Can a State Truly Be Free if a Minister Ordained Online Can't Marry People?

Proposed legislation in New York state would make it easier for people ordained online through services like the Universal Life Church to preside over wedding ceremonies.

B-52s Singer Marries Couple Before Show

Kate Pierson, singer for the B-52s, is an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church and recently married two of her fans before the band took the stage in Austin, Texas.

Neagle/Strube

A wedding announcement for a couple married at Hoopes Park in Auburn by an officiant ordained through the Universal Life Church.

Bryan Cranston Used to Officiate Weddings and There's Photo Evidence

Old photos have unearthed of Bryan Cranston officiating weddings. The famous actor is an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church.

Annette Bening: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Annette Bening and recently crowned Oscar winner for Best Actress Emma Stone were two attendees at this year's Academy Awards who also happen to be ordained through the Universal Life Church.

Kathryn Blume: Creative Social Justice Activist

A profile of writer, actor and life coach Kathryn Blume, who mentions she is also an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church.

Benedict Cumberbatch: 10 surprising facts about the Doctor Strange star

Did you know Benedict Cumberbatch is an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church? This is just one of several surprising facts about him.

The week in pictures, 20/02

Tucker and Karyn Brown got married by a minister from the Universal Life Church at the Loveland Ski Area 26th Annual Valentine's Day Mountaintop Matrimony near Georgetown, Colorado.

The new normal: Friends, family presiding at weddings

More people than ever before are asking family and friends to officiate their weddings after getting ordained through online services like the Universal Life Church.

Kesha Snapchat Username & Snapcode

A profile of pop star Kesha includes mentions of how she was ordained through the Universal Life Church to minister the wedding of her best friends.

NOT JUST GANDALF: Who is Sir Ian McKellen? Star of film and stage and featured on Who Do You Think You Are?

A profile of acclaimed actor Sir Ian McKellen's life includes mention of his ordination through the Universal Life Church, which allowed him to preside over the wedding of good friend Patrick Stewart.

Centralia Man Has Officiated More Than 1,000 Weddings

A man from Centralia, Washington has performed more than 1,000 weddings since he received his ordination through the Universal Life Church in 1971.

Corey Feldman Marries Courtney Anne in Las Vegas a Week After Proposing

Corey Feldman married his girlfriend Courtney Anne in Las Vegas this past week, with the service being performed by Marklen Kennedy, a Las Vegas producer and Universal Life Church minister.

Punter Bojorquez has become weapon for Lobos

Corey Bojorquez isn't just an outstanding punter for the University of New Mexico; he's also an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church.

Broadway stars to light up Bethlehem wedding

A dozen Broadway stars, with a total of 20 Tonys among them, were guests and performers at a wedding in Bethlehem, including officiant and actor/dancer Tommy Tune, who received his ordination through the Universal Life Church.

Meet the candidates for Iowa House District 25

One of the frontrunners for the Iowa House of Representatives District 25 is also an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church.

Producer Sean Cole relishes the beautiful feeling of performing weddings

Sean Cole, a producer of This American Life, discusses how much he enjoys performing weddings thanks to his ordination through the Universal Life Church.

How New-Found Rituals Help Nurture Our Children

An ordained minister with the Universal Life Church provides a unique religious experience for family and friends.

Wedding Season Wrap-up

Columnist Travis Naughton recounts some of his experiences in six years as an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church.

Shardeé Caesar, Shane Douglas

The New York Times announced the wedding of a couple who were married by a minister ordained through the Universal Life Church.

All you need is love and a tailgate

New Jersey Herald reporter John Carlson, who recently became ordained through the Universal Life Church, presided over his first wedding in the parking lot at MetLife Stadium before the Jets/Seahawks game.

Tom Hanks Crashed this Couple's Wedding Photo Shoot in Central Park

While out on a jog, Tom Hanks ran into a wedding photo shoot and decided to join in on the fun. Hanks made sure to tell the bride and groom that he himself got his ordination online, in case they needed his services as minister.

