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

Becoming ordained in Tennessee to officiate weddings is a powerful way to serve your community and help couples celebrate one of the most meaningful milestones in their lives. Whether you’ve been asked to officiate for a loved one or feel called to ministry, ordination in Tennessee offers an incredible opportunity to share God’s love and guidance. Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) provides a study-based ordination program designed to give you the confidence, skills, and legal credentials needed to officiate weddings across the state while meeting Tennessee’s legal requirements.


Why Become Ordained in Tennessee?

Tennessee law requires that wedding officiants be ordained through a credible, recognized religious organization. Unlike many states, Tennessee has stricter regulations regarding ordination credentials. Instant ordination websites have faced legal challenges in the state, making it crucial to obtain an ordination that complies with Tennessee law.

Christian Leaders Alliance provides a study-based ordination program that ensures you meet all the necessary requirements while gaining the skills to perform ceremonies with professionalism and spiritual depth.

As a wedding officiant, you play a vital role in crafting meaningful, Christ-centered ceremonies that reflect God’s design for marriage. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (WEB) reminds us, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Your role as an officiant helps couples build their marriage on a strong spiritual foundation with God at the center.


Steps to Become Ordained in Tennessee with Christian Leaders Alliance

Christian Leaders Alliance offers a clear and structured ordination pathway, preparing you not only to officiate weddings but also for broader ministry opportunities.


1. Complete the Wedding Officiant Skills Class

This online course from Christian Leaders Institute equips you with the knowledge and skills to confidently officiate weddings in Tennessee, including:

  • Understanding the biblical and spiritual significance of marriage.
  • Writing personalized and inspiring wedding messages.
  • Leading rehearsals and managing the flow of the ceremony.
  • Navigating Tennessee’s marriage license process and legal requirements.

2. Receive Your Ordination

Upon completing the course, you’ll earn ordination credentials from Christian Leaders Alliance. These credentials confirm your standing as a recognized minister with the spiritual and professional credibility required in Tennessee.


3. Build Your Credibility in the Community

Your ordination includes a local mentor endorsement, connecting you to a trusted network of leaders and supporters in your area. This endorsement adds accountability and strengthens your credibility within the community.


Why Choose Christian Leaders Alliance?

Tennessee law demands more than just a quick certificate. Christian Leaders Alliance ensures your ordination meets legal standards while equipping you for ministry with high-quality training and support.

  • Biblical Foundation: Learn to incorporate Scripture into your ceremonies for a spiritually enriching experience.
  • Practical Training: Gain the tools to navigate legal requirements, craft meaningful ceremonies, and guide couples in their faith.
  • Legal Compliance: Rest assured that your ordination meets Tennessee’s legal requirements, avoiding the pitfalls of instant ordination services.
  • Global Recognition: Your ordination is respected in Tennessee and worldwide, allowing you to serve wherever God calls you.

Beyond Weddings: A Path to Greater Ministry

Becoming a wedding officiant is often the start of a broader ministry journey. Through Christian Leaders Institute, you can access over 200 free courses covering topics such as pastoral care, preaching, and leadership development. Whether you envision volunteering at your church, leading small groups, or pursuing full-time ministry, ordination is a solid foundation for your calling.

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.” Your ordination journey is an opportunity to fulfill the good works God has planned for you.


Take the First Step Today

Becoming ordained in Tennessee is more than just obtaining a credential—it’s a chance to make a lasting impact and share God’s love through ministry. With Christian Leaders Alliance, you’ll receive the training, tools, and support needed to succeed in this meaningful role while complying with Tennessee law.

Let your journey begin today. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 (WEB), “Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Answer the call to serve and shine His light in your community through this exciting ministry opportunity.

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

Become Ordained in Tennessee: Understanding the Law and Your Path to Ministry

Becoming ordained in Tennessee is an incredible way to serve your community, guide couples through one of the most significant moments of their lives, and share God’s love in a meaningful way. However, Tennessee has specific legal requirements for officiants, which makes it essential to understand and follow the state’s laws to officiate weddings confidently, competently, and credibly.


Tennessee Laws Governing Wedding Officiants

The laws governing wedding officiants in Tennessee are outlined in Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 36-3-301, which specifies who is authorized to officiate weddings in the state. Here are the key points:

  1. Ordination Requirement:
    • Only individuals ordained or designated through a “considered, deliberate, and responsible act” by a recognized religious organization are authorized to solemnize marriages.
    • Instant ordination services have faced legal challenges in Tennessee because they may not meet the requirement for a “deliberate and responsible act.”
  2. Recognition of Religious Organizations:
    • The organization providing the ordination must be a recognized religious entity that engages in regular worship and provides training for its ministers.
  3. Legal Role of the Officiant:
    • The officiant must ensure that the marriage license is completed, signed, and returned to the issuing county clerk’s office within three days of the ceremony to validate the marriage legally.

How Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) Meets Tennessee’s Legal Requirements

Christian Leaders Alliance provides study-based ordination that aligns with Tennessee law. By offering a deliberate, structured process rooted in Scripture and ministry preparation, CLA ensures that ordained ministers meet the state’s requirements.


Step-by-Step Guide for CLA Wedding Officiants in Tennessee

Follow these steps to become ordained and officiate weddings in Tennessee with confidence:


1. Complete the Wedding Officiant Skills Class

Begin with the Wedding Officiant Skills Class offered by Christian Leaders Institute. This class provides foundational knowledge and practical tools, including:

  • The biblical and spiritual significance of marriage.
  • Crafting meaningful and personalized wedding messages.
  • Leading rehearsals and managing the flow of wedding ceremonies.
  • Navigating Tennessee’s marriage license process.

2. Receive Your Ordination Through Christian Leaders Alliance

After completing the class, you’ll earn ordination credentials from CLA. This ordination involves a considered and deliberate process, meeting the requirements outlined in Tennessee law.


3. Secure Local Mentor Endorsement

CLA ordination includes a local mentor endorsement, which adds credibility to your role as an officiant and connects you with a trusted network of ministry leaders. This step is crucial for demonstrating accountability and support within your community.


4. Familiarize Yourself with Tennessee’s Marriage License Process

As an officiant, you play a key role in ensuring the marriage is legally binding. In Tennessee:

  • Couples must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk’s office.
  • The officiant must ensure the license is signed by the couple, witnesses, and the officiant during the ceremony.
  • The completed license must be returned to the county clerk within three days of the wedding.

5. Plan and Lead the Ceremony, make sure to meet some of the ministry needs of the couple

Work closely with the couple offering some pastoral care if asked. Meat to create a Christ-centered experience and ceremony that reflects their love and faith. The Christian Leaders Institute course will help you be confident and competent in this role.


6. Return the Marriage License Promptly

Ensure that the marriage license is completed correctly and returned to the issuing county clerk’s office within the required three-day period. This step finalizes the legal recognition of the marriage.


Why Choose Christian Leaders Alliance?

CLA provides a unique approach to ordination that stands out in Tennessee:

  • Biblical Training: Gain a deep understanding of Scripture and how to incorporate it into your ceremonies.
  • Practical Skills: Learn how to confidently lead weddings, from planning to execution.
  • Legal Compliance: Rest assured that your ordination meets Tennessee’s requirements, avoiding pitfalls associated with instant ordination services.
  • Community Support: Build connections through local mentor endorsements, adding credibility to your ministry.

Begin Your Journey Today

Becoming ordained in Tennessee is more than earning a credential—it’s about stepping into a meaningful ministry role where you can celebrate love, honor God, and make a lasting impact. With Christian Leaders Alliance, you’ll have the training, support, and tools to officiate weddings confidently and legally.

A Wedding Officiant Ordination

Julie Tucker: A Journey of Faith and Ministry in Tennessee

My name is Julie Tucker. My husband, James, and I, along with our cherished fur babies, live in the beautiful state of Tennessee. For over 25 years, James and I have embraced various ministry roles, wearing many hats along the way. From serving as Greeters and Youth Pastors to Outreach Ministers and leaders of The SonShine Bus ministry, we have dedicated our lives to sharing God’s love.

In 2006, we purchased our home and named it The Bright Place. Our prayer has always been that this home would be a refuge of peace and love for anyone who visits. It fills my heart with joy when people remark on the peaceful atmosphere of The Bright Place, knowing they feel the presence of Jesus here.

Launching Tennessee Tiny Weddings

In the spring of 2016, I felt God calling me to open Tennessee Tiny Weddings in our backyard. This has been an incredible season in my life. I absolutely love serving as a Wedding Officiant and occasionally as a Funeral Officiant. Each ceremony offers a unique opportunity to share God’s love and celebrate the beauty of life and commitment.

Despite my many years in ministry, I recognized there was still so much to learn. That realization led me to discover the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and the ordination opportunities provided by Christian Leaders Alliance.


Enriching My Ministry with Christian Leaders Institute

The classes I’ve taken at CLI have been transformative, opening doors to new opportunities and equipping me with invaluable skills for planning weddings and funerals. Every course has taught me practical lessons and boosted my confidence in my role as an officiant. The training has also helped me become more People Smart, a crucial skill for connecting with couples and their families during these important life moments.

CLI has been nothing short of an answered prayer. The flexibility to study on my own schedule has made it possible to balance ministry with my personal life. Whether I have questions or need guidance, CLI has always been just a phone call or email away. Best of all, the free ministry training has allowed me to continue my education without financial stress.


