ULC - IN THE NEWS
New effort to keep people ordained online from performing marriages
The Universal Life Church is fighting to protect the rights of its ministers in Tennessee, where legislators have passed a law outlawing clergy members ordained online from performing wedding ceremonies.
Read more10 Things You Never Knew About Sir Ian McKellen
Did you know Sir Ian McKellen became a Universal Life Church-ordained minister in 2013 to officiate the wedding of his good friend, Sir Patrick Stewart?
Read moreFlorida Reverend Will Officiate Your Weed-Friendly Wedding
For newlyweds who want weed at their weddings, a Universal Life Church-ordained minister in Florida is happy to be of assistance.
Read moreClergy-officiated weddings are on the decline
Numbers indicate clergy-officiated weddings are on the decline in many areas of the country, while the number of people having friends and family ordained through services like the Universal Life Church website is on the rise.
Read moreGet the Rings and Get Married, Even Before Leaving the Jewelry Store
Customers who buy wedding rings at a Helzberg Diamonds store can now also elope on the spot, thanks to the services of an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church.
Read moreWhere the past is prologue: South Ferry Church a one-of-a-kind wedding venue
South Ferry Church is a highly traditional and very beautiful wedding venue, where many different kinds of weddings are held, including a number by a Universal Life Church minister.
Read moreWhen Tenino Rocked Hard and Was Lighter Than Air
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of a landmark rock festival nicknamed the 'Northwest's Woodstock.' Several people at the festival were married by a minister of the Universal Life Church, despite only knowing each other for days or hours.
Read moreKate Edwards, Joey Serxner
The New York Times profiles the wedding of a couple who had their service performed by a friend ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreCouple says 'I moo' at joyful, rustic wedding in the midst of the OC Fair
A couple got married at the Orange County Fair in a ceremony officiated by a minister ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreDan and Katie Merritt celebrate 20 years of Green Brain Comics
A couple who owns a popular comic book store together celebrates its 20th anniversary of ownership this year. One of its big new milestones this year will be the first wedding held in the store, officiated by co-owner Dan, who is ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreWhat you need to know about Tennessee's battle over who can officiate weddings
The Universal Life Church is suing the state of Tennessee to allow its online-ordained ministers to officiate weddings. Here's what you need to know.
Read moreScott Gets a Surprise!
A local news reporter gets ordained through the Universal Life Church and is asked to marry a couple while on the air.
Read moreLeather and lace: Harley enthusiasts get married on mall
A pair of Harley-Davidson motorcycle lovers exchanged their vows during a Harley owners rally, with the service performed by a friend who was ordained as a minister of the Universal Life Church.
Read moreGregory Williams Jr., Trevor Sorrells
The New York Times profiles the wedding of a couple who were married by a friend ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreNikila Sri-Kumar, Michael Mekeel
The New York Times profiles the wedding of Nikila Sri-Kumar and Michael Mekeel. The two were married by the bride's brother, who was ordained through the Universal Life Church for the ceremony.
Read moreParks and rec director performs wedding for family member
Jen Weathington, the Parks and Recreation Director in Gadsden, Alabama, got ordained through the Universal Life Church to perform the wedding ceremony for her cousin.
Read more17 Side Jobs That Don't Require a Desk or a Screen
Looking for a side gig? Some people get ordained through the Universal Life Church and rent out their ordination services.
Read moreMardi Gras Indian wedding couldn’t have been prettier
This year's Mardi Gras was the site of a Mardi Gras-themed Indian wedding, performed by an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church.
Read moreElvis is coming to the Greenwood Lake Public Library on Feb 16
Dreaming of having Elvis perform your wedding ceremony? One popular Elvis impersonator can make that happen, thanks to an ordination through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreHashtag 'I do': Internet-ordained ministers increase in Cincinnati
Cincinnati has seen a significant increase in the number of weddings using internet-ordained ministers from services like the Universal Life Church.
Read moreHow to Officiate Your First Wedding (and Why You’d Want To)
The New York Times profiles the rising trend of people using services like the Universal Life Church to become ordained and thus officially authorized to perform weddings.
Read moreWhat does dying — and mourning — look like in a secular age?
