How to get ordained in Florida?
Asked by: Krista Mitchell | Last update: February 5, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (45 votes)
To get ordained in Florida, you can complete a straightforward online process with organizations like the Universal Life Church (ULC) or the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), usually requiring you to be 18+ and fill out an application, but you must also check the specific marriage licensing requirements with the county clerk where the wedding takes place, as Florida requires officiants to register and may need official documents (like a Minister ID or Ordination Certificate) to prove their status before performing a wedding.
How hard is it to get ordained in Florida?
In the state of Florida, anyone can get ordained. A short application is all it takes to get ordained in Florida. People may get ordained to solemnize weddings, perform funeral and memorial services, and other events. In South Florida, the registration process to get ordained is easy, free, and convenient.
What is required to officiate a wedding in Florida?
Ordained Ministers and Clergy
Ordained ministers, including those ordained online by organizations such as The Provenance Center, are authorized to solemnize marriages. The law does not specify a residency requirement, so ministers from any state can officiate.
How much does it cost to get ordained online in Florida?
Becoming ordained is free, and can be done entirely online.
Can I officiate my own wedding if I'm ordained?
An ordained minister generally cannot marry themselves because most places require a separate, authorized officiant to witness and solemnize the union, but some U.S. states (like Colorado, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, Maine, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, DC, and sometimes California) offer "self-uniting" or "self-solemnizing" licenses, allowing couples (including ministers) to marry themselves without a third-party officiant, though witness requirements may still apply.
How To Get Ordained In Florida To Officiate Weddings - THEAMM.ORG
In what states can you ordain your own wedding?
This practice, also referred to as a self-uniting or self-officiated wedding, is currently permitted in a limited number of states, including Colorado, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Washington D.C., and parts of Nevada and California under specific conditions.
What are common officiant mistakes?
Common officiant mistakes include getting names wrong, being late, rushing, failing to rehearse, making the ceremony too much about themselves with inappropriate humor, not coordinating with the wedding team (DJ, photographer), using language the couple dislikes (especially religious terms), and poor planning for the first kiss or post-ceremony logistics, all leading to awkwardness and distracting from the couple's moment.
Is online ordination legally recognized?
Online ordination's legal recognition for officiating weddings varies significantly by state and county, with most states allowing it but some, like North Carolina, specifically ruling against instant, low-requirement ordinations (e.g., Universal Life Church) as legally valid, potentially voiding marriages, while others like California and Texas are more permissive but may have registration requirements, so it's crucial to check local county clerk rules.
What is the 50 30 20 rule for weddings?
The 50/30/20 rule for wedding budgeting is a guideline to split your total wedding fund: 50% for essentials (venue, catering, attire), 30% for important extras (photography, decor, music, flowers), and 20% for a buffer (unexpected costs, taxes, favors, honeymoon). It's adapted from personal finance to offer a balanced, simple way to manage wedding expenses and stay in control.
What's the difference between a licensed and ordained minister?
A licensed minister has permission to perform some religious duties (like preaching), often as a step toward ordination, while an ordained minister has full church authority to perform all rites, including sacraments and weddings, representing a lifelong commitment with greater canonical standing, though state laws and specific denominations can vary on what each is authorized to do legally. Licensing can be temporary or for specific functions, whereas ordination signifies a higher, often permanent, level of spiritual commission.
Can my mom officiate my wedding in Florida?
In short, although Florida law prohibits you from notarizing the signature of an immediate family member, this prohibition does not apply to performing a marriage ceremony for the immediate family member.
Can you marry someone if you're not ordained?
"Family and friends can only officiate a wedding if they are a religious, civil, ordained, licensed minister, judge, magistrate, justice of the peace, or licensed celebrant," she says. Getting ordained to perform a wedding is the most common route when having a friend officiate your wedding.
How long does it take to get ordained?
Most organizations will either send you a digital certificate for free or allow you to purchase the physical documents and additional credentials if necessary. Register as an ordained officiant with the state, if necessary. On average, this process takes 7-30 days depending on the state.
Who can legally marry a couple in Florida?
