Wedding season approaches, which means the time to become a minister on Get Ordained™ is now. Many couples prefer the personal aspect of having a friend who has been ordained perform their ceremony rather than a minister they barely know.
Spring and summer are popular seasons for weddings. The weather is temperate, making it easier for out of town guests to travel and allows for more options in formal attire. According to the U.S. Census Bureau over 45 percent of all weddings in the United States take place between April and September. Of those weddings, 80 percent of them are performed in a church or synagogue. For those who wish to officiate at a wedding ceremony, it makes sense to visit Get Ordained™ now in order to participate in the upcoming wedding season.
Marriage laws vary by state and county, so be sure to do your own research before beginning the process. Some states do not recognize ordination unless the minister has an established congregation, while others, such as California have removed the responsibility of the state altogether and leave the verification process to the discretion of the parties involved in the ceremony. The best resource to learn the requirements to becoming ordained in your state is your local county clerk's office.
Once you know the laws for your county, the next step is to complete the ordination process. This should be done as far in advance as possible so the appropriate paperwork can be filed so you are all set for the upcoming wedding season. The ordination process itself is straightforward and completely free. You may then order any additional materials you need for your ministry.
After you have received your official credentials, you must then register them with the county clerk in the state where the ceremony will take place. They may have additional registration requirements, so be sure to check with them first and allow plenty of time to complete the process.
It is a good idea to become familiar with the wedding ceremony itself. Different faith communities have different traditions, and each couple will have ideas of their own. There is online training available which will help you understand the background of different faiths so the ceremony will be meaningful to the couple and their families. This will ensure you will have the privilege of being a significant part of each couple's special day!
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