How to Become Ordained in Los Angeles

Ordination will allow you to perform a number of religious ceremonies in Los Angeles, California. A number of internet organizations will ordain you almost immediately according to your religious beliefs, or even if you hold no religious beliefs at all. In addition, the state of California offers a unique program that allows individuals to become deputized marriage commissioners for one day.

Instructions

1. Search online church and ordination services. You can choose from a large number of online ordination services that range from agnostic to highly religious. Perform a simple Internet search to browse available ordination services and online churches.

2. Choose a service that is in line with your religious beliefs, is within your budget and meets your needs. You may be required to sign a code of ethics when applying for your ordination card. If so, read it carefully, as it may require that you carry out specific directives during any ceremony you perform. Ordination services will ordain you for a limited period of time. Make sure to choose a service that fits your needs. For example, consider whether you need to be ordained for an entire year if you anticipate officiating at only one marriage ceremony. Finally, choose a service that is within your budget. Ordination fees range from free to approximately $150.

3. Apply to become a deputy marriage commissioner for a day. The county of Los Angeles will ordain individuals for just one day, allowing you to perform a marriage ceremony one time. The program charges a fee of $75. Call the Los Angeles County clerk at 562-462-2081 for more information about the program.

4. Provide proof of your ordination. After the marriage ceremony, you will be required to file the marriage license with the state of California. When you file the marriage license, you will be asked to provide proof of your authorization to officiate the ceremony. Make sure that you have your ordination or deputy card with you at that time and that your credentials are current.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose to use the deputy-marriage-commissioner-for-a-day program, you may be restricted to purely secular marriage ceremonies.

• If you wish to perform a marriage or other ceremony in a church, church leadership is not always required to recognize your ordination.

References

• World Christianship Ministries
• Universal Life Church
• Los Angeles County: Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies

Resources

• Application for Deputy Commissioner of Civil Ceremony for a Day