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

 

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

 

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

 

• 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 42,000 ministers in North Carolina and counting.

 

• How to Become a Wedding Officiant in North Carolina
• Conviértete en un Oficiante de Bodas en North Carolina
• Can I perform weddings in North Carolina as an American Marriage Ministries Minister?

 

 

Are there additional costs for officiating a wedding in North Carolina? 

 

No: North Carolina doesn’t require ordained ministers to register with the state or to obtain an officiant license 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. 

 

• North Carolina Officiant Government Registration Requirements
• Requisitos para Registrarte como Oficiante en North Carolina

 

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: 

 

♦ 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 North Carolina? 

 

Can online ordained officiants marry people in North Carolina? Does North Carolina recognize online ordained ministers?

 

Yes! Online ordained ministers are recognized clergy in North Carolina 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. 

 

• Can I perform weddings in North Carolina as an American Marriage Ministries Minister?

 

Photo: Alessandro Grandini / Adobe Stock
Who can officiate a wedding in North Carolina? In addition to ordained clergy, other officials including magistrates can perform marriage ceremonies. To see the full list of authorized marriage officiants, visit North Carolina Marriage Laws: § 51-1
Requisites Of Marriage; Solemnization.

 

 

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

 

If you’re researching how to become an ordained minister online for free in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina 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.

 

• Get ordained free in North Carolina

 

 

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. 

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Next, learn how to officiate a wedding in North Carolina! 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: wavebreak3 / Adobe Stock

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

 

• Were You Told You Can’t Officiate a Wedding in North Carolina Because You Were Ordained Online? Read This!

 

 

• How to Officiate a Wedding For the First Time
   
• How to Get Married in North Carolina - Planning a wedding in the Tar Heel State
   

 

Read all North Carolina Wedding Articles 

 

 

Planning a North Carolina wedding? This short guide will help. Read the full article here.

 

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