

Read Next: 

 

 

 


Read all Texas Wedding Ideas & Inspiration 

 

 

Photo of AMM Minister Latrice Roman standing in between two newlyweds following an elopement ceremony at her venue in Dallas

AMM interviews Texas wedding officiant Latrice Roman about her new wedding venue and how to create one of a kind ceremonies at an affordable price. Read the full article here.


 

Officiate Weddings in Texas!

 

Read How to Become a Wedding Officiant in Texas

 

Conviértete en un Oficiante de Bodas en Texas

 

 

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

 

♡ Get ordained online with AMM here

 

 

 

How long does it take to become a wedding officiant in Texas? Online ordination is fast and easy with American Marriage Ministries. Once you're ordained, you can begin officiating weddings in Texas right way. 

 


 


Jessica Levey
Jessica Levey

Lead Staff Writer & Illustrator

Jessica loves exploring the history and magic of ritual, the connections between people and places, and sharing true stories about love and commitment. She's an advocate for marriage equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and individuality, and is an ordained Minister with AMM. When she’s not writing or illustrating for AMM, she enjoys city hikes, fantasy novels, comics, and traveling.

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