The trend of secular weddings that has been spurred in part by an increased use of ordinations through services like the Universal Life Church has influenced a new trend of secular funerals.
Read moreULC Church sues Clark County clerk to lift marriage officiant limits
The Clark County Clerk's Office in Nevada recently became the target of a lawsuit alleging religious discrimination for preventing ministers who were ordained online from presiding over weddings.
Read moreFriends, family do the honors at Long Island weddings
Recent weddings on Long Island were performed by friends and family members of the couple who were ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreSteven Tyler wants to marry Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin
Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler, an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church, offered to do Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin's ceremony.
Read moreFlorence scuttles ocean venue, but not wedding
Hurricane Florence interrupted a South Carolina couple's wedding venue plans, but the wedding was able to proceed in a new location, with the assistance of an officiant ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreBARTOW BIO: Cartersville local presides as 'The Atheist Officiant'
A resident of Cartersville, Georgia obtained his ordination through the Universal Life Church and now marries couples looking for secular services under the moniker 'The Atheist Officant.'
Read moreCouples choose a revved-up Rally wedding while in Sturgis
Biker couples tied the knot in wedding ceremonies performed by a woman ordained through the Universal Life Church while at the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally.
Read moreDelta couple ties the knot in Sun Fest beer garden
A couple got married in front of family, friends and strangers while at the Tsawwassen Sun Festival beer garden. The ceremony was performed by a friend of the couple who was ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreHis Dating Profile Listed Reasons Not to Date Him. She Was Intrigued.
The New York Times profiles the way a couple met online on dating site OkCupid and ultimately had their marriage performed by a friend ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreDearly beloved, this is why we are gathered here today
An AZ Central columnist describes her experience in getting ordained through the Universal Life Church and performing a friend's wedding.
Read moreToday's wedding ceremonies are no longer confined to just clergy, ship captains, mayors and justices of the peace
Online ordinations are becoming more popular for weddings, thanks in large part to the Universal Life Church.
Read moreMichelle Preston, Brian Kim
The New York Times profiles the wedding of Brian Kim and Michelle Preston, who had their service performed by an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church.
Read moreThey met at the Empire Mall. Years later, they had the first-ever wedding there.
A couple who met at the Sioux Falls Empire Mall recently had their wedding there, officiated by the bride's father, who got ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreOrdained Milwaukee TV news anchor agrees to marry a local couple
A Milwaukee television anchor was ordained in 2013 through the Universal Life Church and continues to perform wedding ceremonies, including one recent wedding for a Milwaukee couple.
Read moreHow to Officiate Your Friend's Wedding
A GQ article provides an overview of how you can officiate your friend's wedding, recommending getting ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreCoral Dabarera, Eli Edelson
The New York Times profiles the wedding of Coral Dabarera and Eli Edelson, who were married by a minister of the Universal Life Church.
Read more14 amazing facts about Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks
You may not have known that Stevie Nicks is an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church.
Read morePhoebe Jin, Yang Mou
A wedding announcement in the New York Times for a couple who had their wedding performed by a friend who was ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read more5 steps to officiating at a friend's wedding
This article provides you with five useful steps for officiating a friend's wedding, including getting ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreA hospital wedding and, hours later, a newborn baby
Not many people can say they got married and gave birth on the same day. But the Bozeman Daily profiles a woman who did exactly that, with the help of an officiant ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreReunited Sweethearts Marry on Front Lawn of High School 30 Years after Splitting Up
A couple from Kansas City married in front of their high school, 30 years after they graduated and dated each other while attending it. The ceremony was performed by a minister of the Universal Life Church.
Read moreThat Outdoor Life, but Only One Was Out
The New York Times profiles a same-sex couple who had their wedding performed by a friend who got ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreAt EVE Fanfest, A Wedding Officiated By The 'Space Pope'
Two EVE Online players were married by The Space Pope (ordained through the Universal Life Church) at EVE Fanfest in Iceland.
Read moreMarianne Eagan, Kevin Burrows
The New York Times profiles the wedding of two people who had a wedding officiated by the groom's cousin, who was ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreHomeless in Seattle, and Marrying Under the Overpass
A couple has worked together to overcome homelessness and addiction, and was recently married by a local volunteer who was ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreAdele can now add ordained minister to her resume
Adele was recently ordained a minister of the Universal Life Church!
