How to Become Ordained in Louisiana: Begin Your Wedding Officiant Journey

Becoming ordained in Louisiana to officiate weddings is a meaningful way to serve your community and help couples celebrate one of the most important moments of their lives. Whether a friend has asked you to officiate their special day or you feel a calling to ministry, becoming ordained in Louisiana offers an incredible opportunity to share God’s love and guidance. Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) provides a comprehensive ordination program that equips you with the skills and credentials needed to officiate weddings legally and with confidence in Louisiana.


Why Become Ordained in Louisiana?

Louisiana is one of the states where ordained ministers can officiate weddings without requiring prior government registration. Once you’re ordained through a recognized religious organization like Christian Leaders Alliance, you can legally perform marriage ceremonies across the state.

As a wedding officiant, you have the privilege of creating meaningful, Christ-centered ceremonies that celebrate love and faith while reflecting the beauty of God’s plan for marriage. As Psalm 127:1 (WEB) reminds us, “Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” Your role as an officiant helps lay a foundation with God at the center of the couple’s union, ensuring it begins with His blessing.


Steps to Become Ordained in Louisiana with Christian Leaders Alliance

Christian Leaders Alliance offers a structured pathway to ordination that prepares you for more than just officiating weddings. Our training focuses on building your confidence, skills, and connection to your community. Here’s how it works:


1. Complete the Wedding Officiant Skills Class
This online course from Christian Leaders Institute covers all aspects of officiating weddings, including:

  • Understanding the spiritual and biblical significance of marriage.
  • Writing personalized, inspiring wedding messages.
  • Leading rehearsals and managing the flow of ceremonies.
  • Navigating Louisiana’s legal requirements for marriage licenses.

2. Receive Your Ordination
After completing the course, you’ll earn ordination credentials from Christian Leaders Alliance. These credentials establish your authority as a recognized minister with a global reputation for excellence.


3. Build Community Credibility
Ordination through CLA includes a local mentor endorsement, which enhances your accountability and ensures your ministry is rooted in trusted relationships within your community.


Why Choose Christian Leaders Alliance?

When you become ordained in Louisiana with Christian Leaders Alliance, you’re choosing a program that prioritizes quality, integrity, and biblical truth. Here’s what makes CLA unique:

  • Biblical Foundation: Learn to incorporate Scripture into your ceremonies for a spiritually enriching experience.
  • Practical Training: Develop the skills to navigate legal requirements, plan meaningful ceremonies, and guide couples in their faith journey.
  • Global Recognition: Your ordination is not only valid in Louisiana but respected worldwide, opening doors for ministry wherever God calls you.

A Gateway to Broader Ministry Opportunities

Becoming a wedding officiant is often the beginning of a deeper ministry journey. Christian Leaders Institute offers over 200 free courses to help you expand your skills in areas such as pastoral care, preaching, and church leadership. Whether you feel called to volunteer in your church, lead small groups, or pursue full-time ministry, ordination is a strong foundation for your calling.

As Ephesians 2:10 (WEB) reminds us, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.” Stepping into ordination allows you to walk in the purpose God has prepared for you.


Take the First Step Today

Becoming ordained in Louisiana is more than just earning the ability to officiate weddings—it’s a chance to make a difference in people’s lives through ministry. With Christian Leaders Alliance, you’ll receive the tools, training, and community support to fulfill your calling and share God’s love with others.

Let your journey begin today. “The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few.” (Matthew 9:37, WEB) Answer the call and step into the ministry God has planned for you.

Watch a Video Introducing the Wedding Officiant Class by Professor Henry Reyenga

Suggested Links: 

Compare Christian Leaders Alliance with Instant Online Ordination – Click Here

Check out the Accreditation Status of the Christian Leaders InstituteClick Here

Learn more about the Christian Leaders Alliance – Click Here

See the Christian Leaders Alliance Minister Directory – Click Here

Learn more about Soul Centers a place to register your Wedding Officiant ministry- Click Here

A Ordination Testimony from Louisiana

Ronda Thompson: From Bayous to Blessings – A Journey of Faith, Art, and a Little Bit of Sass

Some people’s lives read like a polished manuscript. Mine? More like a messy firsBecome ordained in Louisianat draft, full of drama, triumph, and a whole lot of grace. The verse, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), has been my anchor when life threw plot twists that could rival the best soap opera scripts.

The Seed of Faith: Planted with Extra Fertilizer

My faith journey didn’t start in a pristine chapel or a picture-perfect Sunday school class. It began in Louisiana, a vibrant, sometimes chaotic place where faith buzzes in the background like cicadas on a summer evening. At eight years old, I found myself at a Billy Graham crusade, just tall enough to peer over the crowd. When I heard the words, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14), something stirred in me. That moment planted a seed—a seed destined to grow roots strong enough to weather hurricanes, both literal and metaphorical.


Life Lessons: From Storms to Strength

Fast forward a few years, and life began serving up lessons like a storm rolling over the bayou. My parents’ volatile relationship meant I took on the role of caretaker for my younger sister while navigating chaos. Marrying young, raising children, and managing life’s curveballs often felt like trudging through a swamp without a flashlight.

My career became my sanctuary. I dove into business management with the determination of a Cajun tackling a crawfish boil. Over 25 years, I led teams, developed leaders, and mastered multitasking. At the same time, I served in my church and community, focusing on women’s encouragement and mental health awareness.

But life had more challenges in store. I lost my husband of 31 years to cancer, a man with whom I built my life. Shortly before his passing, I lost my mother, a 13-year cancer survivor, and then my father was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. Grief surrounded me like fog, yet in those valleys, God whispered, “Walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). His grace held me together when everything else seemed to fall apart.

