Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Becoming ordained in California has never been easier! The “minister” title was once reserved only for those with the resources to pursue it through time-consuming, costly courses. But those days are no more. The Universal Life Church Ministries has knocked down these historic barriers by pioneering a new path to ordination that makes it simple for anyone who feels so-called to get ordained on the internet for free.
Californians are known for being adventurous and dancing to the beat of their own drum – which perhaps explains why getting ordained online is so popular in the Golden State.
Curious how to join them? Look no further! This guide will explain how online ordination works, what legal aspects you should be aware of, and, most importantly: how to become a minister in California.
1. Fill Out Your California Ordination Application
Getting ordained online with the Universal Life Church Ministries is as easy as filling out a short form on our website. We just need a few a couple basic details to create your account, then press submit – that’s it! Once your ordination application has been processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to view your digital ordination certificate on our website. To begin, click the button below!
Our ordination process is straightforward, fast, and entirely free. Why? Because we believe everyone has the right to captain their own spiritual ship and navigate themselve through the expansive waters of the universe. Your faith is your own, and we think it’s important that you be given the ability to pursue your beliefs however is most appropriate for you – not according to a huge set of rules laid out by a distant governing body.
2. Get Your Ordination Certificate
After getting ordained online, you should get a physical copy of your credentials. No matter what sorts of ministerial activities you’d like to get involved in, the next step is to ensure you have all the necessary supplies and documents to pursue your goals! Here are some of the most popular items among our ministers in California:
If those items don't seem relevant to your goals, not to worry! Feel free to explore our full catalog of ministry supplies.
Become a Wedding Officiant in California
Many ordained ministers have some interest in solemnizing wedding ceremonies – oftentimes for loved ones. In fact, ULC ministers perform countless successful wedding ceremonies in California each year! A traditional church ceremony in Los Angeles can be wonderful, but what if a couple just wants a friend to perform a handfasting ceremony at the beach? Having the freedom to shake things up can make for an amazing, unique experience for all involved.
If you plan to perform a wedding, it’s important to understand that because marriage is a legal ceremony, there are additional rules that apply. Every state has its own rules regarding marriages and the process for performing them, so you’ll need to know about the requirements that apply in your area. To learn more, please visit our guide on performing weddings in California.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in California?
Once you are ordained, you’ll have the freedom to choose how you want to put this new status to use. Regardless of where you reside in California – from San Diego to Redding, you can take advantage of your status as a minister in many different ways. As an ordained minister with the ULC, you can:
Conduct a wide variety of other types of ceremonies
Some members of the ULC in California even go on to start their own ministries! To learn more about the potential directions you can take and how to study up on these different specialties, visit our Minister Training Center.
What Does it Mean to Be Ordained?
Ordination is a process of consecration that has been practiced across many religions throughout history. Each faith and denomination has its own method for ordaining its members as part of the clergy – processes that can vary significantly from one belief system to another. At its core, getting ordained indicates that powers have been vested in you by a higher authority to become a minister and carry out duties such as performing ceremonies.
The road to ordination was historically a difficult one, requiring many years of study and the approval of leadership – not to mention the financial resources to attend formal schooling for becoming a minister.
The ULC believes such traditional routes are too restrictive, which is why we’ve opened the doors of ordination to all those who seek it through a unique online model. We provide this option in California because we recognize that Californians want to be able to make their own decisions about becoming ordained, unconstrained by potential barriers, such as those imposed by conventional religious bodies.
Ordination through the Universal Life Church Ministries confers all the same rights and privileges enjoyed by members of the clergy ordained through more traditional avenues. ULC ministers are empowered to conduct the same types of duties performed by other clergy members from other organizations and denominations.
Are ULC Ordinations Valid in California?
As an established religious organization in good standing, ordinations conferred by the Universal Life Church are fully recognized in California, and ULC ministers have the authority to perform all normal clergy duties, including officiating legal wedding ceremonies.
Is it Legal to Get Ordained Online in California?
Yes! The First Amendment to the Constitution extends freedom of religion to everyone in the United States, regardless of what their faith is or how they choose to practice it. The ULC has, per its practices, legally ordained thousands of ministers online in California. Every day, these intelligent, thoughtful ministers are legally performing services and ceremonies in their communities.
The ULC believes that everyone who feels so-called, regardless of their particular beliefs, should have access to ordination and the ability to captain their own spiritual ship. We ask only that our ministers abide by two tenets:
Do that which is right, and
Every individual is free to practice their religion in the manner of their choosing, so long as that expression does not impinge upon the rights or freedoms of others and is in accordance with the government's laws.
How Long Does it Take to Get Ordained in California?
The amount of time it can take to get ordained can vary depending on what avenue you are taking to become an ordained minister. The ULC believes that ordination should be accessible to any individual who feels so-called, so we've created an innovative platform that allows anyone interested in the path of ordination to apply for that online. Properly requested ULC ordinations are granted almost instantaneously, and we've legally ordained thousands of ministers in California who are doing amazing work every day.
If you are feeling called to join our community, we'd be happy to welcome you!
How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained in California?
The cost of ordination depends entirely on how and through which institution you choose to become ordained. Going to a traditional seminary or religious graduate program can cost thousands and thousands of dollars in tuition alone. The ULC has worked tirelessly since its founding to ensure that ordination can be made available to anyone who feels so-called, regardless of their economic status. For this reason, among others, online ordination with the Universal Life Church is absolutely free.
This policy has enabled thousands of people who would ordinarily never be able to achieve ordination as a result of their financial limitations to achieve that goal and utilize their new status to improve themselves and their communities. We do ask for a small fee from any minister who chooses to order physical supplies or copies of their credentials to help us cover the cost of those, but the ULC's online ordination itself has no charge and is open to all.
How Can You Get Ordained in California for Free?
As noted above, online ordination with the ULC is always free! If you are interested in applying for online ordination and haven't done so already, please just scroll up to step 1 on this page and hit the big blue button to begin your ordination application and the next big adventure in your life!
Do you have to be a resident of California?
An online ordination from the ULC is not itself state-specific, meaning that you only need to get ordained once and that ordination itself is valid no matter where in the world you happen to be.
You should be aware that different states do often have different rules and regulations for how certain ceremonies, like weddings, are meant to be performed - so prior to performing any ceremony with legal significance we always suggest that you reach out to the government office that will be overseeing the results of that ceremony ahead of time to ensure that you have all of the paperwork you'll need.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Ordained in California
The Universal Life Church requires that all those who apply for online ordination be at least 18 years of age or older. This age restriction, along with other policies and procedures related to the ordination process, are made clear as you are completing the application form. Any ordination application that is made under false pretenses or in violation of our terms and conditions will be automatically considered void, and we will not be able to defend the legitimacy of any ordination granted under false pretenses or otherwise in violation of our guidelines.
