Ordination Requirements for Indiana

While Indiana has specific requirements for who can perform marriages, anyone 18 or older can become an ordained minister online. This is a good option if you want to perform a marriage for friends or family, but don’t meet the state’s other requirements. Becoming ordained online in Indiana only takes a few moments. However, there are still some restrictions you should be aware of.

Indiana Ordination Requirements

According to Title 31 of Indiana's Codified Statutes, the state authorizes the following people to perform marriages:

1. A member of the clergy of a religious organization (even if the cleric does not perform religious functions for an individual congregation), such as a minister of the gospel, a priest, a bishop, an archbishop, or a rabbi. 
2. A judge. 
3. A mayor, within the mayor's county.
4. A clerk or a clerk-treasurer of a city or town, within a county in which the city or town is located. 
5. A clerk of the circuit court.
6. The Friends Church, in accordance with the rules of the Friends Church.
7. The German Baptists, in accordance with the rules of their society.
8. The Bahai faith, in accordance with the rules of the Bahai faith.
9. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in accordance with the rules of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
10. An imam of a masjid (mosque), in accordance with the rules of the religion of Islam.

Because the law allows members of the clergy from organizations that don’t necessarily perform religious functions, those looking to perform marriages can get ordained by a nondenominational, online organization. The state accepts ordination certificates from the Universal Life Church Monastery (ULC) and American Marriage Ministries (AMM). You must be 18 years of age or older. While some states – such as Oklahoma, Nevada, Louisiana and Virginia – also require you to register with the local clerk of court, Indiana does not.

Go Online

The process of getting ordained online is relatively simple. Head to either the ULC or AMM website, enter your personal contact information and submit your request for ordination. You'll then be able to order a copy of your ordination certificate.

Signing the Certificate

Once you have performed the wedding ceremony as an ordained minster, you will sign the marriage certificate along with the newlyweds. You will likely list your title as "minister," the ceremony type as "religious" and the denomination as "non-denominational."