Become a Minister & Officiant in Pennsylvania

Outline of Pennsylvania with ULC logo

Can you become ordained online and perform weddings in Pennsylvania? Yes.

Pennsylvania recognizes ministers ordained online through the Universal Life Church, giving ULC ministers full legal authority to officiate weddings and other ceremonies across the state. Ministers are sometimes required to register in Pennsylvania prior to officiating a wedding, so it's important to understand the process in detail if you're planning to use your ordination to solemnize marriages.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your ministry, the Universal Life Church is your partner every step of the way in Pennsylvania. Explore the resources below for Pennsylvania ministers - covering ordination, wedding officiating, state law, and much more.

Woman excitedly holding her ULC credential

Becoming a Minister in Pennsylvania - Your First Steps

Haven't been ordained yet? That's okay - getting started is simple. The Universal Life Church makes it easy for anyone in Pennsylvania to complete our online ordination process and become a legally recognized minister.

ULC ordination is available to all who feel called to join. It's fast, completely free, and lasts a lifetime - no recurring fees or religious prerequisites. Just complete the short form on our website with your basic details, and your application will be reviewed right away.

Get Ordained

After your ordination is processed, you'll gain access to a personal online account and a digital preview of your ordination credential. ULC ordination is valid throughout Pennsylvania, and we have proudly ordained ministers across the state for decades.

Get Ordained

Officiate Wedding Ceremonies in Pennsylvania

Your ULC ordination gives you the legal authority to perform wedding ceremonies. In fact, thousands of ULC ministers officiate weddings in Pennsylvania each year. Here's a straightforward breakdown of how to do it yourself.

A happy couple getting married in Pennsylvania

  1. Become a Minister

    The first step is getting ordained through the Universal Life Church. Ordination is what grants you the legal standing to solemnize marriages anywhere in Pennsylvania.

    Get Ordained

  2. Understand Pennsylvania Officiant Requirements

    ULC ordinations are valid throughout Pennsylvania, but the specific steps a minister must take to officiate a wedding can differ by county. Be sure to contact the office issuing the marriage license ahead of time to confirm what documentation they require.

  3. Order Wedding Supplies

    All the documents and wedding supplies you may need are available through our Minister Store. Plan ahead and order early to make sure everything arrives well before the ceremony date.

  4. Perform the Ceremony

    With your paperwork taken care of, it's time to perform the ceremony! Visit our Wedding Training Center for tips and guidance on every part of officiating a marriage.

  5. Sign and Review the Marriage License

    Once the wedding is complete, the marriage license must be signed by you, the couple, and their witnesses (if applicable). Look over the document carefully to confirm all details are correct before submitting it to the issuing office.

A newly-wedded woman signing her marriage license

Navigating Pennsylvania Wedding Laws

We've established that ULC ministers have the legal right to perform weddings in Pennsylvania. But if you're curious about the specific laws that grant online-ordained ministers that authority, here's what the statutes say.

  1. Any two consenting adults who are not currently married to someone else are eligible to participate in a legal wedding ceremony.

  2. Under Pennsylvania law, any minister, priest, or religious officiant who is 18 years of age or older may perform a legally binding wedding ceremony. This means ULC-ordained ministers carry the same legal authority to officiate weddings in Pennsylvania as clergy from any traditional religious institution.

  3. Pennsylvania marriage licenses are valid for 60 days and must be filed with the issuing office before they expire. Note that there is a 1-day waiting period following license issuance before the ceremony may legally occur.

Explore the full Pennsylvania statutes that dictate who may perform marriages and how the process works below.

Pennsylvania law expressly authorizes ordained ministers to solemnize marriages. The relevant statute is included here:

§ 1503

(a) General rule.--The following are authorized to solemnize marriages between persons that produce a marriage license issued under this part... (b) Religious organizations.--Every religious society, religious institution or religious organization in this Commonwealth may join persons together in marriage when at least one of the persons is a member of the society, institution or organization, according to the rules and customs of the society, institution or organization. (c) Marriage license needed to officiate.--No person or religious organization qualified to perform marriages shall officiate at a marriage ceremony without the parties having obtained a marriage license issued under this part.
A minister reading from the Bible

Perform Other Ceremonies & Minister Duties

Other Ceremonies and Duties Ministers Can Perform

Ordination through the Universal Life Church opens doors to far more than just officiating wedding ceremonies. Our ministers in Pennsylvania use their credentials in a wide variety of meaningful ways, and we're glad to be able to support those efforts. Browse our training resources to learn about:

  • Conducting baptism and christening rituals
  • Leading funeral and memorial services
  • Writing and delivering sermons
  • Launching your own church or ministry
  • Celebrating sacred rites like handfasting and house blessings
  • Building a career as a professional officiant

Why Ministers Choose the Universal Life Church

With over 20 million ordinations worldwide, the Universal Life Church is the largest and most inclusive online church on the planet. As a nondenominational, interfaith organization, the ULC extends a welcome to all who feel called - no matter their faith background, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic too often used to divide us.

Our mission is to empower ministers to show up for the moments that matter most - from officiating weddings to serving their communities in countless other ways. To learn more about the Universal Life Church and what we stand for, visit this page.

What Ministers in Pennsylvania Have to Say

  • ★★★★★
    ULC has been a true blessing!! Being retired with limited income, I could not afford a 4-year Seminary degree, so I've been taking whatever religious-based classes from Colleges and reading books covering Biblical Studies, Theology and Pastoral Ministry. Getting my ordination has helped open the door and allowed me to perform Baptisms, Funerals, & Weddings. I now have some solid leads for some Volunteer positions with Spiritual Departments at local hospitals. Thank you ULC! Chaplain Brad
    Brad Robertson

    Brad Robertson

    May 13, 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

  • ★★★★★
    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

    ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    ULC has been a true blessing!! Being retired with limited income, I could not afford a 4-year Seminary degree, so I've been taking whatever religious-based classes from Colleges and reading books covering Biblical Studies, Theology and Pastoral Ministry. Getting my ordination has helped open the door and allowed me to perform Baptisms, Funerals, & Weddings. I now have some solid leads for some Volunteer positions with Spiritual Departments at local hospitals. Thank you ULC! Chaplain Brad
    Brad Robertson

    Brad Robertson

    May 13, 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

    ★★★★★
    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

    ★★★★★
    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

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

Can a friend officiate my wedding in Pennsylvania?

Absolutely! All your friend needs to do is get ordained online – which is free and takes just minutes – and be at least 18 years old. There's no requirement to be a Pennsylvania resident or to hold any particular religious affiliation. Having someone you're close to officiate is a popular and meaningful choice for many couples.

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

Yes! Nothing in Pennsylvania law prevents a family member from officiating a wedding. Provided you're ordained and meet the minimum age requirement of 18, you're free to officiate for a sibling, child, cousin, or any other relative.

How do I get a copy of my ordination certificate?

Your ordination certificate can be ordered through the minister supplies section of our website, along with any other documents or supplies you might need.