To Debate, or Stay Off the Stage?

One of the frontrunners for senatorship from Arkansas is an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church.

More Couples Are Asking Friends and Family to Officiate Weddings

New research indicates more people than ever are looking to family and friends to officiate their wedding, and having them get ordained through services like the Universal Life Church Monastery.

Bryan Cranson became an ordained minister for sky-high wedding

Actor Bryan Cranston, most famous for TV shows Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle, became an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church as a teen to help out a minister who was double booked for weddings.

Nudity a way of life at campground in Hillsdale County's North Adams

The Rev. Dennis Bemis, the 66-year-old owner of Cherry Lane Nudist Resort, has been motivated and influenced by his faith, which he exercises in part as an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church.

Amanda Cowie, Alex Jansen

A couple who met at school at Boston College recently had their marriage announced in the New York Times. The service was performed by a minister ordained through the Universal Life Church.

Pen pals, a lasting friendship born of pen and paper

A pair of old pen pals have been reunited, with one getting ordained through the Universal Life Church to preside over the other's wedding.

'Extreme Lincoln buffs' to be married Saturday in foyer of Lincoln Home

A pair of Lincoln buffs is going to have what is thought to be the first wedding ever at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, presided over by an Abe Lincoln re-enacter who was ordained through the Universal LIfe Church.

Son of ‘Famous Amos’ Cookie Maker Mixing His Own Batch of Blues and Soul

The R&B and Blues singer known as The Reverend Shawn Amos got his nickname due to his ordainment through the Universal Life Church.

Survey: 40 percent of couples used a friend to officiate their 2015 wedding

A recent study reveals that more couples than ever before are having friends get ordained through sources like the Universal Life Church Monastery so they can officiate their weddings.

Faith and Familiy: New Hope Baptist finds new minister

A new minister at a Baptist church in Roxie, Mississippi began his path to his position by taking online courses with the Universal Life Church.

Falencik brings joy to work, roller derby

A roller derby star is bringing joy to her community in more ways than one, including as an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church.

Honor Flight No. 40 brings new sense of welcome for some veterans

Military veterans find peace in many different ways. A recent article profiles several veterans and what they are doing now that they are home, including one who ministers with an ordination from the Universal Life Church.

In the name of cannabis: Marijuana-based church holds first service in Lansing

The first marijuana-based faith and church have been established, and is being led by a pastor ordained through the Universal Life Church.

More Couples Choosing Non-clergy Officiants for Nuptials

According to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, more couples than ever are opting for non traditional wedding officiants, many of whom are ordained by the Universal Life Church.

Universal Life Church Releases Impassioned Official Statement in Response to Orlando Shooting, Calls for Significant and Immediate Gun and Safety Policy Change

In the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando that left 49 victims dead and 53 more injured, the Universal Life Church urged national leaders to take serious action to bring an end to gun violence.

More Than Ever, We Need Secular Weddings - And Celebrants

There is a growing demand for secular celebrants at weddings throughout North America. One option is the Universal Life Church, which has ministers more than willing to provide non-religious ceremonies.

Promo Watch: Furry matrimony in Fresno

Parker T. Bear, the mascot of the Fresno Grizzlies (a minor league baseball team), recently became the first mascot to officiate a wedding. He received his ordination through the Universal Life Church.

For 20 years, couple has officiated weddings with a personal touch at The White Rose Chapel

Since the early 1990s, one couple has performed more than 2,500 weddings at their cottage and at other destinations, thanks to their ordination through the Universal Life Church Monastery.

Kathryn Canary, John Rothmeier Jr.

The New York Times announces the wedding of the daugther of a former television star. The wedding was conducted by an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church.

Kevin Smith marries Tennessee couple at Zanies

Popular filmmaker and comedian Kevin Smith, also an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church, married a couple at the Wild West Comedy Festival in Nashville.

