Become Ordained in Pennsylvania: Your Guide to Legally and Spiritually Preparing for Ministry

Becoming ordained in Pennsylvania to officiate weddings is a meaningful way to serve your community while celebrating one of life’s most sacred commitments. Pennsylvania law provides clear guidelines for who can officiate weddings, and the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) offers the training, credibility, and spiritual grounding you need to fulfill these requirements and thrive in this role.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Wedding Officiant Laws

In Pennsylvania, the authority to solemnize marriages is governed by Title 23, § 1503 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. This law specifies that the following individuals are authorized to officiate weddings:

Religious Officials: Ministers, priests, or rabbis of regularly established churches or congregations.
Judicial Officers: Judges, justices of the peace, and mayors of cities or boroughs.
Former Officials: Retired judges and mayors who meet certain criteria.

Religious officiants must be ordained by a recognized organization or congregation. While Pennsylvania does not require officiants to register with the state, some counties may ask for proof of ordination. Checking with the county where the marriage license is issued ensures you comply with any local requirements.

Pennsylvania also recognizes self-uniting marriages, allowing couples to marry without an officiant. Rooted in Quaker traditions, this option is available to all couples, regardless of religious affiliation.

After the ceremony, officiants are responsible for completing and signing the marriage license and returning it to the issuing office within ten days.

How the Christian Leaders Alliance Meets Pennsylvania’s Requirements

The Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) ordination program is designed to fulfill Pennsylvania’s legal requirements for officiants while equipping you with the confidence and skills needed to excel in this role.

1. Legitimate Ordination

CLA ordination is recognized by law as it comes from a well-established, biblically grounded religious organization. Your credentials meet Pennsylvania’s legal definition of an officiant authorized to solemnize marriages.

2. Proof of Ordination

CLA provides official documentation verifying your ordination, ensuring you can present it if requested by the county where the marriage license is issued.

3. Knowledge of Marriage Law

Through the Christian Leaders Institute’s Wedding Officiant Skills Class, you’ll gain an understanding of Pennsylvania’s marriage license procedures, legal requirements, and best practices for officiating weddings.

Equipping You for More Than Just Legal Compliance

While CLA ensures you meet Pennsylvania’s requirements, it also prepares you for the deeper responsibilities of officiating weddings.

Confidence in Your Calling

The CLA program is not just about earning credentials; it equips you with the spiritual and practical tools to serve with excellence. You’ll learn:

Biblical Foundations: Understand marriage as a covenant between God, a man, and a woman.
Ceremony Planning: Craft personalized, meaningful ceremonies that honor God and reflect the couple’s story.
Effective Communication: Develop the skills to deliver heartfelt and inspiring wedding messages.

Credibility to Serve with Excellence

CLA ordination is globally recognized, providing you with a credible foundation for ministry. Unlike quick online ordination options, CLA requires comprehensive training, mentorship, and accountability, ensuring you are well-prepared for this sacred role.

Expanding Your Ministry Beyond Weddings

Becoming ordained in Pennsylvania is not just about officiating weddings—it can be the first step toward a broader ministry calling. Through Christian Leaders Institute, you gain access to over 200 courses in areas like pastoral care, leadership, and biblical studies. Whether you feel called to serve as a pastor, chaplain, or community leader, CLA provides the foundation for lifelong ministry.

As Ephesians 4:12 (WEB) reminds us, God equips His people “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of serving, for the building up of the body of Christ.” Your ordination is part of answering this call to serve and build others up in faith.

Start Your Journey to Ordination in Pennsylvania Today

By choosing Christian Leaders Alliance for your ordination, you’ll meet Pennsylvania’s legal requirements while gaining the spiritual depth and practical skills to officiate weddings that honor God and bless couples. Your journey as a wedding officiant can be the gateway to a lifetime of meaningful ministry.

Take the first step today and become ordained in Pennsylvania with Christian Leaders Alliance, ready to serve with integrity, confidence, and purpose.

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 Institute – Click 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

Pennsylvania Ordination

My name is Steve Gerhart, and I have been a lifelong resident of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Growing up, my parents took me to a Lutheran church every Sunday, giving me a foundational understanding of Christianity. I have an amazing wife of almost 29 years, three fantastic daughters, and a Become ordained in Pennsylvania fulfilling career. By all appearances, I had it all, but deep down, I always felt a little empty—like I could, and should, be doing more.

Over the years, my wife and I began to feel that church should be more than what we were experiencing. As our children grew older, we realized that church needed to be more engaging and meaningful than simply going through the motions. It needed to capture our children’s attention while keeping our focus on God, His work, and our duty as believers. Despite these feelings, we weren’t sure where to turn or how to break out of our routine.

After a serious motorcycle accident, I felt called to better understand and explore God’s Word. I became more serious about my faith. Even though I wasn’t yet sure why I was here or what God wanted me to do, I knew with greater certainty that my purpose went beyond being a husband, father, hard worker, and American.

Around the time COVID hit, our children began exploring other churches. As the churches we normally attended either shut down or imposed barriers to worship, we started visiting more active and open churches in the area. As our children became involved in these new churches, my wife and I grew curious and interested. These churches were much different from what we were accustomed to—more active, open, and engaging. From that point forward, I felt a “nudge” from God to do more. However, I would often think about it only to later ignore or forget that feeling.

