How to Become an Ordained Minister in Arizona
If you haven't yet become ordained with the Universal Life Church, that is the first step. Anyone willing can become a legal minister of the ULC, one of the world's largest religious organizations. Online ordination is fast, easy, and completely free. Once you have your minister license, you'll be eligible to officiate a wedding. To become a minister, start by clicking the button below!
How to Officiate a Wedding in Arizona
Contact the County Clerk's office in the county where the ceremony will take place. Introduce yourself as a minister officiating a wedding, and ask them what documents they will need from you. They may ask to see a number of things, and be aware that these requirements vary from county to county. Rest assured that any materials or documents you might need are available in the Church Supplies section of our website.
Select your county to view contact information for each office:
How to Become an Ordained Minister in Arizona
If you haven't yet become ordained with the Universal Life Church, that is the first step. Anyone willing can become a legal minister of the ULC, one of the world's largest religious organizations. Online ordination is fast, easy, and completely free. Once you have your minister license, you'll be eligible to officiate a wedding. To become a minister, start by clicking the button below!
How to Officiate a Wedding in Arizona
Contact the County Clerk's office in the county where the ceremony will take place. Introduce yourself as a minister officiating a wedding, and ask them what documents they will need from you. They may ask to see a number of things, and be aware that these requirements vary from county to county. Rest assured that any materials or documents you might need are available in the Church Supplies section of our website.
Select your county to view contact information for each office:
Officiant Requirements in Arizona
The Arizona state flower, the Saguaro Cactus Blossom
Once you've determined what you need, simply log in to your account and order the materials from our online catalog. Many of our ministers in Arizona choose to get a Classic Wedding Kit. Although ministers are generally not required to register in the state of Arizona, it's possible the county clerk will ask you to present proof of your ordination before they will accept the legality of the ceremonies you've performed. Keep in mind that the couple may also like to see your ordination credentials. As requested by the county clerks, please try to place your order well in advance of the wedding to avoid complications.
How to Get a Arizona Marriage License
Licenses are issued by the County Clerk's office, and will be picked up by the couple. As a minister, you should be aware of the rules regarding marriage licenses in Arizona and its individual counties. For example, if the couple plans to get a Santa Cruz County marriage license, you should double-check if there are any rules specific to Santa Cruz County. In the state of Arizona, the license is valid for 1 year and there is no waiting period before the ceremony can be performed. However, make sure the couple knows that the signed marriage license must be returned to the issuing office within 20 days of the ceremony.
How to Perform a Wedding
Congratulations, you're ready to officiate the wedding! If you need any assistance in this important task, we encourage you to utilize the tools found below. Together these exclusive resources include everything you'll need to craft the perfect wedding ceremony for any couple. Created with our ministers in mind, they offer tips and helpful information for all aspects of performing a ceremony. Fun fact: many ULC ministers have become professional officiants using these tools as a guide!
Finalizing the Marriage
After you perform the ceremony, you will sign the marriage license along with the couple and their two witnesses. Your title is 'minister', the ceremony type is 'religious', and the denomination is 'non-denominational'. You will not be required to provide a license number. You may also wish to give the couple a commemorative gift, like a marriage certificate to mark their special day. Last thing: make sure the signed license gets resubmitted to the marriage office before the deadline!
Video Guide to Performing a Wedding in Arizona
Well, there it is! Your full guide to officiating a wedding in Arizona. Some people are visual learners, and that's great! Click below to see our step-by-step video guide for how to officiate a wedding in Arizona. This walkthrough will explain what goes into preparing for this important role and how to learn what requirements you'll need to fulfill before and after the big day.
Arizona Marriage Laws
Marriage laws in Arizona are primarily directed by Title 25 of the state code. This section defines persons authorized to perform a marriage in the State of Arizona, which includes ordained ministers of the Universal Life Church, among other individuals. We've reproduced the relevant portion below:
25-124. Persons authorized to perform marriage ceremony; definition
A. The following are authorized to solemnize marriages between persons who are authorized to marry:
Duly licensed or ordained clergymen.
Judges of courts of record.
Municipal court judges.
Justices of the peace.
Justices of the United States supreme court.
Judges of courts of appeals, district courts and courts that are created by an act of Congress if the judges are entitled to hold office during good behavior.
Bankruptcy court and tax court judges.
United States magistrate judges.
Judges of the Arizona court of military appeals.
B. For the purposes of this section, "licensed or ordained clergymen" includes ministers, elders or other persons who by the customs, rules and regulations of a religious society or sect are authorized or permitted to solemnize marriages or to officiate at marriage ceremonies.
View the Arizona Statutes on the official government state website.
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