If you’re curious about how to become a non religious wedding officiant, the most convenient way is through non-denominational ordination. We’ll discuss this ordination in more detail below, including where you can legally claim a non-denominational ordination.
You will also know if it’s possible to officiate a wedding even if you’re not religious. But for additional context, it’s best to read what is a non-denominational wedding.
Exactly How To Become A Non Religious Wedding Officiant
If you’re not under any religious denomination or want to officiate non-religious weddings, you can become a non-religious wedding officiant through non-denominational ordination. From the name itself, getting ordained without any denomination is a way for people to officiate weddings legally regardless of their beliefs.
The American Marriage Ministries is an organization where you can claim a non-denominational ordination because they believe that Americans of any background have the right to officiate weddings. This also provides the couple a way to find a minister that shares their beliefs and values to have a more sentimental wedding ceremony.
What are the requirements for non-denominational ordination?
The requirements for a non-religious ordination will depend on your chosen non-denominational religious organization that offers it. Usually, you’ll undergo online ordination by filling up a form on the organization’s website.
After filling in the necessary information, you should receive an email for legal verification. Online ordination is usually quick and free, but reading and learning about your state’s marriage laws is crucial.
What can you do as a non-religious wedding officiant?
After you become ordained, you can officiate weddings and possibly even conduct funerals. It will depend on where you became a minister and the laws in your state.
In some states, you may need to provide additional documents and obtain certifications and licenses to perform a wedding. Some places are more lenient and wouldn’t even require any registration.
But to avoid issues, you should get a non-denominational ordination certificate. This way, you have a document to provide government officials if needed.
Can You Get Ordained Without Religion?
You can become a wedding officiant and perform weddings even if you’re not religious or under any religious denomination. Non-religious wedding officiants are becoming common nowadays as more and more couples would want a tailored wedding, or some might have different religions, so it’s better to have a non-religious officiant.
Find a non-denominational organization and get ordained
You might also want to perform non-religious weddings. Therefore, find a non-denominational organization or church that doesn’t adhere to any beliefs or doctrines of any one denomination.
You can practice any faith system and perform weddings without religion. However, understand that any conventional churches wouldn’t recognize non-denominational ordination.
Remember that an officiant of the same religion can only perform a religious wedding. Another church that offers a non-denominational ordination is the ULC ministries because they believe that all spiritual beliefs and religions are equal, so check their ordination process if you’re interested.
How Can I Officiate A Non Religious Wedding?
If you are ordained as a non-denominational wedding officiant, here’s the step-by-step process of performing a non-religious wedding:
- Become ordained by a non-religious organization, usually only
- Check the marriage laws in the state to know the requirements for performing a legal wedding ceremony
- Accomplish the requirements by the organization to become their minister
- Contact the country clerk to know the necessary documents for officiating a wedding; they can mean certificates and licenses
- Write a ceremony script with the couple and maintain open communication with them to know how they envision their non-religious wedding
- Perform the wedding ceremony
- After the ceremony, fill out the marriage license with the couple
- Return the license to the office that issued it and make sure to follow the requirements to finalize a valid union in your state
If it’s your first time officiating, here’s how to perform a wedding.
What Is A Non Religious Officiant Called?
A non-religious officiant can be called a non-denominational officiant or a secular officiant. This means that the officiant is under no specific denomination, faith, or religion.
Civil weddings are another non-religious ceremony led by non-religious officiants, usually government officials. With all these options available, it’s possible to have a non-religious wedding that is valid and legal.
If you consider yourselves spiritual or you and your partner have an interfaith relationship, you may opt for a symbolic ceremony. Read what is a spiritual wedding ceremony for more details.
How To Have A Non Religious Wedding Ceremony
- Discuss with your partner the ceremony you both want to have
- Know the elements you want to incorporate into the wedding
- Explain to family and friends your desire for a non-religious wedding
- Find a non-denominational officiant
- Plan the wedding ceremony with the officiant
- Include secular readings in the ceremony
- Consider a civil wedding first to ensure a valid union, then have a more symbolic ceremony with family and friends
Another helpful read for non-religious couples is this discussion on what is a secular wedding.
Conclusion
Was this guide helpful? To recap how to become a non religious wedding officiant, you must undergo a non-denominational ordination from a non-denominational church or organization.
From there, you will contact your county clerk to know the requirements and laws for a legal marriage in your state. Overall, it’s possible to officiate a wedding without a religion as long as you know the marriage laws in your location.