Becoming Ordained Through Seminary
Find a church. Consider what faith or denomination would best fit your beliefs, and what requirements that group sets for becoming an ordained minister. Sit in on a few services at local churches to see if their style and focus are a good match for you. Once you find a church whose message resonates with you, seek out senior members of the church and speak to them about ordination via seminary school. Most seminaries have an established history with particular denominations, so senior members can guide you toward a school that will be the best fit for your beliefs. If you'd rather seek out a school on your own, using an online search tool can be helpful in narrowing down potential options. It's worth noting that California accepts ordinations from institutions across the United States for the purpose of conducting a marriage ceremony, so your choice of school need not be dependent on that.
Apply for seminary. Once you've decided on a school, you'll have to send in an application. Requirements for entry will vary by school and by program. Some masters programs may require a four-year college degree, while more general programs may only require a high school diploma. Typical application steps include an essay detailing your interest in seminary school, letters of recommendation from pastors or spiritual mentors, and an interview process with school officials.
Prepare for seminary. Review the logistics of attending the school and make sure you're financially prepared. Costs are similar to attending a four-year university, and most degree programs take at least several years to complete. Given the scope of this commitment, it's important to be sure that you've been called to a life of ministry before beginning the process. This isn’t something you do on a whim or solely to perform a single wedding.
Apply for pastoral candidacy. Once you have your degree, you can apply for pastoral candidacy at the church where you wish to conduct your ministry. This involves a thorough interview with senior members of the church. You should be prepared to answer questions like, "Do you agree with everything in this church's statement of faith?" or, "How would you characterize your understanding of church leadership?" The church for which you are applying can be located anywhere in the country, as California recognizes ordained ministers working in any of the fifty states for the purposes of officiating weddings. Understand that some churches may require you to complete a trial period in a lessor leadership role, though this requirement will vary by organization. Upon successful completion of this process, you will be given the title of ordained minister.
Begin officiating weddings. Once you become ordained, you will be eligible to perform legal marriage ceremonies. Note that the State of California does not require ministers to register with the local government in order to solemnize marriages. After performing a wedding ceremony, simply sign the marriage license to make the marriage official.
Using Online Ordination
Find an organization that offers online ordinations. Due to its relatively low cost and minimal time commitment, online ordination has become a popular alternative to traditional ordination. There are numerous organizations that provide instant online ordination qualifying you to officiate weddings in California. Some charge an annual fee or a sign up fee for new members seeking to become ministers. Others offer ordination for free, but charge for official documentation confirming your status as an ordained minister. Take some time to research these costs before choosing an organization to join.
Get ordained. The ordination process is usually as simple as filling out an online form detailing your personal information. There are rarely tests to pass or prior education requirements. Despite being a much shorter and easier process, ordinations through an online church provide the same legal status as those obtained through a seminary.
Begin officiating weddings. After the organization confirms your ordination, you will be eligible to perform wedding ceremonies. While many other states require ministers to register with the local government before performing weddings, California does not. However, it is recommended that you have a copy of your minister license in case the county clerk does contact you later to verify your status.
Becoming a Civil Celebrant
Contact the county clerk. California Family Code Section 401(b) permits the Commissioner of Civil Marriages in a county to temporarily grant you the ability to perform a wedding without becoming ordained. Note that a temporary license allows you to perform only a single wedding ceremony in that county, and there is typically a fee involved. The exact amount depends on the county clerk’s office that issues the marriage license, but generally costs range from $100-$150. Call the clerk's office or consult the county website for information specific to that county.
Acquire a temporary license. Temporary licenses are only issued at the county clerk's office during business hours, so be sure to plan ahead. You must be over 18 years old to qualify for a temporary license. There are no residency requirements, though you must be able to speak fluent English and take a short oath in which you swear to support and defend the Constitutions of both the United States and the State of California.
Prepare to officiate the ceremony. Upon being deputized as a Civil Celebrant, you will be issued an ID number by the county clerk. Make sure to list this number on the California marriage license when the time comes; otherwise, the marriage may be considered invalid.
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