AMM Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most common questions we have received over the years. If you have a question that is not addressed here or elsewhere on our site, please contact us. We will respond to your inquiry within 24-48 hours.

AMERICAN MARRIAGE MINISTRIES

Is American Marriage Ministries a Legal Church?

Yes. American Marriage Ministries is an IRS Certified 501c3 non-profit, non-denominational constitutional church that was established on July 4th of 2009. We are headquartered in Washington state.


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What are American Marriage Ministries Beliefs?

As outlined in our Theological Doctrine, AMM is built on the belief that all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or socioeconomic status, have the right to contract marriage, that all people have the right to administer the marriage contract, and that it is the right of every couple to choose who will officiate their marriage.


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AMM ORDINATIONS

Are Your Online Ordinations Legal?

Yes. American Marriage Ministries is an IRS Certified 501c3 Non-Profit Charity. Our ordinations are protected by the religious non-establishment clause of the 1st amendment. We maintain corporate registrations in all states where required.


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Are Your Online Ordinations Valid in My State?

Yes. Exempting Virginia, our ordinations are valid in every State and US Territory. As an AMM Minister, you can perform a wedding anywhere in the United States as long as you are in compliance with local minister regulations. There are several states where you have to register in advance of officiating a wedding, so be sure to check your state's registration requirements!


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Can I Perform Other Ceremonies Such as Baptisms and Funerals?

Yes. As an AMM Minister, your right to conduct religious ceremonies of all forms is protected by the religious non-establishment clause of the First Amendment. Keep in mind that officiating weddings is the only rite that also involves a legal government component, completing the marriage license.


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Can I Provide Premarital Counseling or Education?

We do not offer any resources or training on premarital counseling or education at this time.


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Can I Start a Church as an Ordained Minister?

Ordination does not automatically qualify you to start a legally recognized church. If you wish to start a legally recognized church (for tax purposes, to file for tax-exempt status for example), you must meet specific requirements set by the IRS, which can include incorporation, finding a location, obtaining a federal tax ID number for your church, writing bylaws, and obtaining a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.


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Does an Online Church Need to be a 501(c)3 Recognized Organization for the Ordination to be Valid?

Being 501(c)3 is not a requirement for ordinations to be valid but we applied for 501(c)3 status because we wanted to show our ministers that we are committed to transparency.


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How Do I Become Ordained Online?

You can become an ordained minister to officiate wedding ceremonies by simply completing our Ordination Application.


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How Do I Get Ordained Online?

The quick answer to "how to get ordained online" is to go to a website offering online ordination and complete their ordination application. That's it! This is how our ordinations are administered. 


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How Long Does an Ordained Minister License Last?

Our ordinations do not expire. There are no annual renewal fees or tithes either.


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How Long Does it Take to Get Ordained Online?

Unlike most other religious institutions that require years of seminary study and many thousands of dollars, ordination through AMM is free and takes only minutes.


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How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained?

The short answer is: it's free. In most states, there is no officiant license cost either. That being said, some localities require that officiants register with a government office prior to officiating any weddings. In such cases, there are wedding officiant license costs, as you will likely need to order paperwork from us as well as pay a government filing fee.


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How Old Do I Have to be to Get Ordained with AMM?

You must be at least 18 years old to become an ordained minister with American Marriage Ministries.


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Is American Marriage Ministries Legally Valid in Tennessee?

Yes!!! At present, and until a trial determines otherwise, no special in-person or mail-in ordination is required in the state of Tennessee.


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What Does it Take to Become an Ordained Minister?

Unlike most other religious institutions we do not demand absolute fealty to a higher power or that you renounce your current beliefs, whatever they may be. Ordination through AMM is not intended to conflict to your existing worldview, but to exist in harmony with what you already believe, and to enable you to better express those values.


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What is American Marriage Ministries’ Stance on Vaccine Mandates and Religious Exemptions?