Read moreThere are people who actually follow the Jedi path. One lives in Wichita
A Kansas.com article describes a couple people who follow the Jedi path, and the affiliation of the Universal Life Church with some jedi faiths, allowing some Jedi members to legally conduct marriage ceremonies.
Read moreValerie Veatch, Benjamin Rampton
The New York Times profiles a couple that was married by an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church.
Read moreGoshen man surprises girlfriend with proposal and wedding in same night
An Indiana man surprised his girlfriend (a ULC-ordained minister) with a proposal, then doubled the surprise by asking her to get married that very night.
Read moreAnna Faris officiates wedding of her Unqualified podcast co-host Sim Sarna and contributor Amy Pomerantz
Actress Anna Faris, who is ordained by the Universal Life Church, recently officiated the wedding of her podcast co-host and a contributor to the show.
Read moreNick Nowacki, Joshua Langdon
The New York Times published an announcement for a couple who was married by a Universal Life Church-ordained minister on a resort on Isle of Palms in South Carolina.
Read moreWho’s Alan Wedding? Notes From A TV-Themed Marriage Ceremony
A popular blogger and podcaster describes how he became a wedding officiant through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreLaura Weyl, Richard Kimmel
The New York Times profiled a recently married couple who had their service performed by the groom's father, who got ordained by the Universal Life Church.
Read moreMurray State assistant coach officiates player's marriage
An assistant coach at Murray State University became ordained through the Universal Life Church to officiate the wedding of one of the team's defensive linemen.
Read moreGarrett Bryant, Timothy Williams
A wedding announcement in the New York Times for a couple who had a friend ordained through the Universal Life Church officiate their ceremony.
Read moreMeet the Rev. Paul Cambria
A notable Buffalo criminal defense lawyer is now adding to his resume with a recent ordination by the Universal Life Church, which allowed him to officiate the wedding of one of his firm's partners.
Read moreIs Chris Harrison Legally Ordained? 'The Bachelor' Host Has Officiated So Many Marriages
The host of The Bachelor is also a prolific wedding officiant, thanks to his ordination from the Universal Life Church.
Read moreRead This Before Officiating A Wedding For Your Friends
Refinery29 has a series of instructions to help you officiate your friend's wedding, which includes getting ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreNew Millennial Weddings Trend Sees Spike In Universal Life Ministers
As more and more millennials embrace simplicity and authenticity with their weddings, there has also been a correlating increase of Universal Life Church-ordained ministers.
Read morePa. couple wins the ultimate Philadelphia sports wedding
A couple from Pennsylvania won a dream sports wedding package, which included a wedding officiated by Eagles defensive end and Universal Life Church ordained minister Brandon Graham.
Read moreFinding Love at Starbucks, With the Help of 84-Year-Old Cupids
The New York Times profiles the unique story of Benjamin Hochman and Angela LaRocca, including how they met, their relationship and their wedding, officiated by Benjamin's sister, who was ordained by the Universal Life Church.
Read moreKristina Saffran, Ryan Hammond
A wedding announcement in the New York Times for a couple who were married by an uncle of the groom, ordained by the Universal Life Church for the event.
Read moreWhen at Comic-Con, say I do -- in costume
This year's Comic-Con featured a pop-up wedding tent, with Universal Life Church-ordained stars like Orlando Jones officiating weddings for fans.
Read moreOrlando Jones Officiates 'Star Wars'-Themed Wedding as Syfy Opens Pop-Up Chapel at Comic-Con
Orlando Jones, the star of 'American Gods' and a Universal Life Church-ordained minister, officiated a Star Wars-themed wedding at Comic Con.
Read moreVow to help on Big Day
More couples are having friends and family members officiate their weddings, and the first step is to have them get ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read more8 tips for officiating a wedding
The Washington Post lists its tips for officiating a wedding, with the top tip being to get ordained by the Universal Life Church Monastery.
