How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained Online in Alabama to Perform Weddings?

Minister ordination for weddings: Want to get ordained online to officiate a wedding in Alabama, but aren’t sure how much it costs? 

 

 

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 Alabama!

 

• Get Ordained online free with AMM here

 

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 from all backgrounds and beliefs. 
 
To date, we’ve ordained over 1,370,000 ministers who have officiated weddings all across the United States… including almost 18,000 ministers in Alabama and counting.

 

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

 

Online ordained minister, Alabama style! Get ordained free with AMM and become a trusted wedding officiant in Alabama. Marry friends and family in a personal wedding ceremony, or start a professional wedding officiant business and connect with other Alabama wedding vendors. (Photo: Alex Vog / Adobe Stock)

 

 

Are there additional costs to officiate a wedding in Alabama? 

 

No: Alabama 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. 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

How to Become an Ordained Minister in Alabama: Does Alabama Recognize Online Ordination?

 

Yes! Online ordained ministers are recognized clergy in Alabama and are allowed to perform weddings there. 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.

 

AMM Ministers are trusted Alabama wedding professionals. AMM provides free wedding officiant training online, as well as several paid classes and seminars for folks who want to continue their education in the wedding industry. Ordination through American Marriage Ministries is legally recognized in every state* (though it’s much harder in Virginia, where we’re exploring our options.) (Photo: fotojuwelier / iStock)

 

 

Who Can Perform a Wedding Ceremony in Alabama?

 

To answer this question, it’s important to know that Alabama is a unique state when it comes to marriage. That’s because wedding ceremonies are optional there – couples may have a ceremony, but it’s no longer required for a recognized marriage in Alabama.

To get married in Alabama, couples must apply for a Marriage Certificate form and have it notarized by a notary public authorized in the State of Alabama. Only a notary can complete the Marriage Certificate form. 

 

Read more: How to Get Married in Alabama in 4 Simple Steps

 

 

Alabama Wedding Officiant Rules & Requirements

 

For couples who want to have a wedding: Online ordained ministers can perform weddings in Alabama and minister registration is not required. Other qualified wedding officiants include traditional clergy members of every religious belief, various judges, and others. 
 
See a full list of authorized Alabama wedding officiants here: Alabama Wedding Officiant Laws
 
This means that you can legally officiate a wedding in Alabama if you've been ordained online by a credible organization, including AMM. 

 

How to get ordained to perform weddings in Alabama: It’s easy! Click the link at the top of the page to start the online minister application. This application only takes a minute to complete and it’s free!

 

Are there other low-cost or free ways to get ordained in Alabama? 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 Alabama, 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, AMM offers free online ordination to people of all faiths and backgrounds, and is legally recognized in Alabama. 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 Alabama

 

 

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 about officiating a wedding in Alabama! Become a friend officiant, or take the leap as a professional Alabama 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

 

 

Delivering a wedding ceremony is just one of the responsibilities of wedding officiant. An officiant's primary role is to pronounce the couple married and sign the marriage license, making the ceremony legal. Learn how to do this correctly with one of the useful online officiant training tools above!  (Photo: Marc Dufresne / iStock)

 

 

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Read Next: 

 

How To Officiate a Wedding in Alabama
 

After Officiating a Wedding in Alabama

 

Can Your Pet Be a Wedding Witness? Not Exactly…
 

 

Read all Alabama Wedding Articles

 

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