How to Become a Wedding Minister in Louisiana

Some see Louisiana as the land of voodoo, bayous, Creole cooking and Britney Spears, but the state also enjoys some of the least restrictive laws for those who want to officiate marriages. One ordination short of your own ministry? No worries. Head for the Internet and you can land legal credentials.

Instructions

1. Compare Internet sites to find out which ordination ministries are most appealing to you and your objectives. Many of these sites have been in business for decades and boast legions of Christian ordinations from around the world so you needn't worry if the one you choose isn't located in Louisiana.

2. Understand that while you may be seeking a quick and legal way to marry friends and family in Louisiana, many of the sites you will find as you tour cyberspace are in business to spread the word of the Gospel. If you're not religious, choose an ordination source espousing a universalist or humanist philosophy.

3. Compare fee structures to see which suits your budget. Many ordination sites offer basic, comprehensive and deluxe options while some will accept a free-will offering in lieu of a set rate structure. You'll find costs to be relatively modest -- averaging $30 to $100 -- depending upon the bells and whistles you seek. In rare cases, there is no fee so long as the Louisiana applicant promises to commit to doing the Lord's work.

4. Request official application forms and pay ordination fees. If, for any reason, your application is denied, you will receive a notice at this point in the process. In most cases, you may appeal a rejection if you believe it's based on inaccurate information.

5. Select a title. You will be offered a variety of choices; choose the one that you believe will be most appropriate in your Louisiana parish. Titles most often chosen are reverend, minister, pastor, evangelist, chaplain, deacon, missionary and elder, but some ordination sources will allow you to create a title of your choice.

6. Peruse materials sent by the granting authority before you book your first Louisiana-style wedding ceremony. Your welcome package may include such items as a guidebook to help you stage and conduct ceremonies, certificate of ordination, wallet ID, clip-on clergy badge, presentation folder, "Official Business" static-cling sticker for your car, wedding certificates or a CD pre-loaded with wedding and baptism certificate art. Some include a guide for opening your own wedding chapel.

7. Register with the clerk of the district court in your home parish after you're ordained or licensed as a justice of the peace and you'll be ready to launch your ministry and begin booking wedding ceremonies. Given all of the exotic outdoor venues in the state of Louisiana, you should have no problem finding romantic sites, but check with local law enforcement officials to be sure that gazebo on the bayou doesn't require a party permit from parks and recreation authorities before using it for a marriage ceremony.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of the fact that some ordination granting authorities (Christianship Ministries, for example) retain the right to suspend or revoke privileges if they find their credentials being used fraudulently, so keep that in mind as you begin your career as a Louisiana wedding minister.

Resources

• Christianship Ministries Ordination by Mail
• Visit Rose Ministries' site for information
• Find other programs for becoming a wedding officiate