Vaccination against COVID-19 is a matter of public health, not a question of faith. American Marriage Ministries supports vaccine mandates. Additionally, ordination by, or affiliation with American Marriage Ministries are not grounds for seeking an exemption from any vaccine mandate imposed by any governmental entity within the United States.


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What is My Title Once I Get Ordained Online?

When you get ordained with AMM, your title on the marriage license or otherwise is "Minister".


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Will Getting Ordained as a Minister Affect My Taxes?

No. Your tax status will not change or be affected in any way because you are an ordained minister with American Marriage Ministries. Any income you receive from officiating wedding ceremonies is income that you are required to declare.


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CONTESTS AND GIVEAWAY DISCLAIMERS

Terms and Conditions for AMM's Las Vegas Wedding MBA 2023 Giveaway

AMM 1 Million Minister Wedding MBA 2023 Las Vegas Giveaway official rules can be found in the expanded answer.


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MARRIAGE LICENSE

Does the Officiant Have to Return the Marriage License?

This depends on the state in which the marriage license was issued. Different States have different laws regarding who is supposed to return the marriage license. If you have further questions, we recommend that you contact the office that issued the marriage license to the couple.


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What Do I Do with the Marriage License After the Wedding?

After the wedding ceremony is over, the marriage license must be signed and completed by the couple and officiant in the presence of any required witnesses. Following that the marriage license must be returned to its issuance office.


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Which Address Should I Write on the Marriage License?

If the marriage license requests a single address of the officiant, you will use your home address.


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MY MINISTER ACCOUNT

Can I Print My Ordination Certificate From the Website?

Yes. You are able to view, download, and print a digital copy of your ordination certificate by logging into your minister account.


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How Do I Change My Legal Name on My Minister Profile and Ordination Documents?

Ordained ministers who legally change their name (for example when they get married, etc) can update their personal information in their Minister Profile online. To do this, log in to your profile and select "Settings". Scroll down to "Your Personal Information" and make the desired name changes.


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How Do I Deactivate My Account?

You can deactivate your minister account and renounce your ordination by logging into your Minister account. Scroll to the bottom of your account settings page and check the box that says “I would like to renounce my ordination and close my minister account” and click the red button that says "Deactivate".


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How Do I Manage My Privacy Settings?

Log into your account and from the settings page, scroll down to the General Setting section. You will be able to manage your privacy settings by switching the toggles.


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What is My Minister ID, and Where Can I Find It?

Your Minister ID is a unique assigned number associated with your account when you apply for ordination. You can find it on your Minister Profile page after you login. Once you are logged in, it is the number immediately beneath your name.


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OFFICIATING WEDDING CEREMONIES

Can I Legally Officiate Weddings as an AMM Minister?

Yes. American Marriage Ministries exists specifically to serve this purpose. We have ordained over 1,217,317 ministers all across the country who combined have performed just as many weddings.


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Can I Officiate Remote Weddings Over the Internet Without Being Present at the Ceremony?

In order for most states to recognize the marriage as legally binding, the officiant must be physically present at the wedding ceremony.


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Can I Officiate Weddings in Another Country?

Yes. So long as the marriage license is filed for, completed, and returned Stateside, the marriage will be legal. With the legal obligations taken care of, you and the couple are free to conduct the ceremonial part of the wedding anywhere you wish. If the couple is obtaining their marriage license in another country, you will need to work with the local government to see if you are able to officiate there.


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Can I Officiate Weddings in Other States?

Yes. Your ordination is valid in all US States and Territories, with the exception of Virginia. Your ordination is not specific to your state of residency and you can officiate weddings in states where you do not reside.


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Can I Perform Same-Sex Marriage?

Absolutely. American Marriage Ministries firmly believes that all people are entitled to engage in the contract of marriage. To deny people the right to marry based on their sexual orientation is wrong, it robs those individuals of their dignity and discounts their humanity.


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Can I Perform Weddings in North Carolina as an American Marriage Ministries Minister?

