When a really close friend or loved one, like a sibling, gets married, you might expect to be asked to participate in some way. Many people end up being in the wedding party as a bridesmaid or groomsman. Some are tasked as ushers, helping to escort VIPs to their places. Those with a gift for song may offer a selection or two in the ceremony. One way to participate in a loved one’s wedding is to be the officiant. One stipulation for legal marriage in the United States is that the ceremony is solemnized by an ordained minister. Professional skateboarder and reality TV star Rob Dyrdek became ordained through the Universal Life Church to officiate his sister’s wedding.
Sliding Into Skateboarding
Rob Dyrdek had a very early interest in skateboarding. He began at the age of 11, after receiving a skateboard from professional skateboarder Neil Blender. Passionate about the sport, Dyrdek was able to secure a sponsorship from the same company behind Blender, and so his career began at the tender age of 12. Some years later, Dyrdek and Blender became business partners, launching Alien Workshop, a company that manufactured and sold skateboards, accessories, and apparel. As Dyrdek’s career as a competitor flourished, he became involved in other business ventures, eventually founding Street League Skateboarding, a global enterprise and international event.
“Dropping In” to Reality TV
Rob Dyrdek went on to star in multiple reality TV series for MTV. The first of these was “Rob & Big,” which followed his life as a skateboarder and included his best friend and bodyguard, Chris “Big” Boykin. After three seasons, this series was followed by “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory,” which aired from February 2009 to March 2015. The show featured Dyrdek managing his life, especially the daily affairs of his “Fantasy Factory,” a 25,000-square-foot complex that included a warehouse and office space. In 2011, Dyrdek produced and hosted a third series, “Ridiculousness,” where he provided commentary on internet mishap videos with friends.
Facilitating at the Factory
During the sixth episode of Season 5 of “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory,” Rob Dyrdek performed a marriage ceremony for his only sister, Denise. Dyrdek secured ordination through the ULC some years earlier in April of 2009. On the episode of his show, his friends questioned whether his ordination was valid. Dyrdek asserted that his ordination wasn’t a joke. He declared, “The state of California recognizes me, Robert Dyrdek, as a man of divinity.” Dyrdek showed off his ULC credentials, including a wedding officiant certificate and a minister parking pass. That same episode featured him riding a zip line wearing a minister’s cassock and practicing the ceremony with a pastor.
Making Plans
Rob Dyrdek knew that he wanted to officiate Denise’s wedding in advance and sought ordination with this goal in mind. His factory space from the show was used as the venue for the nuptials.
You may not be able to provide a venue like that for friends and family, but you can become ordained through the ULC. As a minister, you play an important role in the legal union of a couple. Perhaps you know dating or engaged couples who want to tie the knot sooner or later. Maybe there are same-sex couples struggling to find someone to officiate their wedding. Perhaps some friends are looking for something quirky and different for their ceremony. You don’t have to be a successful entrepreneur or celebrity to show kindness in this way.
Becoming a minister with the Universal Life Church doesn’t require years of ceremony or association with a particular church or denomination. You can secure the credentials and training needed entirely online. Join the millions of people like Rob Dyrdek who have achieved ordination through the ULC today.
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