Amid this, I packed up my Virginia home of 20+ years and returned to Louisiana to care for my dad. There, I discovered new strength and purpose, leaning into my faith and creativity.


Ministry, Art, and Finding Light in the Darkness

Art became both my solace and my outlet. Returning to school for a bachelor’s in Communications reignited my passion for understanding people and helping them thrive. I had long worked with individuals with learning challenges, autism, and disabilities, and I realized that communication and creativity were at the heart of those “light bulb” moments.

In my darkest season, God revealed beauty in the world around me, and I began creating art that reflected His grace. Alongside this, I joined Sound of Salvation Ministries, where I serve on the board. We feed the homeless in North Carolina, because, let’s be real, faith without works is like gumbo without the roux—pointless.


A New Chapter: Love, Sass, and a Bigger Vision

Enter Darren, my fiancé and partner in ministry. He’s my steady hand and greatest cheerleader, even with his Cajun accent that thickens like July humidity. Despite my “proper Southern Belle” enunciation (thanks to charm school), his phrases like “Can I ax you somethin’?” have grown on me. Together, we’ve built a life centered on prayer, outreach, and a vision to bring hope to others.

I discovered Christian Leaders Alliance while searching for ordination in Louisiana. I loved that their program was study-based and could expand into various ministry roles.

Now, my big dream is Harmony Alliance, a Soul Center for Southeast Louisiana. Imagine a hub combining education, marriage and family support, outreach, and ministry under one roof. With five foundational pillars and volunteers lined up in four cities, it’s an ambitious vision—but I believe God can handle it. As Psalm 37:4 (WEB) reminds me, “Delight yourself also in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”


The Takeaway: Grace, Faith, and a Little Sass

Life is messy, unpredictable, and often bittersweet. But through it all, God’s faithfulness remains unshaken, His timing perfect, and His love unfathomable. I walk forward with a heart full of hope, leaning into His promises—and yes, with a little bit of sass.

STEP INTO MINISTRY: BECOME ORDAINED IN LOUISIANA

Have you ever dreamed of being part of life’s most joyful and sacred moments? Becoming ordained in Louisiana as a wedding officiant could be your first step into ministry. It’s more than just officiating ceremonies—it’s about celebrating love, honoring God, and guiding couples as they embark on their journey together. In this role, you’re not just leading a service; you’re sharing in the beauty of God’s design for marriage.

As the Bible says in Genesis 2:24 (WEB), “Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.” Marriage is a sacred covenant created by God, and helping couples celebrate this commitment is a profound way to serve others.


How to Become Ordained in Louisiana

Becoming ordained in Louisiana to officiate weddings is straightforward, but it requires preparation, dedication, and a heart to serve. Here’s how to get started:

Connect with the Couple

Every wedding is unique, just like every couple’s love story. Spend time getting to know them—their dreams, values, and faith journey. Proverbs 16:9 (WEB) says, “A man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps.” As you guide the couple, rely on God’s wisdom to shape a ceremony that reflects their love and His glory.

Plan and Practice

Rehearsals are an essential part of ensuring the ceremony goes smoothly. By walking through each step with the couple and their loved ones, you’ll help everyone feel prepared and confident for the big day.

Officiate the Ceremony

On the wedding day, you’ll lead a Christ-centered service filled with prayer, Scripture, and a heartfelt message. Passages like 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (WEB) beautifully describe the essence of love:
“Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.”

Finalize the Marriage License

In Louisiana, it’s essential to ensure the marriage license is completed, signed, and returned to the parish clerk’s office. This step makes the union legally binding in the state.


Sharing God’s Love Through Wedding Messages

Crafting the wedding message is one of the most rewarding parts of being a wedding officiant. It’s more than just a speech; it’s an opportunity to share God’s wisdom about love, commitment, and faith. Your words, inspired by Scripture, will encourage the couple and their guests.

Matthew 19:6 (WEB) says, “So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart.” Your message can emphasize the strength and beauty of a marriage built on faith and God’s love.


Why Christian Leaders Alliance?

Christian Leaders Alliance provides the tools, training, and support you need to become ordained in Louisiana with confidence and credibility. Here’s what makes CLA unique:

  • Biblical Training: Learn to incorporate Scripture into your ceremonies for a spiritually rich experience.
  • Practical Skills: Gain tools for planning, leading, and officiating weddings with professionalism and care.
  • Community Support: Your ordination includes a local mentor endorsement, ensuring accountability and recognition in your community.

A Path to Greater Ministry

For many, becoming a wedding officiant is just the beginning of a broader ministry journey. With over 200 free courses offered by Christian Leaders Institute, you can expand your skills in areas like pastoral care, preaching, and more. Whether you feel called to volunteer in your church, lead small groups, or explore full-time ministry, ordination is a powerful first step.

As Philippians 2:13 (WEB) reminds us, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”Let this journey be your introduction to a lifetime of service and impact.


Start Your Journey Today

Becoming ordained in Louisiana is more than just earning a credential—it’s about stepping into a meaningful ministry role where you can share God’s love and make a difference in the lives of others. With Christian Leaders Alliance, you’ll have the tools, training, and support to guide couples in their sacred commitment to each other and to God.

Take the first step today. “The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few.” (Matthew 9:37, WEB) Will you answer the call?

Officiant Ordination Roles


Minister Ordination Roles

Henry Reyenga
Author: Henry Reyenga

Henry Reyenga is president of Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance.