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How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained Online in Wisconsin?

Published Thursday, Aug. 1st, 2024


Close up of a bride and groom embracing on the wedding day.
Learn how to become a wedding officiant in Wisconsin with free ordination online or other low cost options. Find the best place to get ordained online for your budget and beliefs! (Photo: Jeremy Wong)

Learn the best place to get ordained online free to officiate weddings in Wisconsin! 

 

In this article we compare the costs of online ordination for weddings in Wisconsin, including free online ordination with American Marriage Ministries. 

 

 

How much does it cost to get ordained online in Wisconsin? This will probably be a shorter article than you’re expecting… Because online ordination is always free with American Marriage Ministries – in every U.S. state including Wisconsin! 

 

 

American Marriage Ministries a Seattle-based nonprofit, non-denominational church that offers free online ordination for weddings, advocates for marriage equality, and trains ministers to ensure that all people have the right to get married and to perform marriage. AMM ordains people of all backgrounds and beliefs. 
 
To date, we’ve ordained over 1,350,000 ministers who have officiated weddings all across the United States… including almost 25,000 ministers in Wisconsin, and counting.

 

 

 

Are there additional costs to officiate a wedding in Wisconsin? 

 

No : Wisconsin 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 of Wisconsin and don’t need to purchase additional documents or pay a registration fee.

 

 

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

 

Product photo of AMM's standard minister ordination package, with an official ordination certificate, minister manual, letter of good standing, and other credentials

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 Wisconsin? 

 

Yes! Online ordained ministers are recognized clergy in Wisconsin 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. 

 

 

Who can officiate a wedding in Wisconsin? 

 

Online ordained ministers can officiate weddings in Wisconsin, as well as other traditional clergy and certain government officials including various judges and justices. This means that you can officiate a wedding in Wisconsin if you've been ordained online by a credible organization, including AMM. 

 

Couples can also officiate their own wedding in Wisconsin in a process called 'self-solemnizing marriage.' Two adult witnesses must also be present at any ceremony. 

 

Learn more about self-solemnizing marriage here: Ask AMM: "Can I Perform My Own Marriage Ceremony?"
 
See a full list of authorized Wisconsin marriage officiants here: Wisconsin Marriage Laws.


 
A bride and groom embrace on the wedding day during their outdoor wedding ceremony in the sun while a photographer snaps a photo of them

Photo by Joshua Ruanes

Wondering how to get a license to officiate a wedding in Wisconsin? You don't need one! All you need to solemnize a marriage and sign the marriage license is your online minister ordination through a credible organization like AMM. 

 

 

Are there other low-cost & free options for online ordination in Wisconsin? And which organization is the best place to get ordained online for YOU? 

 

If you’re researching the best place to get ordained online in Wisconsin, 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. 

 

Compare costs of popular places to get ordained online 

 

 

1. American Marriage Ministries: Free

 

As mentioned above, online ordination is completely free with American Marriage Ministries! AMM ordains people of all faiths and backgrounds and are legally recognized in Wisconsin. 

 

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. There is no fee to get ordained online with AMM, but you might need to pay a small fee for physical copies of your credentials to file with your state.

 

 


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. 


...

 

Next, learn how to officiate a wedding in Wisconsin!

Become a friend officiant, or take the leap as a professional Wisconsin 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:

 

 

 

 
 


 

You might also like: 

 

 

A wedding officiant gestures happily and smiles as he reads from the wedding ceremony script during an outdoor ceremony

How to become a Wedding Officiant and marry someone for the first time: Read the full article by clicking the link above! 

 


 


Jessica Levey
Jessica Levey

Lead Staff Writer & Illustrator

Jessica loves exploring the history and magic of ritual, the connections between people and places, and sharing true stories about love and commitment. She's an advocate for marriage equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and individuality, and is an ordained Minister with AMM. When she’s not writing or illustrating for AMM, she enjoys city hikes, fantasy novels, comics, and traveling.

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