The following can perform ceremonies: All judicial officers. Clerks of the circuit court. A notary public of the State of Florida.
What are the benefits of being ordained?
1. Rewards of Ordained Ministry
- 1.1. Making a Profound Spiritual Impact. One of the greatest rewards of ordained ministry is the opportunity to make a deep, lasting impact on the spiritual lives of others. ...
- 1.2. Building Community. ...
- 1.3. Facilitating Major Life Events. ...
- 1.4. Personal Spiritual Growth.
Is it difficult to become an officiant?
You'll likely need to get ordained, but luckily the process is cheap and easy online. Finally, you may need to register with the state in order to officiate marriages.
What is the $27.40 rule?
The "$27.40 rule" is a personal finance strategy to save $10,000 in a year by consistently setting aside $27.40 every single day, which adds up to over $10,000 annually ($27.40 x 365 days). This method makes saving less daunting by breaking a large goal into small, manageable daily habits, fostering discipline, and helping build funds for emergencies, debt repayment, or other financial goals.
Is $5000 a good budget for a wedding?
Yes, a beautiful wedding for $5,000 is absolutely possible, but it requires smart choices like choosing an off-peak date (winter/weekday), downsizing the guest list, prioritizing spending (e.g., on photos), and embracing DIY for decor, invitations, and food, often with backyard or restaurant receptions to save on venue costs, says Joy, Ling's Moment, Reddit, and Honeyfund. Key strategies include potlucks, food trucks, park ceremonies, digital invites, and relying on Spotify playlists for music, allowing for a memorable day without breaking the bank, according to Reddit users and Money magazine.
What is the white rule for weddings?
The Tradition Of Wearing White At Weddings
Since then, white has been reserved for brides in many cultures, reinforcing the idea that guests should avoid wearing the color to avoid upstaging or disrespecting the bride.
How legit is getting ordained online?
Yes, getting ordained online is generally considered legit and legal for officiating weddings in most U.S. states, but its acceptance varies significantly by state and even county, requiring you to check local laws and register with the clerk's office where the wedding will occur, as some jurisdictions (like parts of Virginia, New York) have challenged or restricted online ordinations. Major organizations like the Universal Life Church (ULC) and American Marriage Ministries (AMM) provide ordination that works in many places, but always verify specific requirements.
Can I officiate my own wedding?
Yes, you can officiate your own wedding through a legal process called self-solemnization, but it's only permitted in a few U.S. states (like Colorado, Pennsylvania, California with special licenses, DC, etc.) and requires checking local laws and potentially having witnesses sign the license instead of an officiant. In most places, a third-party officiant is legally required, though some states offer specific options like self-uniting licenses for certain denominations or non-clergy marriages.
What states accept online ordinations?
Many states, including Alabama, California, Colorado, and Texas, do not require online-ordained ministers to register with any government office to legally officiate weddings. However, always confirm with local county clerks to ensure compliance with regional regulations.
What is the 5 5 5 rule in marriage?
The 5-5-5 rule in marriage refers to different communication/conflict strategies: one common method involves 5 minutes for Partner A to speak, 5 minutes for Partner B to speak (uninterrupted), and 5 minutes to discuss solutions. Another version focuses on daily connection: 5 minutes talking about the day, 5 minutes on something meaningful, and 5 minutes of physical touch. A third uses a mindfulness check: "Will this matter in 5 minutes? 5 days? 5 years?" to de-escalate conflict.
What not to do as an officiant?
7 things I won't do as your officiant
- I don't crack jokes. ...
- I don't rush. ...
- I don't go on and on and on and on… ...
- I don't talk about God. ...
- I don't use the word “obey” anywhere in the ceremony. ...
- I don't add in language about giving away the bride. ...
- I won't ask your guests if they have reason to believe you shouldn't be married.
What is a typical officiant fee?
An officiant typically costs $200 to $500, with averages around $300, but prices vary widely from free (for a friend) to over $1,000, depending on experience, location, customization, and if rehearsals or counseling are included, with civil ceremonies usually cheaper than personalized professional ones.