Our ministers have successfully performed thousands of weddings in the state, and are legally allowed to officiate weddings in accordance with North Carolina's marriage laws. 


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Does a Wedding Ceremony Have Legal Wording Requirements?

The short answer is No. That being said, all ceremonies by convention include parts such as the Declaration of Intent and the Proclamation. These are the parts of the ceremony where the couple says "I Do" and the Officiant says "I now pronounce you...".


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Do I Need to Register With the Government Before Performing a Marriage?

That depends on which state you plan to officiate the wedding. The laws regarding minister registration vary from state to state. Most states do not require ministers to register before performing marriage. A comprehensive list is provided on our Minister Registration Requirements page.


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How Do I Know the Wedding I Officiate Will be Legal?

We understand that you want to be 100% certain that the wedding you officiate is legally binding. The legal component of officiating a wedding ceremony is not well understood though it is a lot more straightforward than most people think.


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How Old Do I Have to be to Officiate a Wedding Ceremony?

In most states, wedding officiants must be at least 18 years old in order to solemnize marriage and sign a marriage license, which is the government-issued document that makes the marriage a legally binding contract. An exception to this is in Minnesota, where wedding officiants must be at least 21 years old to officiate. 


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I Am not a U.S. Citizen. Can I Officiate Weddings in the U.S.?

Yes, with the exception of the state of Nevada. The state of Nevada currently has minister registration laws that make it prohibitive for non-US citizens to officiate wedding ceremonies in the state. That being said, you can conduct the wedding ceremony in Nevada so long as an authorized person signs the marriage license.


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Is There a Legally Prescribed Place to Officiate a Wedding?

No. You can officiate weddings here or there, you can officiate weddings anywhere. You can officiate weddings on a plane, you can officiate weddings on a train. You can officiate weddings in a park, you can officiate weddings under an arc.


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What Does an Officiant Say at a Wedding?

To learn more about your role as a wedding officiant we encourage you to read through the wedding officiant training section of our site. The first thing we recommend you read is our guide on the Parts of a Wedding Ceremony.


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What Do I Say When Officiating the Wedding?

As far as the wording of the ceremony, that is up to you and the couple. As you work with the couple you will get a much clearer idea of the tone and language you want to use. Keep in mind that the vast majority of wedding ceremonies follow a specific format. The boundaries provided by this format are extremely helpful in narrowing down your task in writing the ceremony.


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What is a Marriage Officiant?

A marriage officiant is the person responsible for solemnizing solemnizing marriage. Solemnizing marriage is the legal jargon for conducting a wedding.


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PREGUNTAS EN ESPAÑOL

¿Cuál es mi Título una vez que me he Ordenado como Ministro en Línea?

Cuando ha sido ordenado con AMM, su título en la licencia matrimonial es “Ministro”.


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¿Cuánto cuesta hacerse Oficiante?

Nosotros no cobramos por la ordenación. El costo para hacerse Oficiante no se determina por nosotros en AMM, sino que este es determinado por el estado, condado, ciudad o poblado donde tenga planes de oficiar la boda. En estos casos hay costos de licencia para Oficiante de Bodas, y lo más probable necesitará ordenar documentación de nosotros, así como pagar una cuota gubernamental administrativa.


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¿Cuánto Cuesta su Ordenación en Línea?

En la mayoría de las instituciones religiosas obtener la ordenación tiene un costo. En AMM no hay un costo por ser ordenado en línea. Nuestra ordenación es gratis, no tenemos cuotas anuales, o algún otro costo requerido para ministros ordenados para mantener su ordenación vigente. Nuestra misión es reducir los obstáculos de ingreso para que así todas las personas puedan ejercer su derecho a oficiar Ceremonias de Bodas.


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¿Cuánto tiempo se requiere para hacerse un Oficiante?

