how much does ordination cost by state ohio

How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained Online in Ohio to Officiate a Wedding?

Published Tuesday, Nov. 21st, 2023

Learn how much it costs to become an ordained minister online in Ohio, whether you’ll pay more for minister registration to officiate a wedding, and how the cost of popular online ordination services compare, including free ordination through American Marriage Ministries.

Want to get ordained in Ohio to officiate a wedding, but aren’t sure how much it costs?

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

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 47,000 ministers in Ohio (and counting!).

Are there additional costs to officiate a wedding in Ohio?

Yes : Ohio does require ministers to register with the state before performing a marriage ceremony – this means that once you’ve been ordained, you’ll need to purchase ministry credentials and register this proof of ordination with your local clerk’s office.

These credentials can be ordered from the AMM Store:

► ORDER YOUR MINISTER CREDENTIALS HERE

AMM's Minister Ordination Package includes everything you'll need.

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

If you’re researching how and where to get ordained online in Ohio, and believe that all people have the right to get married and officiate weddings, AMM might be a great fit 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 match for your needs and beliefs. Some of these options are free, while others charge a fee.

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 Ohio. 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 to officiate weddings in Ohio

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.

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.