1. How to Become a Minister in Akron
The first step you’ll need to take is to become an ordained ULC minister (assuming you haven’t completed this part already). Get Ordained™ provides ordination through the Universal Life Church free of charge and welcomes all who feel called to ministry. It’s also easy to join; the process can be done entirely online and takes only a few minutes from start to finish. Once ordained, you’ll have the authority to perform legal marriage ceremonies! To begin, just click the button below.
Important Info for Ministers in Akron
- ULC Ordination Accepted:
- Yes
- Minister Registration Required:
- Yes
- Documents Required:
- N/A
- Minister's Residency:
- Irrelevant
- Minister's Minimum Age:
- 18
2. Learn Akron Marriage Requirements
Your next step will be to reach out to the office that processes marriage licenses in Akron. Let them know that you’re an ordained minister and that you’re curious about what documents or credentials they need to see from you, as the wedding officiant, before performing a ceremony in their jurisdiction. You’ll find contact information for the Akron office listed below.
- Office Address:
-
22 North Fourth Street
Columbus, OH 43215 - Office Phone Number:
- (614) 466-8770
- Office Website:
- Akron Office Website
3. Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Akron?
One great candidate: You! (At least, as soon as you are ordained). We all know that weddings are notoriously spendy, but one way that couples are reducing their costs – and bringing deeper meaning to the event – is by choosing an officiant they know personally.
For loved ones who are asked to officiate, this is an incredible honor; serving in the role of officiant signifies a deep level of faith and trust between you and the couple. But not all couples are aware this is an option! If someone you love has an upcoming wedding, you might offer to preside over the ceremony as an ordained minister in case they hadn't considered it. In the end, the decision will of course be theirs.
- Average Cost of a Wedding in Akron:
- $15,000
4. What You'll Need to Officiate in Akron
After speaking with the office in Akron, you should have a clearer idea of what you might need to order from our online catalog. Many of our ministers in Akron decide to get an Classic Wedding Kit with a Letter of Good Standing, though your choice may vary based on the specific requirements in place.
With all that prep work out of the way, you’ll be set to officiate the wedding! Woohoo! If this is your first time performing a wedding (or you just want to brush up on your knowledge) head over to our wedding training center, where you’ll find all sorts of useful tools and resources.
5. How Akron Marriage Licenses Work
After the ceremony is over, your last (and vital) responsibility will be to sign and return the marriage license. In Akron, a marriage license is valid for 60 days. Once it has been picked up, there is no mandatory waiting period before the wedding ceremony may be performed. Please keep in mind that the license must be returned within the prescribed period after signing.
This is a legal document, so please double-check that it is correctly filled out before returning it to the office that issued it. For detailed instructions on how to fill out a marriage license, visit our marriage license training page.
- Marriage License Waiting Period:
- None
- Marriage License Valid For:
- 60 Days
- Return Within:
- 30 Days
6. Performing a Wedding in Akron
Many know of Akron, Ohio as the birthplace of basketball legend LeBron James, but it's so much more. Akron is a fun and family-friendly city with lots to do for all ages. Home to the famous Akron Zoo and multiple concert/music halls, Akron has a lot to do packed into a smaller city. As well, Akron has a historic district that will transport you back to the 1800s! Whether the wedding is big or small, full of young-ones or not so full of young-ones, Akron is a great place to host a fun and memorable wedding!7. What You Should Do Now for a Wedding in Akron
Rainy and cold much of the winter, outdoor weddings in Akron are perhaps best in the late spring, summer, and early fall months.
Now that you know everything there is to know about Akron weddings, don’t forget to take that all-important first step in this process by officially becoming ordained with the ULC! Click the button below to get the ball rolling.
Once ordained, you’ll be well on your way to performing legal wedding ceremonies in Akron!