What Happened to Fran Drescher - What's She Doing Now in 2016

Remember Fran Drescher from The Nanny? She may not be in the public eye as much any more, but she's still quite active, and has even become an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church Monastery.

Elizabeth Chan, Brian Knabenshue

A wedding announcement in the New York Times features a couple who had their wedding performed at a California ranch by an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church.

Real Housewives of Melbourne star Gamble Breaux officiates gay commitment ceremony at Australia's first Diversity Expo

Gamble Breaux of the Real Housewives of Melbourne headlined the Melbourne Diversity Expo when she officiated a commitment ceremony between a same-sex couple. Breaux was ordained through the Universal Life Church.

Real Housewives of Melbourne Star to 'Marry' Same-Sex Couple

Gamble Breaux, who shot to fame on Real Housewives of Melbourne, will be the officiant for a same-sex couple at Melbourne’s Diversity Expo. Breaux was ordained as minister through the Universal Life Church to be able to perform the ceremony.

Local Wedding Officiant Crafts Ceremonies 'Everyone Will Remember'

Joe Mangino, an ordained non-denominational minister through the Universal Life Church, has given couples throughout the Stafford Township, New Jersey area the ability to plan the wedding of their dreams. He's performed around 100 weddings since 2009.

Went to the symphony and a wedding broke out

A French farce featuring a wedding party being photographed on the Eiffel Tower became the site of an actual wedding. The bride and groom appeared after the song 'Marche nuptial,' and were married by an ordained minister of the ULCM.

Is Tanner & Jade’s Marriage Legal? A ‘Bachelor’ TV Wedding Can Still Be The Real Deal

Some people have alleged the Bachelor in Paradise couple's marriage is not exactly legally binding. However, Chris Harrison, the host of The Bachelor, is legally ordained by the Universal Life Church Monastery!

Valentine's Day: Dozens of couples marry at Loveland Ski Area’s Mountaintop Matrimony

Approximately 100 couples showed up to the Loveland Ski Area to tie the knot on Valentine's Day. Performing the ceremonies was Rev. Harry Heilman of Universal Life Church, who has long been minister of the Mountaintop Matrimony ceremonies.

Whatever Happened To Mass Weddings?

Once upon a time there was a Valentine’s Day tradition in Rochester to have hundreds of weddings at once, all sponsored by WCMF 96.5 FM. While the tradition has since faded away, one of the people enjoyed the experience so much that he has since been ordained as a minister by Universal Life Church.

Non-traditional marriage is becoming more traditional

A recent study published by the Pew Research Center shows millennials are moving away from traditional wedding ceremonies. Now, many people are opting for nonreligious ceremonies performed by friends ordained through sources like Universal Life Church.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler Gets Married… by Lance Bass!

Sopranos star Jamie-Lynn Sigler recently tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend, Cutter Dykstra. Rather than opting for a traditional minister, the couple asked friend and singer Lance Bass, who is ordained through ULCM, to perform the ceremony.

Engagement season panic sets in: Before you plan a big expensive traditional wedding, read this

Many recently engaged couples feel the pressure to have a traditional, religious ceremony. But if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of options. The author of this article talks about the personal touches he and his wife used in their wedding, including a ULC-ordained minister.

Divine Love of Pets Inspires Chaplain

Matty Guiliano has a passion for animals that has deepened his own spirituality. After his beloved pet succumbed to cancer, he became an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church to become a chaplain for his county's chapter of the SPCA.

Comedian Rob Little wants to marry you (but no exorcisms, please)

Comedian Rob Little recently became an ordained minister by the Universal Life Church, and was pleasantly surprised at how simple the process was. Now, he’s having fun performing weddings for friends and fans, and will be creating a television show based on his experiences.

