One of the things we love most about intimate weddings and elopements is how personal they can be. Instead of having a complete stranger officiate your ceremony, many of our couples choose someone who already means the world to them—a best friend, sibling, parent, or lifelong friend.

If you've been asked to officiate a wedding, first of all... congratulations! It's a huge honor.

The next question is usually:

"Can I actually do this?"

The answer is yes. We know because we did it ourselves.

Why We Became Ordained

We didn't become ordained because we planned to start officiating weddings professionally. We became ordained to make things easier for our couples.

Many of the couples we photograph choose incredible locations that aren't exactly easy to get to. Whether it's hiking into the mountains, walking through the forest, or standing on a remote overlook at sunrise, finding an officiant who's willing—and able—to make the trek isn't always easy. And when they do, it often adds another person to coordinate and another expense to the day.

By becoming ordained through the Universal Life Church, we can legally officiate the ceremony when it's needed. That gives our couples one less vendor to coordinate and makes planning a little simpler, especially for adventurous elopements where keeping things small and stress-free is part of the experience.

It's not something every couple needs, but it's a nice option to have.

Why We Chose the Universal Life Church

There are several organizations that offer online ordination, including American Marriage Ministries, Open Ministry, and the Universal Life Church. Each has its own process and resources, and all are commonly used by friends and family members who want to officiate a wedding.

After talking with other photographers, officiants, and couples, we found that the Universal Life Church was the organization most frequently recommended. It had a long track record, the ordination process was free, and it was incredibly simple to complete, so that's the route we chose.

No matter which organization you choose, always verify that your ordination will meet the requirements of the state and county where the wedding will take place. Every location has its own rules, and some counties require additional registration or documentation before you can legally officiate a marriage. If you're officiating for one of our Step Out couples, we'll gladly help you research the requirements for their elopement location so you know exactly what's needed before the big day.

Our Experience Getting Ordained

We weren’t sure what to expect, but we were surprised by how simple the entire process was.

The online application only took a few minutes to complete. There were no classes to attend, no complicated paperwork, and no lengthy approval process. Before we knew it, Jenny was officially ordained. Honestly, it was easier than we ever imagined.

Why Have a Friend or Family Member Officiate?

Having someone close to you officiate creates a ceremony that feels incredibly personal. They know your story. They know your personalities. They can share memories that no professional officiant could.

We've photographed ceremonies where siblings made everyone laugh, parents brought guests to tears, and lifelong friends told stories that perfectly captured the couple's relationship. Those are often the ceremonies people remember the most.

Is It Legal?

In many states, yes—but it's important to do a little homework first. Marriage laws vary depending on where you're getting married. Some states and counties have additional requirements or paperwork for officiants, while others simply recognize online ordinations.

Before the wedding, check with the county clerk where your marriage license will be issued to make sure everything is in order. If you're one of our couples, don't worry—we'll help guide you through the process and point you in the right direction to confirm the requirements for your specific elopement location. A quick phone call can save a lot of stress later and helps ensure everything is ready before your wedding day.

Tips for First-Time Officiants

If you're officiating your first wedding, here are a few things we'd recommend:

Practice reading the ceremony out loud several times.
Speak slower than you think you need to.
Look up at the couple often instead of reading every word.
Stand slightly off to one side during the first kiss so your photographer gets a cleaner photo.
Don't be afraid to show emotion—it's what makes the ceremony memorable.

Remember, the couple didn't choose you because you're a professional speaker. They chose you because they love you.

Our Advice

If you're considering asking a friend or family member to officiate your wedding, we absolutely encourage it.

Some of the most heartfelt ceremonies we've ever photographed have been led by someone the couple already knew and trusted. And if you're the lucky person who has been asked to officiate? Don't be intimidated.

Getting ordained through the Universal Life Church was quick, easy, and surprisingly fun. More importantly, it gives you the opportunity to play a meaningful role in one of life's biggest moments. Sometimes the most unforgettable ceremonies aren't the most elaborate. They're simply the most personal.

How to Get Ordained Through the Universal Life Church

Ready to become ordained? The process through the Universal Life Church is surprisingly quick and straightforward.

Visit the Universal Life Church website:https://www.ulc.org/ or go directly to the online ordination page at Universal Life Church.
Click "Get Ordained Instantly."
Complete the online application using your legal name, email address, and create a password.
Submit your application. In most cases, you'll receive confirmation of your ordination within minutes.
Check whether the state or county where the wedding will take place requires officiants to register or present official credentials before performing a marriage. Some locations also require certified documents, which can be ordered through the Universal Life Church if needed.

The online ordination itself is completely free. While some counties may require additional documentation, many couples simply need an ordained officiant to sign their marriage license. Laws vary by state and county, so it's always best to verify the requirements ahead of time.

If you're officiating for one of our Step Out couples, don't worry—we'll help you research the requirements for your specific elopement location and point you in the right direction so everything is ready well before the wedding day. Our goal is to make the entire experience as stress-free as possible so you can focus on celebrating with the couple.

Any questions? Drop us a note and we’d be happy to answer them and help guide you through the process!

How to Get Ordained Online (Yes, It's Really That Easy!)