Learn the definition and meaning of ordination, how people get ordained with different denominations and churches, and the rights of ministers and other clergy to perform marriage, funerals, and other religious and spiritual ceremonies.

Not sure how to celebrate National Loving Day, the holiday celebrating Mildred & Richard Loving, and the Supreme Court ruling in favor of interracial marriage? Here are five meaningful ideas to inspire you, from weddings and vow renewals, to movie screenings, potlucks, advocacy, and more.

A District Judge in Pennsylvania issued an order in favor of online-ordained ministers who wish to solemnize marriage in the state, stating that discrimination against a religious organization or its officiants is unconstitutional (1st and 14th Amendment). The settlement prohibits county employees and agents from interpreting marriage law §1503(a)(6), or denying or discouraging any minister from performing marriage.

5 reasons why asking a friend or relative to officiate your wedding is the best choice you can make! Friends and family members make excellent wedding officiants for ceremonies of any kind, especially when asked to perform intimate, personalized, offbeat, and alternative weddings.

We’ve seen the stories but… Is it legal to marry an inanimate object? What about an animal or pet, color, robot, AI, or fictional character? They say that love knows no bounds, but marriage law definitely does!

Wondering if a same day wedding is legal in your state, or if you can get married the same day you apply for a marriage license? We answer all your questions and more!

A step-by-step guide to getting married in Montana - from finding an officiant and choosing a wedding venue, to how to apply for, complete, and return your Montana marriage license.

Aprende acerca de lo que implica ordenarse y como el hacerte un ministro ordenado con American Marriage Ministries te habilita para formalizar bodas y practicar tu espiritualidad en tus propios términos.

Learn about the Muslim marriage ceremony tradition - the nikkah or nikah ceremony – and how this traditional religious Islamic wedding custom compares to the declaration of intent and marriage certificate in an American / U.S. wedding.

How to announce an unplugged wedding, for officiants! 7 sample scripts to include during your officiant housekeeping announcements to tell guests "no phones!" during the ceremony. Choose wording that's direct, sweet, funny, or casual, or give a shoutout to the professional wedding photographer.

A step-by-step guide to getting married in Oregon - from finding an officiant and choosing a wedding venue, to how to apply for, complete, and return your Oregon marriage license.

See current American Samoa Marriage Laws for wedding officiants and engaged couples in the American Marriage Ministries marriage laws library, and learn who can perform marriage there, minister registration requirements, and more.

Iowa legislators introduced a joint resolution this week that proposes a state ban on same-sex marriage by amending the Iowa Constitution. Learn about House Joint Resolution 8 (H.J.R. 8 ; 2023) and recent concerns over the future of marriage equality in Iowa and around the country.

A bill to protect and codify interracial marriage rights in New Jersey passed the Assembly in a unanimous 78-0 vote this week. Learn what's next as this important legislation heads to the N.J. Senate. (A4939 / Assembly Bill 4939 ; 2023 ; marriage equality )

The Anonymous Officiant #1 : This candle-lit wedding ceremony took an unexpected turn when a bridesmaid’s dress burst into flames. Read the full story and how a special guest saved the day from disaster, in this installment of American Marriage Ministries’ new candid column about real weddings and officiants: The Anonymous Officiant.

A step-by-step guide to help you plan an unforgettable tropical wedding or elopement in Hawaii - including how to find a wedding officiant (marriage performer), choose the best wedding venue, plan your ceremony, and how to apply for and return your Hawaii marriage license. Get married in paradise!

Add a dash of magic to your marriage ceremony, handfasting, or vow renewal with this simple introduction to common herbs and botanicals. Believed by many to hold magical and symbolic properties, these plants have been used on wedding altars and marriage blessings, and in other commitment ceremonies, witchcraft and spellcasting, and individual spiritual practices since ancient times.

Not sure what to say in a wedding card? Here are a few of our favorite ideas for wedding card wishes, including suggestions for wedding officiants! With simple, heartfelt, and funny examples for close friends and family, acquaintances, coworkers, and more. Personalize to suit your needs, or use them as is to tell the newlyweds how much they mean to as they celebrate their marriage.

Minister shares how he got ordained online with American Marriage Ministries, registered with the state of Ohio, and prepared for officiating a socially distant wedding at an assisted living center amidst the Coronavirus pandemic

Online ordained minister performs a socially distant wedding ceremony at nursing home during the Coronavirus pandemic

American Marriage Ministries supports frontline healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic, and promotes healthy sanitary practices by including free locally made hand sanitizer in limited orders