AMERICAN WEDDINGS BLOG
Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers.
Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers.
Published Tuesday, Dec. 26th, 2023
This will probably be a shorter article than you’re expecting… Because online ordination with American Marriage Ministries is always free in New Mexico!
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 more than 8,000 ministers in New Mexico.
Photo: pressmaster / Adobe Stock
AMM Ministers can officiate all types of ceremonies in NM, including LGBTQ+ weddings and elopements
No: New Mexico doesn’t require ministers to register with the state before performing a marriage ceremony – this means that once you’ve been ordained, 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 hand in case you need to verify your credentials. These credentials can be ordered from the AMM Store:
Above: AMM's Minister Ordination Package
If you’re researching how and where to get ordained online in New Mexico, 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.
As mentioned above, AMM offers free online ordination to people of all faiths and backgrounds, and our ordinations are legally recognized in New Mexico. 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.
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.
What comes in the AMM Minister Ordination Package, and is it worth the cost? We review each product included in this unique package. Read the full article here.
Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!