Marriage Laws Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

ULC Files Lawsuit Against Virginia Officials to Defend Rights of Ministers

May 27th, 2025

The ULC has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court against Virginia officials who have been discriminating against Universal Life Church ministers and denying them the right to perform wedding ceremonies.

Weddings 27 Comments

What is a Covenant Marriage?

April 28th, 2025

Covenant marriage is surging in interest after Rep. Mike Johnson’s rise to Speaker of the House. Learn what it is, where it's legal, and why some couples are choosing this rare faith-based union legal in only 3 states.

Weddings 33 Comments

The Difference Between a Marriage Certificate and a Marriage License

December 2nd, 2021

In the busyness of planning your wedding, it is easy to forget the difference between a marriage license vs. certificate. Both documents are important, though, so it is essential that you make them part of your agenda.

Weddings 5 Comments

ULC Files Federal Suit in Pennsylvania to Defend Online Ordination

February 16th, 2021

The ULC has filed a Federal suit against officials in Bucks County, PA asserting that this office prevented one of our ministers from asserting his legal right to practice his faith and officiate a wedding ceremony.

Weddings 60 Comments

Zoom Weddings Declared Legal in New York

April 21st, 2020

The state of New York announced that weddings can now legally take place via live stream over the internet, a lifeline for couples struggling to figure out what to do amid coronavirus quarantine measures.

Weddings 3 Comments

How the Vote For Same-Sex Marriage In Australia Turned Ugly

November 22nd, 2017

In a nonbinding referendum last week, Australians voted in favor of allowing gay couples to legally marry. The final tally: 61 percent in favor, 39 percent against, revealing the cultural divide on this issue.

Political & Religious Controversy 64 Comments

Defending Ordination Rights in Michigan

May 21st, 2012

Michigan may be the site of yet another challenge to ordination rights. Current state law lacks specific language on what standards wedding officiants must meet to perform a legal wedding ceremony, but this may change.

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