Officiating a wedding is a rewarding role that requires research, preparation not to mention ordination.
Its also a fun and lucrative side gig.
Get Ordained
Becoming ordained is usually simple, and many officiants get ordained online.
For more state-by-state information, check out American Marriage Ministries’interactive mapof state licensing requirements.
The cost of getting ordained ranges from free to around $50.
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Organizations likeAmerican Fellowship Church,Rose Ministries,Universal Life ChurchandUniversal Ministriesoffer online ordination.
Though many of these organizations have religious connotations in their titles, anyone is welcome to get ordained.
Check Local Rules and Register if Needed
Marriage is the domain of the state.
So even if youre ordained to officiate weddings, you must comply with local rules and regulations.
States and even some counties have different rules about who can perform a wedding ceremony.
Check your states website or speak with your local county clerks office.
Did you know?
Heres a complete breakdownof the states that require wedding officiant registration and those that dont.
Since 2010, most county clerk offices in Virginia have denied online-ordained ministers the right to perform marriages.
Some places frown on just online ordinations without any specific education or training involved.
I really attempt to make each service unique and reflect the couple, Doerr says.
I collect stories and little details from each of the couples and weave them into the service.
She added: I really believe in the sentiment behind the vows.
One more important thing: check that to rehearse!
The couple should have received the marriage license prior to the ceremony, but theyll also need amarriage certificate.
How Much Can You Earn?
Wedding Officiant Insidersays the average pay for wedding officiants is $350.
Doerr says she would never consider officiating a career because youd never get enough work.
She spends an average of five to 10 hours on each wedding.
Could You Become a Marriage Officiant?
Youll be managing a major event in peoples lives, one youll want to treat with dignity and respect.
What qualities should wedding officiants have?
You have to find it fun, or its not the job for you.
I really enjoy the officiating.
It is wonderful to be a part of such a happy occasion, said Doerr.
Ive met some really neat people in the process too.
Alison Johansen is a freelance writer for The Penny Hoarder.
Senior writer Robert Bruce contributed to this article.
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