Become a Minister & Officiant in California

Outline of California with ULC logo

Can you get ordained online and officiate a wedding in California? Yes.

California recognizes ministers ordained online by the Universal Life Church, and ULC ministers can legally officiate weddings and other ceremonies throughout the state. California does not require ministers to register with any government office, making it one of the most straightforward states to become ordained and serve as a minister or officiate a wedding.

No matter where you are in your journey, the Universal Life Church is here to support you in California. Scroll down to explore our resources for California ministers - from becoming ordained, to performing weddings and other ceremonies, and more.

Woman excitedly holding her ULC credential

Becoming a Minister in California - Beginning Your Journey

Not ordained yet? No problem. The Universal Life Church online ordination process is easy to complete in California, allowing anyone to become a legally recognized minister.

Our unique online ordination model is open to anyone who feels so-called. It is fast, free, and good for life - no annual fees or religious tests required. Simply fill out the form here on our website with your basic information, and we'll process your application.

Get Ordained

Once ordained, you'll have access to an online account and a preview of your digital ordination credential. Universal Life Church ordination is recognized across the state of California, and we have ordained countless ministers there over the years.

Get Ordained

Officiate a Wedding in California

Once ordained, you'll have the power to officiate legal wedding ceremonies. Every year, thousands of ULC ministers use their ordinations to perform wedding ceremonies in California. Here's the step-by-step process for officiating a California wedding ceremony.

A happy couple getting married in California

  1. Become a Minister

    Getting ordained with the Universal Life Church is the first step. This will qualify you to solemnize wedding ceremonies anywhere in California.

    Get Ordained

  2. Understand California Officiant Requirements

    While ULC ordinations are recognized across California, the exact process a minister must follow to officiate a wedding can vary from county to county, so it's important to check in with the office that will be issuing the marriage license to see what they require.

  3. Order Wedding Supplies

    Any documents or materials you might need are available in our Minister Store. Be sure to order well in advance of the ceremony to ensure your items arrive in time.

  4. Perform the Ceremony

    Once all the paperwork is in order, you're ready to perform the wedding! Browse our Wedding Training Center for guidance on all aspects of performing a marriage ceremony.

  5. Sign and Review the Marriage License

    After you complete the wedding ceremony, you must sign the marriage license (along with the couple and their witnesses). Review this document to ensure accuracy before returning it to the issuing office.

A newly-wedded woman signing her marriage license

Understand the California Wedding Laws

As we've covered, ULC ministers can perform legal weddings in California. But you might be wondering where online-ordained ministers get their authority, what state law says specifically about performing weddings.

  1. Any two consenting adults who are not already married can take part in a legal wedding ceremony.

  2. California law explicitly says that any minister, priest, or religious official can perform weddings, so long as they are 18 years of age or older. That means online-ordained ministers of the Universal Life Church have the same legal authority as clergy from traditional religious denominations to officiate weddings in California.

  3. Marriage licenses in California are valid for 90 days and must be completed and returned to the issuing office within 10 days of the ceremony. There no waiting period after the license has been issued before the ceremony can legally take place.

Read up on the full California statutes that govern marriages and who can perform them below.

California law specifically authorizes ordained ministers to perform marriages. Here's the relevant statute:

Universal Citation: CA Fam Code § 400 (2019).

(a) Although marriage is a personal relation arising out of a civil, and not a religious, contract, a marriage may be solemnized by a priest, minister, rabbi, or authorized person of any religious denomination who is 18 years of age or older. A person authorized by this subdivision shall not be required to solemnize a marriage that is contrary to the tenets of the person's faith. Refusal to solemnize a marriage under this subdivision, either by an individual or by a religious denomination, shall not affect the tax-exempt status of any entity.
A minister reading from the Bible

Perform Other Ceremonies & Minister Duties

Other Ceremonies and Duties Ministers Can Perform

ULC ministers in California use their ordinations in many different ways - not just to perform weddings. Discover the myriad doors that ordination can open for you by reviewing our training resources. Learn about:

  • Performing baptism and christening ceremonies
  • Presiding over funerals and memorials
  • How to write and deliver sermons
  • Starting your own church or ministry
  • Performing sacred ceremonies like handfasting and house blessings.
  • Becoming a professional officiant

Why Choose the Universal Life Church

The Universal Life Church is the largest and most inclusive online church in the world, having ordained over 20 million people around the globe. As a nondenominational and interfaith religious organization, we welcome anyone who feels called to become ordained - regardless of their faith, gender, sexual orientation, or any other aspect of identity.

