It is an honor to be asked to preside over a couple's wedding. As the officiant, you are an integral part of one of the most important days of their lives. First, however, you must be legally recognized as a minister. You can obtain an ordained minister license for free online through the Universal Life Church. Becoming officially ordained and ready for your first ceremony has never been easier. You just need to follow a few simple steps.
1. Discern Your Readiness
The ULC honors the intentions of all who wish to obtain a free ordained minister certificate. You have the right to determine your own spiritual path unencumbered by the restraint of specific doctrines. Before you apply for your license, though, it's important to examine your own heart. Ask yourself the following questions to test your readiness before you apply for an ordained minister license online for free:
- Do you believe marriage is a viable path to happiness?
- Are you willing to work with couples to make their day exactly what they want it to be?
- Do you have the time to devote to performing wedding ceremonies?
- Is this a one-time necessity, or do you want to make a career of it?
A free ordained license still comes with responsibility. Knowing your own expectations before you get ordained can help you decide whether it's the right choice for you. Only you can determine whether you are ready to officiate a wedding.
2. Fill Out the Online Form
Once you have decided that you want to officiate a wedding, you need to make your decision legal. You can apply for an ordained minister certificate for free by filling out the form on the ULC website's home page. As long as you are at least 18 years of age, you are eligible to apply. Once you have submitted the form, you should have confirmation of your ordination within a short amount of time. It really is that simple to become ordained!
3. Obtain Documentation
Once you have confirmation that you have gotten your free ordained minister license online, you will need a way to document it. While marriage laws vary among the states, almost all of them require some type of official certification to accept you as a licensed minister. It's best to have the necessary materials ready before you file any paperwork with the county where the wedding is to take place.
The classic wedding set includes everything you will need to verify your official status as a minister in most states. It includes a legal ordained certificate as well as a pocket-sized copy to carry in your wallet so that you will always have it with you. You can also add certificate holders to protect the original copies as well as an official letter of good standing from the ULC. Be sure to check with the correct office in your area to make sure you have all the credentials you need to make the ceremony legally binding.
4. Take Advantage of Educational Resources
The free minister license certificate gives you the right to officiate a wedding, but the information you gather once you're ordained helps you do the job well. Before you have your first meeting with the couple, peruse sample wedding scripts to get an idea of how different types of weddings are structured. Then the conversations you have with the couple as well as their families and friends can help you personalize the ceremony. Make sure you have a strong welcome, and don't forget to include the declaration of intent and the pronouncement!
Becoming a wedding officiant may be easier than you think. Apply for your free minister ordination certificate on the ULC website, and you are on your way!
