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, Jul. 23rd, 2024
This will probably be a shorter article than you’re expecting… Because online ordination is always free in Utah 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 18,000 ministers in Utah and counting.
No: Utah doesn’t require ministers to register with the state 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 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.
Yes! Online ordained ministers are recognized clergy in Utah 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.
Photo: Alessandro Grandini / Adobe Stock
Who can officiate a wedding in Utah? In addition to ordained clergy, there are several officials allowed to officiate weddings in Utah, including judges, magistrates, and certain state officials. To see the full list of authorized marriage officiants, visit Utah Marriage Laws: § 30-1-6 Who May Solemnize Marriages Certificate
If you’re researching how to get ordained online in Utah, 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.
As mentioned above, AMM offers free ordination to people of all faiths and backgrounds, and is legally recognized in Utah. 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.
...
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:
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 Utah 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 Utah Wedding Ideas & Inspiration
Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!