Planning your ceremony can be stressful and raise a lot of questions. Can Ordained Ministers legally perform weddings? This may be one of those questions you’re asking. We’re here to help!
A wedding ceremony is an essential part of anyone’s life. This exciting moment between two families is often an occasion that they will remember. Making sure everything is “PERFECT” is a common goal for many couples. A lot of thought goes into “Who will perform the ceremony?”
Can someone special to the couple perform their ceremony as an Ordained Minister?”
It is not only important to have perfectly assembled wedding parties. You also want to feel comfortable with the person doing the wedding ceremony. This person is a central focal point and acts as a guide throughout the ceremony. Many couples have decided to have a friend or family member conduct the wedding ceremony.
Can Ordained Ministers legally perform weddings? The ANSWER is – it depends on which state your wedding will occur. Marriage laws differ from State to State, so knowing the laws is very important. After a quick Google search, I was able to find a site that can provide you with each state’s marriage laws.
In California, the general requirements are: 18 years old or older and an authorized person from any religious denomination (i.e., Ordained Minister). It’s as easy as becoming ordained online through organizations like Universal Life Church.
California’s FAQ Marriage Officiants – WHO can perform legal marriages in California.
Persons Authorized to Solemnize Marriage [400 – 402]
400 (a) “Although marriage is a personal relation arising out of a civil, and not a religious, contract, a marriage may be solemnized by a priest, minister, rabbi, or authorized person of any religious denomination who is 18 years of age or older.”
Also, “The laws of the State of California make it unnecessary for persons performing marriages to file credentials with the clerk of the court or with anyone else. The county and state are removed from any responsibility for the verification of credentials. The state does not maintain a central registry of members of the clergy. Any such concern for verification is totally at the discretion of the parties to the marriage” (California Department of Public Health, 2018).
Conclusion: If you plan on getting married in California, then YES, you can have someone who gets ordained (online) perform your wedding ceremony. I encourage you to understand the marriage laws of the state where you plan to get married. Ordained Ministers are a popular option among many couples due to a desire to have a non-religious ceremony. These ceremonies are typically outside of church settings. And reflect less of a religious focus.
If this is what you desire, please contact me at HERNANDEZ WEDDINGS.
