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

Want to get ordained in Minnesota 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 Minnesota! 

 

• 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 more than 26,000 ministers in Minnesota, and counting.

 

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

Are there additional costs to officiate a wedding in Minnesota? 

 

Yes : Minnesota does require all wedding officiants to register with the state before performing a marriage ceremony – this means that once you’ve been ordained, you’ll need to register with your local County Registrar’s office. At the time of writing, the registration process takes about 30 days to complete, so be sure to start the process early so that you’ll have time to file before the ceremony.

 

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

 

You're not required to submit Minister Credentials with the State of Minnesota when registering as a marriage officiant. However, it's good practice to keep official copies for your own records. 

Proof of your ordination is essential in the event that the couple or government officials request to see proof of your ordination. Therefore we encourage you to order your Minnesota Minister Ordination Package to keep official copies of your ministry credentials. This package includes your official Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing, as well as an AMM Minister's Manual -- a valuable resource for guidance on how to officiate weddings.

 

♦ ORDER 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. Minister credentials are not required to file as an officiant in Minnesota, but they are good to have on hand. See the full package here.

 

 

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

 

If you’re researching how and where to get ordained online in Minnesota, 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 is legally recognized in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota

 

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. 

 

---

 

Read Next: 

 

• How to Officiate a Wedding For the First Time
   
• What to Wear (and Not Wear) as a Wedding Officiant
   
• How to Get Married in Minnesota - Planning a Wedding in The North Star State
   

 

Read all Minnesota Wedding Articles 

 

 

Planning a Minnesota wedding? This short guide will help! Read the full article here.

 

---