I’m Ordained, Now What? (Next Steps for New Ministers)

After getting ordained, follow these steps

 

“I’m ordained, now what?” We’ve been seeing this question pop up in all the old familiar places – in Facebook comments, private messages on Instagram, and in emails to our customer support desk. So, it seems like a good time to answer this important question again for all our newest ministers! If you just got ordained to officiate a wedding, here’s what to do next. 

 

“I just got ordained, now what?” One of the most common questions we hear! Luckily, the next steps are straightforward. Follow along to find out! (Photo: SeizaVisuals / iStock)

 

 

Step 1: Check your local laws on “minister registration”

 

The very next step is to find out if your state requires you to register. You must check this before you do the wedding! Some states make new ministers sign up with the local government before they can officiate. 

 

• Go to this webpage: Wedding Officiant Registration by State

 

Click on the state where the wedding will happen. Click the wedding state even if you live somewhere else.

 

This question is also discussed on our FAQs page: Do I Need to Register With the Government Before Performing a Marriage?

 

 

Step 2: If you need to register, order credentials (otherwise go to Step 4)

 

Does the wedding state require you to register? If yes, write down which credentials you must give them. Then order those documents from the AMM Store. 

 

To make sure you get all the documents you need, we recommend ordering our all-in-one AMM Minister Ordination Package, specifically for the state where the wedding will take place. The Minister Ordination Package has all the needed credentials for your state, plus a minister guide and training materials: 

 

 

• Order your AMM Minister Ordination Package

 

If you prefer to order your credentials separately, they are also available in the AMM Store as individual items. States with registration laws usually want to see one or both of these credentials (and may request more). These documents prove that you are a minister with American Marriage Ministries:

 

• Order your American Marriage Ministries Ordination Certificate
• Order your American Marriage Ministries Letter of Good Standing

 

We also cover this topic on our FAQs page: I Need My Ordination Certificate!

 

 

Step 3:  File your minister credentials (if your state asks for them, otherwise go to Step 4)

 

Do you have your minister credentials? Take them to the clerk’s office before the wedding, and pay a small fee. Do this a few weeks before the wedding to make sure it’s done in time.

 

• Go to this page to see your state’s estimated processing time

 

The clerk might give you a special registration number when you file your papers. Write this number down and keep it safe. You may need to write it on the marriage license after the wedding.

 

 

After you get ordained, what else do you need to do before you can officiate a wedding? The answer depends on where the wedding takes place. You might need to register your new credentials with the government. In that case, we recommend ordering the AMM Minister Ordination Package (pictured above), which includes all the necessary credentials.

 

 

Step 4: Prepare & Perform the Wedding

 

Once you’re ordained, and you’ve filed your credentials (if needed), you’re legally allowed to officiate a wedding! 

 

• Go to AMM’s Wedding Officiant Training 

 

These free officiant training pages will help you write a wedding script, deliver the ceremony, and sign the marriage license. 

 

 

“I just became an ordained minister – now what?” American Marriage Ministries is here to help you start your minister career with confidence! Use our free training resources, blog articles, and FAQs page to get started.  (Photo: AscentXmedia / iStock)

 

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Need more info? We answer this question in detail in other places on our website!

 

This is a common question, so we’ve answered it before in other places on our website. If you still have some lingering questions, or need more details to begin, these resources will help:

 

• First-Time Officiant FAQs

 

• How to Officiate a Wedding For the First Time

 

• First Time Officiant Orientation

 

• 4 Tips for New Ministers

 

You can also find answers to dozens of commonly asked questions on the AMM FAQs page. 

 

Still stumped? Contact us directly with your question! 

 

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