Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Looking to get ordained in Maryland? In this guide, we'll walk you through each step of the process and talk about the many advantages of being an ordained minister. As you probably know, it wasn't so long ago that becoming a minister meant a lengthy formal schooling process (which didn't come cheap, by the way). Not only that, but certain segments of the population were frequently excluded due to their immutable characteristics.
But online ordination with the Universal Life Church flipped that script on its head. The ULC has proudly dismantled those historic barriers to participation in ministry by pioneering a new online model for ordination that allows anyone who feels so-called to get ordained. And the best part? Ordination is free, and the process can be done 100% online.
Maryland is rich with history, giving Marylanders a unique perspective on what it means to do that which is right. Celebrating its diversity enough to earn the nickname Little America, we aren't surprised so many Marylanders use the Universal Life Church to get ordained.
Below, we'll explain how online ordination works, the different ways it can be put to use, and (of course) show you have to become a minister in Maryland!
Getting ordained with the Universal Life Church Ministries is a straightforward process. All that's needed is to fill out a brief form on our website, press submit, and your ordination will be instantly processed. Once you see your digital ordination credentials pop up, it's official: you're now a minister! You'll also get an email from us confirming your ordination, so keep an eye on your inbox. When you're ready to get started, hit the button below!
You might be thinking: "why is ULC ordination this simple?" The answer stems from our guiding philosophy: that everyone should have the opportunity to follow their own spiritual path, wherever that may lead. Faith is inherently unique to each individual – and because it's so personal, it can mean different things to different people. Unlike traditional religious organizations that impose their views top-down on members, the ULC takes a different approach. We believe that anyone who feels so-called should be able to pursue their faith journey in the way that makes the most sense to them. And empowering folks to do this begins with an ordination process that is accessible to everyone.
2. Get Your Ordination Certificate
Once you’ve been ordained online, we highly recommend that you order a physical copy of your minister credentials. As an ordained minister, there are dozens (if not hundreds) of new services and ceremonies you may feel called to perform - and it’s important that you have the full scope of necessary supplies and paperwork to fulfill all of those ambitions! Presented below are some of the items that have proven to be the most popular among our ministers in Maryland.
Should these selections not align with your vision, that’s okay! We have a comprehensive catalog of ministry supplies, offering options for all of your goals, just waiting for you to explore it.
Become a Wedding Officiant in Maryland
Among the many reasons that people choose to get ordained online is to officiate legal wedding ceremonies. Every year, ULC ministers perform scores of successful wedding ceremonies all across Maryland. Some people become a minister just to perform a wedding for a friend or family member, but many members of the ULC have gone on to start careers as professional wedding officiants in Maryland!
Do you dream of officiating extravagant and romantic weddings in places like Towson? Getting ordained with ULC opens the door to endless possibilities. The beaches of Castine provide an adorable and intimate setting for a romantic wedding ceremony.
If you think officiating a wedding could be in your future, you'll want to get up to speed on the rules and requirements for doing so in Maryland. As marriages are legal ceremonies, it's important to follow the correct processes in order for the wedding to be recognized.
As these rules vary from place to place, once you know where the ceremony will be held, you should read up on the requirements in that area to make sure you know what's required to officiate. To learn more, check out our step-by-step guide on how to perform a wedding in Maryland.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in Maryland?
Getting ordained is only the beginning of this journey! Once your ordination is confirmed, you will have all types of doors open to you. Whether you're in a big city like Baltimore or a small town like Accident, an ordination with ULC stays valid wherever you go.
We've heard from many of our members in Maryland who have even proceeded to start their own churches! To learn more about the possibilities available to ULC ministers, please visit the Minister Training Center.
What Ordination Means in Maryland
The concept of ordination exists across many different belief systems, and has been practiced for centuries. This formal act of consecration confers upon individuals the power of leadership status within a religious organization. With this status typically comes the authority to perform clergy duties, such as performing ceremonies.
The process itself can differ markedly from one religious tradition to another, but every faith system has its own specific methods for ordaining members. Historically, there were plenty of barriers to becoming ordained. To even be considered for clergyhood, members typically had to study for years, pay for expensive schooling, and pass numerous tests. Ordination also meant conforming to the standards set by church, no matter how strict or how well they aligned with one's personal identity or views.
The ULC views this traditional style of ordination as archaic, unfair, and most of all, exclusionary. That's why we've reimagined the ordination process from the ground up, pioneering a new online model that allows anyone who feels so-called to become a minister.
Furthermore, getting ordained via the Universal Life Church Ministries bestows upon you the same authority and rights under the law that apply to ministers of more traditional faith backgrounds. With the power of the Constitution at their side, ULC ministers in Maryland have the privilege of performing duties that were historically reserved only for members of the clergy from traditional faith institutions.
Why ULC Ordinations Are Valid in Maryland
The Universal Life Church Ministries is an established organization in good standing in Maryland, meaning that all ordinations conferred by the ULC are valid there. Our ministers enjoy the authority to carry out all the duties performed by other clergy members, including the power to officiate legal wedding ceremonies.
Is it Legal to Get Ordained Online in Maryland?
Yes! The First Amendment of the Constitution grants the freedom of religion to all individuals throughout the United States, regardless of their faith or chosen modes of worship. Following its established procedures, the ULC has legally ordained thousands of ministers online in Maryland. These diligent and compassionate ministers actively engage in conducting various services and ceremonies within their communities on a regular basis.
The ULC firmly believes that everyone who feels spiritually called, regardless of their specific beliefs, should have the opportunity for ordination and the autonomy to navigate their spiritual journey. We merely require our ministers to abide by two core principles:
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 Maryland?
The time required to attain ordination may vary depending on the chosen route. At the ULC, our core objective is to ensure ordination accessibility to all individuals hearing a calling toward that. To facilitate this, we've built an advanced online platform for ordination applications. Ordinations appropriately requested through the ULC are promptly processed, often resulting in immediate approval. Consequently, we have officially ordained thousands of ministers in Maryland who contribute greatly to their communities daily.
If you feel inclined to join our community, we extend a warm invitation to you.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained in Maryland?
The avenue through which you pursue ordination significantly impacts the financial commitments involved. Attending a traditional seminary or religious graduate program often comes with hefty tuition fees, which can amount to thousands of dollars. Since its inception, the Universal Life Church (ULC) has been committed to ensuring that ordination remains accessible to all individuals, regardless of their financial status. This commitment arises from our belief in providing equal opportunities to anyone who feels called to serve. Consequently, online ordination through the ULC comes at no cost whatsoever.
This inclusive approach has empowered numerous individuals who may have otherwise been barred by financial constraints to pursue ordination and make meaningful contributions to themselves and their communities. While a modest fee is requested from ministers opting for physical supplies or credential copies to offset the associated expenses, the online ordination process itself is free of charge and open to all.
How Can You Get Ordained in Maryland for Free?
As we clarified above, online ordination with the ULC is always free of cost! If you have felt called toward the prospect of online ordination and haven't started that process, please just scroll up to step 1 on this page and hit the big blue button to initiate your short ordination application and the next great chapter in your life!
Do you have to be a resident of Maryland?
An online ordination from the ULC is not itself dependent on your area, meaning that you only need to get ordained once and that ordination itself is valid no matter where you are located.
You should be aware that different states do sometimes have different rules and procedures 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 Maryland
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.
