How to Become an Ordained Minister in Kentucky
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 Kentucky
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:
What Do You Need to Perform a Wedding in Kentucky
Once you've determined what you need, simply log in to your account and order the materials from our online catalog. Based on feedback from our ministers in Kentucky, we recommend ordering an Ordination Kit. Although ministers are generally not required to register in the state of Wisconsin, it's not uncommon for the county clerk to ask for proof of your ordination. Thus, it's always a good idea to have a hard copy of your credentials on hand. Keep in mind that the couple may like to see them as well. Please place your order well in advance of the wedding to avoid complications.
How to Get a Kentucky Marriage License
Licenses are issued by the County Clerk's office, and will be picked up by the couple. As a minister, it's your responsibility to understand how marriage licenses work in Kentucky and its individual counties. For example, if the couple plans to get a Jefferson County marriage license, you should double-check if there are any rules specific to Jefferson County.
In the state of Kentucky, the license is valid for 30 days. There is a 3 day waiting period between the time it is picked up, and when the ceremony can be legally performed. Finally, the signed marriage license must be returned to the issuing office before it expires.
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 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 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!
Kentucky Marriage Laws
Marriage laws in Kentucky are primarily directed by Chapter 402 of Title 50 of the state code. This section defines persons authorized to perform a marriage in the State of Kentucky, which includes ordained ministers of the Universal Life Church, among other individuals. We've reproduced the relevant portion below:
402.050 Who may solemnize marriage -- Persons present. (1) Marriage shall be solemnized only by: (a) Ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination in regular communion with any religious society; (b) Justices and judges of the Court of Justice, retired justices and judges of the Court of Justice except those removed for cause or convicted of a felony, county judges/executive, and such justices of the peace and fiscal court commissioners as the Governor or the county judge/executive authorizes; or (c) A religious society that has no officiating minister or priest and whose usage is to solemnize marriage at the usual place of worship and by consent given in the presence of the society, if either party belongs to the society. (2) At least two (2) persons, in addition to the parties and the person solemnizing the marriage, shall be present at every marriage. Effective:July 15, 1996