Carrie Brownstein, Amy Poehler Conduct Spontaneous Marriage Ceremony During Book Reading Event

Two dedicated fans of Carrie Brownstein and Amy Poehler surprised the pair at a book reading event in Pasadena. The couple requested an impromptu wedding ceremony from the pair, who knew Brownstein was an ordained minister through Universal Life Church. Brownstein and Poehler agreed, and it went viral!

More millennials choosing pals over priests when tying the knot

As young people around the world turn away from traditional religion, they are flocking to organizations like the ULC, which allows them to take charge of their own spiritual life. Religion isn't dying, it's getting better!

Kevin Smith Presided Over a New York Comic Con Wedding On Top Of A Tour Bus Today

Director Kevin Smith, famous for his "geek" movies, has performed weddings as a ULC Minister in the past. One weekend in NYC, he performed one for fans on top of a tour bus as it cruised through the streets.

Monmouth SPCA to hold 'Blessing of the Animals'

Ordained Ministers find their calling in all sorts of corners of the globe. One ULC minister has found a more... unique niche: he's become a chaplain for an animal shelter, catering to the spiritual needs of cats and dogs!

Cheaper Alternatives to Traditional Wedding Gifts

Performing a service for a friend or family member's wedding can make a unique and inexpensive gift. Becoming ordained online through the ULC provides you the chance to officiate the service, making the day extra special.

Kim Davis's Kentucky Is for Lovers: I Got Gay Married in Morehead

Kim Davis has held marriages hostage in Rowan County, Kentucky for months. After her imprisonment, Jezebel followed the first gay marriage to take place there - which was officiated by a ULC minister!

Dream comes true for two men who say I do

Same-Sex marriage is now legal across the nation. In some areas, however, gay weddings are still far from the norm. This sweet article chronicles a couple's wedding and makes a case for a greater sense of marriage equality, removing stigma.

These 8 Websites Helped Us Save $21,781 on Our Wedding

The average cost of a wedding is around $31,000. A bride shares tips on how she saved more than half of that cost for the ceremony, including having a dear friend ordained online with the Universal Life Church to perform the wedding.

Internet church attracts more and more people

The Universal Life Church is making strides globally, and has been growing at breakneck speed for years. This German magazine chronicles the ULC's international rise... from its modest founding decades ago to its revered status today.

Universal Life Church Clergy are ordained at a finger click

Ordination is changing. With the June Supreme Court ruling, same-sex marriage is open to anyone who identifies and wishes to be wed. This article shows the different ways online churches like the Universal Life Church are changing the way people not only get married, but go to Church in general.

Clergy defy Methodist church at gay pastor's wedding

A member of a Methodist Clergy in Indiana, who identifies as a gay man, recently got married following the Supreme Court ruling. With the help of a friend ordained through ULC, the clergy man and his now husband wed on the court steps of city hall.

Couples Personalizing Role of Religion in Wedding Ceremonies

Interfaith marriages, same-sex marriages and 'traditional' marriages alike are all changing. Couples are now taking active roles in deciding what their big day will look like, in every capacity.

Keene Activists Will Drop Tax-Exempt Appeal and Start Again

Ordination is changing. With the June Supreme Court ruling, same-sex marriage is open to anyone who identifies and wishes to be wed. This article shows the different ways online churches like the Universal Life Church are changing the way people not only get married, but go to Church in general.

Of Cabbages and Kings: How many marriages are done in church?

'What percentage of marriages are done by clergy these days?' Justice Scalia raises some interesting questions about future weddings, highlighting mainstream culture as abandoning clergy for more alternative options.

Conan O`brien Turns 52: Interesting Facts about the Comedian

Famous talk show host and comedian Conan O'Brien turns 52 on Saturday, 18 April, and after living more than half a century, there are quite some interesting facts that his fans may not know.

News story or editorial? Reuters reports on that bill to eliminate all marriage (licenses) in Oklahoma

A previous Oklahoma Bill plans to eliminate government issued marriage licenses, but there is much more to the story With debate going on about who is able to wed and perform ceremonies, residents of Oklahoma are facing more roadblocks than just picking out the right venue for their reception.