We are proud to empower our members to take part in life's important moments, from wedding ceremonies to much more. To learn more about the ULC and its beliefs, visit this page.

What California Ministers Are Saying

  • ★★★★★
    Six years ago I received my official blessing from ULC to be a minister. Great experience as a wedding officiant. But, I have also presided over a few blessings and end of life ceremonies. Quite the experience. Their materials to get you going are a perfect addition to starting off. Thank you ULC.
    KC Fockler

    KC Fockler

    May 13, 2026

    ★★★★★
    Excellent place to become ordained for performing weddings. Process was reasonably quick and efficient, and I highly recommend it for those seeking the same!
    Michael F

    Michael F

    Mar 6, 2026

  • ★★★★★
    I have been ordained for 7 years. I have been able to marry couples who may not have a church but have faith. And I appreciate being able to unite these folks to complete their lives together.
    shannon Sweeney

    shannon Sweeney

    Jul 13, 2025

    ★★★★★
    Just an amazing experience with ULC! I certainly appreciate everything. Thank you for celebrating seven years.
    Delbert Sanders

    Delbert Sanders

    Jul 14, 2025

  • ★★★★★
    Becoming an ordained minister was originally just an option to marry a couple of friends of mine. Now, I've performed the ceremony at my daughter's own wedding and about 13 others. I have my 16th wedding upcoming in April, another ceremony of two friends!
    Michael Wingo

    Michael Wingo

    Feb 23, 2026

    ★★★★★
    This is by far the easiest and most rewarding way to get religious freedom to become an ordained minister. Every year I am reminded of my decision to become one. I am on 12yrs now. I recommend ULC for all your non-denominational needs.
    A Miller

    A Miller

    Jan 21, 2026

  • ★★★★★
    My experience has been one of profound Learning and Enlightenment, Self-discovery and the Joy of helping others. And I will say with great certainty- that Universal life Church does a remarkable job at providing all of the helpful and truly useful information you think you'll ever need.
    Londa Scott

    Londa Scott

    Sep 4, 2025

  • ★★★★★
    Six years ago I received my official blessing from ULC to be a minister. Great experience as a wedding officiant. But, I have also presided over a few blessings and end of life ceremonies. Quite the experience. Their materials to get you going are a perfect addition to starting off. Thank you ULC.
    KC Fockler

    KC Fockler

    May 13, 2026

    ★★★★★
    Excellent place to become ordained for performing weddings. Process was reasonably quick and efficient, and I highly recommend it for those seeking the same!
    Michael F

    Michael F

    Mar 6, 2026

    ★★★★★
    I have been ordained for 7 years. I have been able to marry couples who may not have a church but have faith. And I appreciate being able to unite these folks to complete their lives together.
    shannon Sweeney

    shannon Sweeney

    Jul 13, 2025

  • ★★★★★
    Just an amazing experience with ULC! I certainly appreciate everything. Thank you for celebrating seven years.
    Delbert Sanders

    Delbert Sanders

    Jul 14, 2025

    ★★★★★
    Becoming an ordained minister was originally just an option to marry a couple of friends of mine. Now, I've performed the ceremony at my daughter's own wedding and about 13 others. I have my 16th wedding upcoming in April, another ceremony of two friends!
    Michael Wingo

    Michael Wingo

    Feb 23, 2026

    ★★★★★
    This is by far the easiest and most rewarding way to get religious freedom to become an ordained minister. Every year I am reminded of my decision to become one. I am on 12yrs now. I recommend ULC for all your non-denominational needs.
    A Miller

    A Miller

    Jan 21, 2026

  • ★★★★★
    My experience has been one of profound Learning and Enlightenment, Self-discovery and the Joy of helping others. And I will say with great certainty- that Universal life Church does a remarkable job at providing all of the helpful and truly useful information you think you'll ever need.
    Londa Scott

    Londa Scott

    Sep 4, 2025

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

Can a friend officiate my wedding in California?

Yes! Your friend simply needs to get ordained as a minister (which can be done online for free) and be at least 18 years old. They don't need to live in California or have any specific religious background. Many people choose to have a close friend or family member officiate their wedding.

Can I officiate my own family member's wedding in California?

Yes! California law does not prohibit family members from officiating weddings. As long as you're ordained and meet the age requirement of 18, you can officiate for siblings, children, cousins, or other relatives.

How do I get a copy of my ordination certificate?

Hard copies of your ordination certificate, along with any other documents and supplies you might need, are available in the minister supplies section of our website.