Esto depende del Estado en el que estaría teniendo el rol de Oficiante de Bodas. En la mayoría de los Estados nuestra ordenación le provee la autoridad legal de realizar matrimonios sin la necesidad de seguir más pasos con las agencias gubernamentales. Sin embargo, algunos Estados piden que cumpla con los requisitos administrativos antes de oficiar un matrimonio. Le recomendamos que revise nuestra página de Registro Estatal de Oficiantes para más información en las leyes que regulan el Registro de Oficiantes de Bodas de su localidad.


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¿Cuánto Tiempo se Requiere para Ordenarse en Línea?

A diferencia de otras instituciones religiosas en las que se requieren años de estudio seminario y muchos miles de dólares, ordenarse con AMM es gratis y requiere de tan solo unos minutos. En la mayoría de los Estados, nuestra ordenación es todo lo que se requiere para convertirte en un oficiante de bodas legal.


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¿Puedo Oficiar Bodas en Otros Estados?

Sí. Su ordenación es válida en todos los Estados y Territorios de Estados Unidos, con la excepción del estado de Virginia. Su ordenación no está atada al Estado donde reside y puedes oficiar bodas en Estados donde no radica. Si planifica oficiar una boda en otro Estados, le recomendamos enfáticamente que solicite su Paquete de Ordenación Ministerial para ese Estado que tendrá todo lo que necesita para registrarse con éxito.


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¿Tiene mi Ordenación Vencimiento?

Nuestras ordenaciones no tienen tiempo de vencimiento. No hay cuotas de renovación anuales o diezmo tampoco. Una vez que ha obtenido su ordenación, ésta es válida de por vida o por el tiempo que decida permanecer siendo un Ministro de AMM.


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PRODUCTS & ORDERS

Can I Bill and Ship to Separate Addresses?

Yes. You can specify alternate billing and shipping addresses when placing your order. Changes made to your billing and/or shipping address will not alter your credentials in any way.


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Can I Place an Order by Mail or Over the Phone?

Yes. We can process credit or debit card payments over the phone and check or money order payments by mail.


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Can Someone Else Pay for My Order?

Yes. In the checkout process you on the Shipping and Billing information page, you can specify an alternate billing person.


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How to Replace a Lost or Damaged AMM Ordination Certificate

If you lose or misplace your ordination certificate, replacement documents can be purchased from the AMM Store.


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How Will I Know My Order Was Placed?

When an order is successfully placed you will automatically be navigated to a checkout success page that displays your order ID.


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I Need My Ordination Certificate!

You are able to access the digital, unofficial copy of your ordination certificate at any time by logging into your minister account, viewing your profile, and clicking "View Ordination Certificate". You can also order your official hardcopy of your Ordination Certificate from our store.


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Is My Payment Secure?

Yes. Our entire website is encrypted behind a secure socket (ie https). Additionally we maintain a current and active TLS Certificate (Transport Layer Security).


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What is the Expiration Date on my Letter of Good Standing for?

The expiration date on your Letter of Good Standing is in reference to the Notary Public who notarized and signed the document - not the document itself. The Letter of Good Standing is still valid, as is your ordination.


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What is Your Return Policy?

If an order has been shipped, it must be returned to American Marriage Ministries at the customer's expense before we can issue a refund. We will refund any order within 30 days of purchase, less the cost of shipping.


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What Kind of Shipping Options Do You Offer?

When checking out in our Store, you will have several shipping options depending on your needs.


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What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

We accept credit or debit cards from VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. We also accept PayPal. We do not accept American Express.


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Which State Should I Select When Ordering My Minister Ordination Package?

You will want to order your Minister Ordination Package or other state specific product for the state where the wedding ceremony is taking place. For example, if you live in Texas and the ceremony is taking place in Oklahoma, you will want to select Oklahoma when ordering your Minister Ordination Package.


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Why is My Order Not Going Through?

If your transaction was declined, it was likely due to an AVS mismatch. This occurs when the billing address you provide does not match the address on file with your bank or credit card company. To continue, you will need to enter the correct billing address or contact your bank or credit card company.


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