Oklahoma Bans Atheist Marriages In Hopes Of Preventing Gay Ones

A local Oklahoma atheist gives her opinion on the recent Oklahoma bill that would prevent atheists and gays from being married.

Minnesota county will issue permits for atheist weddings

Those who don't believe in a higher power still want to be married like everyone else. A vocal group of atheists in Washington County Minnesota are creating a new type of irreligion. Uniting Godlessness with the trappings of the Church, these folks are opening the doors, not to heaven, but to atheist matrimony.

Marriage Bill would not eliminate State`s involvement

With the Supreme Court rulings and subsequent public backlash, both for and against marriage equality, the business of ordination is everywhere in the headlines. This article attempts to explain the different complexities facing Oklahoma residents looking into getting married, particularly by an ordained ULC Minister.

Melissa Carter: Now ready to preside at your marriages

Now that we will soon be able to legally get married in a church, shouldn't there be someone standing with you who personally understands what it took to get to that altar? Melissa Carter explores the options for having a pastor at your same-sex wedding.

Lennie ordained as minister with Universal Life Church

Minister Barbara Lennie, recently ordained with the Universal Life Church, details her plans for her religious future, With goals to work in prisons and help young women in particular, find their way after incarceration.

Tying the knot in Loveland Ski Area on Valentine`s Day

Increasingly, wedding are being held in more and more extreme environments. In this article, Harry Heilmann, registered minister with the Universal Life Church, joined skiers and snowboarders in snowy matrimony. Holding a ceremony at 12,050 feet, Heilmann performed the ceremony to make it a truly epic Valentine's Day wedding.

Deep in Dixie, Synagogue Stands Up for Gay Marriage - and Couples Flock To Say "I Do"

The Supreme Court might be for same-sex unions, but that doesn't mean the weather is. An artic cold wave made it impossible to hold weddings outside, as did courts in Alabama who refused to issue marriage licenses to anyone, but this didn't stop couples from having a good time. Many flocked to a near by synagogue to have their big day.

Madison County one of seven to issue marriage licenses to gay couples on Monday

In Alabama, seven different counties are prepping to issue marriage licenses to eagerly awaiting same-sex couples on Monday. After the Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex unions, couples statewide are on their ways to being legal recognized as married unions.

Local officials deny marriage licenses, dispute federal ruling

Down in Mississippi, probate judges refuse to issue marriage licenses-- but that isn't stopping coupes. Several same-sex couples are submitting applications for licenses and going forward with their ceremonies.

Unitarian, pagan and other ministers officiate gay weddings; one Methodist pastor dances

After long waits, several couples in New Orleans head off to their magnolia trees, or where ever else they have always dreamed of being married, and have the happiest days or their lives. With ordinations coming from the Universal Life Church, several couples were able to have their dreams come true.

Non-Denominational Christianity Origins: 6 Events That Led to Followers Standing Apart

Non-denominational faith systems are on the rise. In the 90's, less than 200k people in the US identified as such. Now? More than 8 million people claim to have nondenominational beliefs. Churches like ULC are leading the course into a new religious arena.

Ordained ministers wait for chance to marry same-sex couples in Mobile, to no avail

Following the Supreme Court ruling of same-sex marriages being legal, courts in Alabama kept the their doors locked, In efforts to keep same-sex marriages at bay, courts in Mobile refused to issue marriage licenses not only to same-sex couples, but to everyone.

Equality groups gather list of officiants to perform same-sex marriages on Monday

Since same-sex marriage became legal, states all over the country are making groundbreaking strides in bringing marriage to all. In Alabama, one pride group are trying vigorously to gather as may clergy men as possible for a large round of gay marriages.

Couples in Alabama no longer need Judge and Church to Marry

Even with marriage equality still strongly opposed in Alabama, wedding officiants have it pretty easy. Any pastor or any religious society can oversee a wedding-- your friend could even perform yours. This article is an oped on navigating through the laws of Alabama so you can have your big day in peace.