Ordination Through Christian Leaders Alliance

Becoming ordained through Christian Leaders Alliance fulfilled all the requirements for ordination in the state of Tennessee. This isn’t an instant ordination; it’s a study-based process rooted in solid biblical teaching and the historic practice of local endorsement. The combination of academic preparation and community affirmation has provided me with a strong foundation for ministry.


A Heart for Ministry

I humbly ask for your prayers for Tennessee Tiny Weddings and for all the couples and families whose lives and marriages we serve. It is an incredible honor to be part of a bride and groom’s special day. My greatest desire is to reflect the love of Jesus and glorify God through each ceremony I officiate.

God bless Christian Leaders Alliance! I am deeply grateful to everyone who has poured into my life and ministry through this remarkable organization.

STEP INTO MINISTRY: BECOME ORDAINED IN TENNESSEE

Have you ever dreamed of being part of life’s most cherished and sacred moments? Becoming ordained in Tennessee as a wedding officiant could be the perfect way to begin your ministry journey. It’s more than just officiating ceremonies—it’s about celebrating love, glorifying God, and supporting couples as they start their new lives together. In this role, you’re not just performing a service; you’re creating a meaningful experience that reflects God’s design for marriage.

As Ecclesiastes 4:12 (WEB) reminds us, “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Marriage is a sacred covenant ordained by God, and officiating a wedding is an incredible opportunity to serve and share His love with others.


How to Become Ordained in Tennessee

Becoming ordained in Tennessee to officiate weddings is a straightforward process, but it requires careful preparation and a commitment to serving others with integrity. Here’s how to get started:


1. Build a Connection with the Couple

Every wedding is as unique as the couple getting married. Take time to understand their values, love story, and spiritual journey. As Proverbs 16:9 (WEB) says, “A man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps.” Your role is to guide the couple in crafting a ceremony that reflects their faith and God’s presence in their union.


2. Plan and Prepare

Rehearsals are essential to ensure the ceremony flows smoothly. Work with the couple and their loved ones to walk through each part of the event, ensuring everyone feels prepared and confident. Thoughtful preparation leads to a meaningful and seamless celebration.


3. Lead the Ceremony

On the wedding day, you’ll conduct a Christ-centered service that includes prayer, Scripture readings, and a personalized message. Colossians 3:12-14 (WEB) highlights the heart of love: “Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance… Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.” Your words will inspire and bless not just the couple but also their friends and family.


4. Ensure Legal Compliance

In Tennessee, officiants must meet specific legal requirements, and wedding licenses must be properly completed and returned to the county clerk’s office. Unlike other states, Tennessee has strict guidelines, and instant ordination credentials often do not meet the legal standard. Christian Leaders Alliance provides ordination that meets Tennessee’s requirements, ensuring you can legally and confidently officiate weddings.


Sharing God’s Love Through Wedding Messages

Creating a wedding message is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an officiant. It’s more than just a speech—it’s a chance to share God’s wisdom about love, commitment, and faith.

Matthew 19:6 (WEB) reminds us, “What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart.” Your message can leave a lasting impact, inspiring couples to build their marriage on the foundation of faith and God’s love.


Why Choose Christian Leaders Alliance?

Tennessee has strict requirements for wedding officiants, making it essential to obtain ordination through a reputable program. Christian Leaders Alliance ensures that your ordination meets legal standards while equipping you for ministry with high-quality training and support.

  • Biblical Foundation: Learn to incorporate Scripture into every ceremony, creating a spiritually rich experience.
  • Practical Training: Gain the tools to plan, lead, and officiate weddings with professionalism and care.
  • Legal Compliance: Rest easy knowing your ordination is recognized under Tennessee law, unlike many instant ordination services.
  • Community Support: Build connections through a local mentor endorsement, which adds credibility and accountability to your ministry.

A Gateway to Greater Ministry

Becoming a wedding officiant is often just the beginning of a fulfilling ministry journey. With Christian Leaders Institute, you can access over 200 free courses in areas such as pastoral care, preaching, and church leadership. Whether you feel called to volunteer in your church, lead Bible studies, or pursue full-time ministry, ordination is a solid foundation for your calling.

Ephesians 2:10 (WEB) says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.” Taking this step allows you to walk in the good works God has planned for your life.


Start Your Journey Today

Becoming ordained in Tennessee is more than a credential—it’s a meaningful way to serve others, share God’s love, and celebrate life’s most special moments. With Christian Leaders Alliance, you’ll gain the training, tools, and support to guide couples in their sacred commitment to each other and to God.

Take the first step today. As Matthew 9:37 (WEB) reminds us, “The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few.”Will you answer the call to serve and make a lasting impact in your community?

Officiant Ordination Roles


Minister Ordination Roles

Henry Reyenga
Author: Henry Reyenga

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