So You Wanna Be the Hitchin' Dude (or Dudette) in Oklahoma? A Guide to Getting Ordained for Wedding Officiating
Let's face it, there's something pretty darn special about officiating a wedding. You get to be the center of attention (almost as much as the happy couple, of course), wield the power to pronounce them "husband and wife," and maybe even snag a slice of that fancy cake. But before you bust out your Elvis impersonation (because, hey, why not?), there's a little hurdle to jump: getting ordained in Oklahoma.
Fear not, my friend! This ain't brain surgery (although, let's be honest, officiating a good wedding ceremony requires a certain finesse). Here's the lowdown on becoming a legit wedding officiant in the Sooner State:
Step 1: Embrace Your Inner Minister (or Rabbi, or Shaman... Really, You Choose!)
Yep, Oklahoma allows ordained ministers to officiate weddings. Now, you don't need to spend years studying ancient texts or perfecting your ceremonial chanting (though, those skills could come in handy for a truly unique ceremony). The beauty of Oklahoma is that you can get ordained online, for FREE, at various websites. Universal Life Church (ULC), American Marriage Ministries (AMM), and Get Ordained are all popular options. Just a few clicks and, poof! Instant holy powers (well, officiant powers, anyway).
Step 2: Check With the County Clerk, Don't Be a Slacker
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
While ordination online is a breeze, different counties in Oklahoma might have slightly different requirements. Don't be that officiant who shows up all righteous, only to be denied their officiating glory because of a missing piece of paper. Play it safe. Contact the County Clerk's office where the wedding will take place. Ask them what documentation they require from ordained ministers. It's usually a breeze, but a quick call can save you a wedding-day disaster.
Step 3: Don't Wing It (Unless You're a Master Improviser)
While a heartfelt, impromptu ceremony can be touching, most couples probably appreciate a little structure on their big day. There are tons of resources online for crafting a beautiful and personalized wedding ceremony. Find a script that fits the couple's style, or use it as a jumping-off point to write your own masterpiece. Remember, you're the guide on this emotional journey, so make it a smooth ride!
Bonus Tip: Dress for the Occasion (Unless the Theme is "Underwater Wedding")
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
While officiating in your bathrobe might be tempting (comfort is key, after all!), most couples probably prefer their officiant to look, well, official. Dress professionally or in a way that complements the wedding theme. You want to look sharp, but not steal the spotlight from the bride and groom.
How To Get Ordained For A Wedding In Oklahoma |
How-To FAQ for the Aspiring Officiant
How to Get Ordained Online in Oklahoma?
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
Search for websites like Universal Life Church (ULC), American Marriage Ministries (AMM), or Get Ordained. Follow their easy steps and prepare to be virtually ordained!
How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained in Oklahoma?
Many online ordination services are completely free. However, some might have optional donation requests.
How Long Does it Take to Get Ordained Online?
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
It's usually a very quick process, sometimes taking only minutes.
What Else Do I Need to Do Besides Getting Ordained?
Contact the County Clerk's office where the wedding will be held to confirm any additional requirements for officiants.
Do I Need to Register as an Officiant in Oklahoma?
Nope! Just getting ordained is enough to officiate weddings in Oklahoma.