Online Ordinations no longer for just Weddings

Online ordinations are widely known to be helpful when someone is getting married (particularly a friend or family member, or when a couple has differing religious beliefs), but more and more people are using their Universal Life Church ordinations for much more than just weddings.

Inside the Universal Life Church, the Internet`s one true Religion

'The Universal Life Church is possibly the most quintessentially American religion of the Internet Age' An interview with the Universal Life Church shows the history of the name, the founder, what lies ahead, and what makes the ULC such a force on the internet.

Can I chose My Best Friend over my Sister for Maid of Honor?

Choosing a maid of honor might seem like an easy task, but can also cause a bit of drama. If you have a sister who isn't on the best of terms with you, this article sheds some light on how to avoid drama while choosing your maid of honor.

Watertown couple makes history with first ever wedding at CNY Pride Festival

The CNY Festival hosted it's first wedding at the Inner Harbor. Michelle LaVancha and Sara Verne were the first wedding of the CNY Festival, and hundreds of people turned out to support.

6 Ways to Trim Your Wedding Budget

Today's weddings are costing a lot more than they did a few years ago, A survey of 13,000 brides showed the average wedding costs about $28,000+! This article will help you if you're trying to trim the costs of your big day. Everything from the dress, to the reception, to the wedding officiant is up for debate when you're trying to save a few bucks in your wallet.

How to Become a Legal Wedding Officiant

There are many rewarding aspects of being an ordained minister. Joining two friends in matrimony and helping be a part of a couple's happiest day together are just a few. Becoming an ordained minister is easy and this article helps walk you through it.

The Bachelor TV Host Gets Ordained and Performs a Wedding

The Universal Life Church ordained Chris Harrison, the host of the wildly popular Bachelor and Bachellorette reality shows on June 28th 2012. He notably has used his ordination from the ULC to perform a wedding for his television show's producers Cassie Lambert and Pete Scalettar.

Universal Life Church calls upon Google to Block Services in "Hate States"

The Universal Life Church calls for economic sanctions on 'hate states' and for other organizations to fight the cause as well. For too long institutions designed to protect and preserve hate have been allowed to exist. The ULC is asking Google to sanction their search engine in these states.

ULC Joins fight against autism

The Universal Life Church, a nationally recognized online ordination organization, publicly announced that if they received 1000 new Facebook likes, they would contribute $1,000 dollars to fight against autism. The Church also said that they urge their thousands of ordained ministers to join the fight against this crippling disability.

More College Students Becoming Ordained Ministers

Today, more and more people are becoming ordained. The newer generation is trending towards having more of a connection with their minister rather than pay extra for a clergy member of some church. The amount of students becoming ordained has doubled in recent years.

NYC Pop UP Chapel offering Free Central Park Weddings

Awaiting the verdict on marriage equality in Albany, many New Yorkers paid attention to their smart phones awaiting the news. Soon after, a 'Pop Up Chapel' came about where an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church did free weddings.

Something About Me Makes People Want To Marry

I explore the business that is the online ordination industry. From Dudeism, to Wicca, I show you just how easy it is to get ordained, how much it costs, and how easy it can be. 'I plan to officiate many more times, because something that's 'good for life' doesn't come around all that often.'

Elvis Has Left the Chapel

Being married by an Elvis impersonator is so last century. Now, in the age of reality TV and Twitter, celebrities are more accessible than ever to do your wedding for you.

Being afraid of a life addressed simply as mister, Brendan Baumgardner describes his experience and how he found the Universal Life Church, and the obtainable epithet that would suit him.

Chapel Bound: Getting Ordained Online

The process of getting ordained online might seem a bit confusing, but it doesn't have to be. This article explores all the different options, discusses pros and cons, and ultimately serves as a guide to anyone looking for online ordination through the Universal Life Church.