Read moreFive Things You Didn't Know about Colman Domingo
Actor Colman Domingo is most well-known for his theater roles and his portrayal of Victor Strand in 'Fear the Walking Dead,' but he also happens to be an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreTheir happily ever after will begin after bookstore wedding
A couple in Arizona will give new meaning to the term "storybook wedding," getting married in a library in the fiction section. Their officiant is a librarian who was ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreWhatever Happened to the Cast of Who's The Boss?
The popular sitcom "Who's the Boss" ran for 196 episodes. Today, the show's star Tony Danza continues to act and write, and is also ordained as a minister through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreDinorah Villalobos Cavazos, Juan Carlos Montemayor Elosúa
A wedding announcement in The New York Times profiles the marriage of a couple who had their ceremony performed by a minister who was ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreJoseph Mallchok, Jashvant Poeran
The New York Times announced the wedding of Joseph Mallchock and Dr. Jashvant Poeran, who had their ceremony performed by a friend who was ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreBrandon Graham To Officiate Ultimate Sports Wedding
Brandon Graham of the Philadelphia Eagles will officiate the wedding of a couple who won a contest for the Ultimate Sports Wedding. Graham is ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreCan 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.
Read moreB-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.
Read moreNeagle/Strube
A wedding announcement for a couple married at Hoopes Park in Auburn by an officiant ordained through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreBryan 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.
Read moreAnnette 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.
Read moreKathryn 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.
Read moreBenedict 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.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreKesha 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.
Read moreNOT 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.
Read moreCentralia 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.
Read moreCorey 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.
Read morePunter 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.
Read moreBroadway 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.
Read moreMeet 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.
Read moreProducer 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.
Read moreHow New-Found Rituals Help Nurture Our Children
An ordained minister with the Universal Life Church provides a unique religious experience for family and friends.
Read moreWedding Season Wrap-up
Columnist Travis Naughton recounts some of his experiences in six years as an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church.
Read moreShardeé 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.
Read moreAll 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.
Read moreTom 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.
Read moreTo Debate, or Stay Off the Stage?
One of the frontrunners for senatorship from Arkansas is an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church.
Read moreMore 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.
Read moreBryan 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.
Read moreNudity 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.
Read moreAmanda 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.
Read morePen 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.
Read more'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.
Read moreSon 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.
Read moreSurvey: 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.
Read moreFaith 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.
Read moreFalencik 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.
Read moreHonor 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.
Read moreIn 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.
Read moreMore 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.
Read moreUniversal 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.
Read moreMore 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.
Read morePromo 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.
Read moreFor 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.
Read moreKathryn 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.
Read moreKevin 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.
Read moreWhat 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.
Read moreElizabeth 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.
Read moreReal 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.
Read moreReal 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.
Read moreLocal 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.
Read moreWent 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.
Read moreIs 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!
Read moreValentine'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.
Read moreWhatever 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.
Read moreNon-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.
Read moreJamie-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.
Read moreEngagement 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.
Read moreDivine 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.
Read moreComedian 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.
Read moreCarrie 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!
Read moreMore 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!
Read moreKevin 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.
Read moreMonmouth 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!
Read moreCheaper 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.
Read moreKim 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!
Read moreDream 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.
Read moreThese 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.
Read moreInternet 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.
Read moreUniversal 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.
Read moreClergy 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.
Read moreCouples 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.
Read moreKeene 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.
Read moreOf 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.
Read moreConan 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.
Read moreNews 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.
Read moreOklahoma 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.
Read moreMinnesota 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.
Read moreMarriage 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.
Read moreMelissa 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.
Read moreLennie 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.
Read moreTying 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.
Read moreDeep 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.
Read moreMadison 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.
Read moreLocal 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.
Read moreUnitarian, 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.
Read moreNon-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.
Read moreOrdained 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.
Read moreEquality 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.
Read moreCouples 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.
Read moreOnline 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.
Read moreInside 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.
Read moreCan 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.
Read moreWatertown 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.
Read more6 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.
Read moreHow 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.
Read moreThe 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.
Read moreUniversal 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.
Read moreULC 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.
Read moreMore 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.
Read moreNYC 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.
Read moreSomething 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.'
Read moreElvis 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.
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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.
Read moreChapel 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.
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