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

Becoming ordained in Washington to officiate weddings is an incredible way to serve your community and be part of one of life’s most treasured moments. Washington law provides clear guidelines for who can officiate weddings, and the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) offers the training, credibility, and spiritual foundation you need to fulfill these requirements and thrive in this sacred role.

Understanding Washington’s Wedding Officiant Laws

In Washington, the authority to solemnize marriages is governed by RCW 26.04.050. This law specifies that the following individuals are authorized to officiate weddings:

Religious Officials: Ministers, priests, or rabbis who are ordained or licensed by their religious organization.
Judicial Officers: Judges, justices, commissioners, and magistrates authorized to perform marriages within their jurisdiction.
Tribal Officials: Any recognized tribal judge or other authorized individual from a federally recognized tribe.

Religious officiants must be ordained or licensed by a recognized organization or denomination. Unlike some states, Washington does not require officiants to register with the state or local government. However, officiants should ensure they have proper documentation of their ordination in case proof is requested.

After officiating a wedding, the officiant must complete and sign the marriage license and return it to the issuing county auditor’s office for official recording.

How the Christian Leaders Alliance Meets Washington’s Requirements

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

1. Legitimate Ordination

CLA ordination is recognized by law because it is issued by a biblically grounded religious organization with a reputation for training Christian leaders. Your credentials meet Washington’s legal definition of a religious officiant authorized to solemnize marriages.

2. Proof of Ordination

Upon completing the program, CLA provides official documentation of your ordination, ensuring you have the credentials necessary to officiate legally in Washington.

3. Practical Training

Through the Christian Leaders Institute’s Wedding Officiant Skills Class, you’ll gain essential knowledge about officiating weddings in Washington, including:

Understanding marriage laws in Washington.
Designing meaningful wedding ceremonies.
Managing legal responsibilities, including completing and submitting the marriage license.

Equipping You for Ministry Beyond Weddings

While CLA ensures you meet Washington’s legal requirements, the program also prepares you for broader ministry opportunities.

Confidence in Your Calling

The CLA program is more than just earning credentials—it equips you with spiritual and practical tools to serve with excellence. You’ll learn:

Biblical Foundations: Understand marriage as a sacred covenant established by God.
Ceremony Design: Create personalized and impactful ceremonies that reflect the couple’s love story and God’s purpose.
Effective Communication: Develop skills to deliver inspiring and heartfelt wedding messages.

Credibility to Serve with Excellence

Unlike quick online ordination options, CLA emphasizes comprehensive training and mentorship. This ensures that you are well-prepared to perform weddings that honor God and bless couples while building your credibility as a ministry leader.

Expanding Your Ministry Beyond Weddings

Becoming ordained in Washington is not just about officiating weddings—it’s a gateway to a broader ministry calling. Through Christian Leaders Institute, you gain access to over 200 courses in areas such as 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.

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 this role, you are answering God’s call to serve and strengthen others in their faith.

Start Your Journey Today

Becoming ordained in Washington is more than just obtaining a credential—it’s an opportunity to serve others, share God’s love, and embark on a transformative ministry journey. With Christian Leaders Alliance, you’ll receive the training, resources, and spiritual support needed to officiate weddings confidently and honorably.

Whether you officiate one wedding or feel called to pursue additional ministry roles, your ordination will equip you to make a lasting impact. Take the first step today and become ordained in Washington with Christian Leaders Alliance, ready to serve God and others with excellence 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

Washington Ordination

My name is Dave Hoyle, and I was recently honored when an old high school friend asked me to officiate her wedding. While I was deeply touched by the request, my initial reaction was one of self-doubt. I didn’t Become ordained in Washington feel even slightly qualified to officiate such a significant event. While I was confident I could stand in front of a crowd and read a script, I felt spiritually unprepared to preside over a traditional Christian wedding ceremony.

The couple desired a ceremony rooted in Christian tradition, but I had no formal qualifications as a minister. After much prayer and seeking counsel from others, I agreed to officiate the wedding—but only on the condition that I would take the necessary steps to become properly ordained through a Christian organization. I was determined not to simply go through the motions or settle for a “rubber stamp” certificate. I needed to feel spiritually equipped and empowered to officiate such a momentous occasion.

I am incredibly grateful to have discovered Christian Leaders Institute and their Christian Wedding Officiant course. This program has provided me with the training, knowledge, and confidence I needed to officiate my friend’s wedding with authenticity and purpose. I have learned so much through this course, and I am deeply appreciative of everyone who made it possible. I believe this experience is a significant step in my journey toward greater service in the Kingdom of God.

A Little About Me

I grew up in a Christian household and have attended church regularly from a young age. I accepted Christ at the age of 8, but it wasn’t until my teenage years that I truly began to understand the depth and significance of my faith.

In 2021, I married my wife, Kate, and we currently live in Maryland, just outside Washington, DC. During the day, I work as an electronics engineer. In my free time, I enjoy biking, running, playing the piano, and helping my wife with various DIY projects around our home.

From Weddings to More Ministry: Becoming Ordained in Washington

Getting ordained in Washington to officiate weddings is an extraordinary 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.

Serving as a wedding officiant in Washington requires 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 Washington while embracing the calling to serve others.

A Ministry Rooted in God’s Word

One of the most fulfilling 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 Washington’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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.