One Christmas, one of my daughters gave me a Bible as a gift. I read it cover to cover and have since committed to studying God’s Word daily. This practice has given me the knowledge and confidence to help others learn about God.

When my oldest daughter asked me to marry her and her fiancé, I started researching the process. To my surprise, I discovered how easy it was to become a wedding officiant online—just a few clicks, and you’re ready to officiate. However, my conscience didn’t sit right with that process. As I continued researching, I realized many of these websites had non-Biblical worldviews. On principle, I couldn’t participate in gaining officiant status that way. Disheartened, I thought I would have to decline my daughter’s request.

That’s when I discovered Christian Leaders Institute (CLI). When I learned about their Wedding Officiant course, their commitment to biblical teaching, and their requirement for students to invest time and effort into obtaining credentials, I knew this was the right path. The training aligned with God’s Law and my principles, and I eagerly jumped in.

The Wedding Officiant course provided a strong foundation and reignited my desire to learn more about God’s Word. I plan to take full advantage of other CLI courses to deepen my Christian education and expand my biblical worldview. My goal is to help others experience the joy and promise of God’s love.

At 52 years old, I proudly call myself the “poster child” for what Mr. Reyenga describes in the Multiplying Christian Leaders course as “getting set on fire.” The wedding officiant course was the spark that ignited my passion for ministry studies.

I am excited to share my faith more openly and proclaim the Good News with confidence and conviction. Clothed in the armor of God, I am prepared to weather any storm, knowing that God is on my side.

From Weddings to More Ministry: Becoming Ordained in Pennsylvania

Getting ordained in Pennsylvania to officiate weddings is an incredible opportunity to begin a meaningful ministry journey. As a wedding officiant, you’ll play a vital role in one of life’s most cherished milestones, helping couples honor their commitment to one another in a way that reflects God’s love and purpose. Ministry is about guiding people, sharing in their significant moments, and pointing them toward a deeper relationship with Christ.

Being a wedding officiant in Pennsylvania involves preparation, dedication, and a heart for service. The process includes meeting with couples to create personalized ceremonies, addressing both legal and spiritual aspects. Leading rehearsals ensures everyone feels confident and ready for the big day. The ceremony itself often incorporates elements of worship, including prayer, Scripture readings, and a heartfelt message about the sacred covenant of marriage.

By becoming ordained through the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA), you’ll receive the training, credentials, and spiritual foundation needed to officiate weddings in Pennsylvania while embracing the calling to serve others.

A Ministry Rooted in God’s Word

One of the most rewarding aspects of officiating weddings is creating the wedding message. Much like a sermon, this message provides inspiration, encouragement, and spiritual guidance for the couple and their guests. Using Scripture as your foundation, you’ll highlight the beauty of marriage as designed by God, emphasizing its purpose and significance.

Officiating weddings is often just the beginning. Many officiants discover a broader calling to ministry after stepping into this role. Christian Leaders Alliance and Christian Leaders Institute provide pathways to explore additional ministry opportunities, offering courses and training to help you grow in areas such as pastoral care, leadership, and community outreach.

The Christian Leaders Alliance Ordination Program

Since 2014, the Christian Leaders Alliance has been equipping individuals to answer God’s call to ministry. Through a study-based ordination program, CLA provides:

Comprehensive Training: Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to officiate weddings and serve in other ministry capacities.
Spiritual Preparation: Develop a deeper understanding of God’s Word and how to apply it in your ministry.
Recognized Credentials: Receive ordination through a reputable organization, meeting Pennsylvania’s legal requirements for wedding officiants.

Thousands of individuals have already embraced this opportunity, becoming ordained as wedding officiants, pastors, and leaders in their communities. The program is flexible, affordable, and designed for those passionate about serving God and others.

A Gateway to Broader Ministry

While officiating weddings is a deeply rewarding ministry, it can also open doors to other opportunities. Whether you feel led to pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, or teaching, becoming ordained in Pennsylvania is a step toward fulfilling a greater calling.

Christian Leaders Institute offers access to over 200 courses, allowing you to grow in your faith, expand your knowledge, and prepare for a lifetime of ministry. Your journey as a wedding officiant could be the starting point for a more impactful role in God’s kingdom.

Ephesians 4:12 (WEB) reminds us that God equips His people “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of serving, for the building up of the body of Christ.” By stepping into the role of a wedding officiant, you are answering this call and helping to build others up in faith.

Begin Your Journey Today

Becoming ordained in Pennsylvania is more than a credential—it’s a chance to serve others, share God’s love, and embark on a meaningful ministry journey. With Christian Leaders Alliance, you’ll gain the training, resources, and support needed to officiate weddings confidently and honorably.

Whether you officiate one wedding or feel called to explore further ministry opportunities, your ordination equips you to make a lasting impact. Take the first step today and become ordained in Pennsylvania with Christian Leaders Alliance, prepared to serve God and others with excellence and purpose.

Officiant Ordination Roles

Minister Ordination Roles

Author: Henry Reyenga

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