How to Start a Wedding Ministry Business

Plan to have someone who can act as a witness for small weddings.

Weddings are big business. Caterers, wedding planners and the businesses selling gowns and tuxedos all figure prominently in the production of the bride's dream wedding. Yet, just as important for the wedding is that moment when the couple says, "I do," to make the wedding special, legal and binding. Ministers perform any number of weddings every year, but for some ministers, performing weddings is their primary, not a secondary function. Starting a wedding ministry starts with information, education and planning.

Instructions

1. Receive education in the areas in which you plan to work. Wedding ministers who also wish to minister in more traditional ways should receive a seminary education. However, there are paths to becoming a minister that do not require a seminary education. These might be courses taught by different denominations or offered by organizations without denominational ties.

2. Check out, and apply for, any licenses and certifications needed to work in your area of expertise. States have certain requirements for ministers to perform certain legal functions, such as marrying and burying. Check your state for licenses and any certifications needed. In some states, this means filing proof of ordination or ministerial credentials.

3. Create a business plan. Write down what the business is, what you plan to do and steps needed to make the business successful. Know what you wish to achieve, listing resources available to help you make your plan successful.

4. Put together a budget. Starting a business takes money. If you are already a minister and work with a church, you have a starting point. Figure out how much money you'll need to not only put your plans into operation in developing a wedding ministry, but also what it will take to sustain you through a couple of years. Consult other wedding ministers before determining what you'll charge for services.

5. Rent office space. If you're currently serving a church, you may be able to start performing weddings at the church. However, since this is a separate business, you'll need to rent office space in which to consult with the bride and groom. Decorate with your business model in mind.

6. Pay for the creation of a logo. A logo helps others quickly recognize who you are and what you do. Don't rely on something you draw. Pay for a professionally designed logo for your wedding ministry business.

7. Design business cards and stationary. Use your logo on business cards and stationary as well on invoices and envelopes. Cards are easy to carry and hand out. Add business cards to any correspondence.

8. Make business connections. As a practicing minister, you can join local ministerial organizations. Also have a presence at local business organizations such as Rotary. Meet local wedding planners and seek to work with them to create the wedding desired by the bride and groom.

9. Promote your business. Let local media know about your business start-up with a press release and seek media interviews. Continue to let the media know about important wedding ministry events or happenings. Create a website for your wedding ministry business and list your information with area wedding service sites.

Tips & Warnings

• Education provides credibility for any ministry. Do the work necessary to earn your credentials from a credible source, do not purchase them from a mill that churns out certificates for a fee.

References

• The Wedding Income Toolkit for Ministers: Tips to Start a Wedding Ministry Business
• U.S. Marriage Laws: Officiants' Requirements