Become a Minister & Officiant in Georgia

Outline of Georgia with ULC logo

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

Georgia recognizes ministers ordained online by the Universal Life Church, and ULC ministers can legally officiate weddings and other ceremonies throughout the state. Georgia 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 Georgia. Scroll down to explore our resources for Georgia ministers - from becoming ordained, to performing weddings and other ceremonies, and more.

Woman excitedly holding her ULC credential

Becoming a Minister in Georgia - Beginning Your Journey

Not ordained yet? No problem. The Universal Life Church online ordination process is easy to complete in Georgia, 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 Georgia, and we have ordained countless ministers there over the years.

Get Ordained

Officiate a Wedding in Georgia

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 Georgia. Here's the step-by-step process for officiating a Georgia wedding ceremony.

A happy couple getting married in Georgia

  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 Georgia.

    Get Ordained

  2. Understand Georgia Officiant Requirements

    While ULC ordinations are recognized across Georgia, 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 Georgia Wedding Laws

As we've covered, ULC ministers can perform legal weddings in Georgia. 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. Georgia 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 Georgia.

  3. Marriage licenses in Georgia never expire, but they must be returned to the issuing office within 10 days of the ceremony. There is generally no waiting period after the license has been issued before the ceremony can legally take place.

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

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

Ga. Code Ann. § 19-3-30

Issuance, return, and recording of license

(c) The license shall be directed to the Governor or any former Governor of this state, any judge, including judges of state and federal courts of record in this state, city recorder, magistrate, minister, or other person of any religious society or sect authorized by the rules of such society to perform the marriage ceremony; such license shall authorize the marriage of the persons therein named and require the Governor or any former Governor of this state, judge, city recorder, magistrate, minister, or other authorized person to return the license to the judge of the probate court with the certificate thereon as to the fact and date of marriage within 30 days after the date of the marriage. The license with the return thereon shall be recorded by the judge in a book kept by such judge for that purpose.
A minister reading from the Bible

Perform Other Ceremonies & Minister Duties

Other Ceremonies and Duties Ministers Can Perform

ULC ministers in Georgia 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 Georgia Ministers Are Saying

  • ★★★★★
    It has been such a pleasure to be there for friends and family regardless of their needs from baptism to marriage and celebrations of life. This organization has kept me informed and has been very easy to work with. I would recommend it to anyone looking to be of service to others. Great job keep up the Fantastic work. Aloha, Reverend Craig
    Craig Thompson

    Craig Thompson

    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

    ★★★★★
    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

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

    Delbert Sanders

    Jul 14, 2025

    ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    It has been such a pleasure to be there for friends and family regardless of their needs from baptism to marriage and celebrations of life. This organization has kept me informed and has been very easy to work with. I would recommend it to anyone looking to be of service to others. Great job keep up the Fantastic work. Aloha, Reverend Craig
    Craig Thompson

    Craig Thompson

    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

    ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

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

    Delbert Sanders

    Jul 14, 2025

    ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

Can a friend officiate my wedding in Georgia?

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 Georgia 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 Georgia?

Yes! Georgia 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.