Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on

An outline of Maryland with the ULC logo

Looking to get ordained in Maryland? In this guide, we'll walk you through each step of the process and talk about the many advantages of being an ordained minister. As you probably know, it wasn't so long ago that becoming a minister meant a lengthy formal schooling process (which didn't come cheap, by the way). Not only that, but certain segments of the population were frequently excluded due to their immutable characteristics.

But online ordination with the Universal Life Church flipped that script on its head. The ULC has proudly dismantled those historic barriers to participation in ministry by pioneering a new online model for ordination that allows anyone who feels so-called to get ordained. And the best part? Ordination is free, and the process can be done 100% online.

Maryland is rich with history, giving Marylanders a unique perspective on what it means to do that which is right. Celebrating its diversity enough to earn the nickname Little America, we aren't surprised so many Marylanders use the Universal Life Church to get ordained.

Below, we'll explain how online ordination works, the different ways it can be put to use, and (of course) show you have to become a minister in Maryland!

1. Fill Out Your Maryland Ordination Application

Getting ordained with the Universal Life Church Ministries is a straightforward process. All that's needed is to fill out a brief form on our website, press submit, and your ordination will be instantly processed. Once you see your digital ordination credentials pop up, it's official: you're now a minister! You'll also get an email from us confirming your ordination, so keep an eye on your inbox. When you're ready to get started, hit the button below!

You might be thinking: "why is ULC ordination this simple?" The answer stems from our guiding philosophy: that everyone should have the opportunity to follow their own spiritual path, wherever that may lead. Faith is inherently unique to each individual – and because it's so personal, it can mean different things to different people. Unlike traditional religious organizations that impose their views top-down on members, the ULC takes a different approach. We believe that anyone who feels so-called should be able to pursue their faith journey in the way that makes the most sense to them. And empowering folks to do this begins with an ordination process that is accessible to everyone.

2. Get Your Ordination Certificate

Once you have a clearer picture of the types of ministerial activities you'd like to pursue, make sure you have everything you need to fulfill your goals! Our online catalog features a wide variety of documents, apparel, and other items you might find useful. Some of the most popular things among our ministers in Maryland are:

No matter what path you're planning to travel, we've got the resources to help you proceed confidently!

Become a Wedding Officiant in Maryland

Among the many reasons that people choose to get ordained online is to officiate legal wedding ceremonies. Every year, ULC ministers perform scores of successful wedding ceremonies all across Maryland. Some people become a minister just to perform a wedding for a friend or family member, but many members of the ULC have gone on to start careers as professional wedding officiants in Maryland!

Do you dream of officiating extravagant and romantic weddings in places like Towson? Getting ordained with ULC opens the door to endless possibilities. The beaches of Castine provide an adorable and intimate setting for a romantic wedding ceremony.

If you think officiating a wedding could be in your future, you'll want to get up to speed on the rules and requirements for doing so in Maryland. As marriages are legal ceremonies, it's important to follow the correct processes in order for the wedding to be recognized.

As these rules vary from place to place, once you know where the ceremony will be held, you should read up on the requirements in that area to make sure you know what's required to officiate. To learn more, check out our step-by-step guide on how to perform a wedding in Maryland.

What Can You Do With Your Ordination in Maryland?

Getting ordained is only the beginning of this journey! Once your ordination is confirmed, you will have all types of doors open to you. Whether you're in a big city like Baltimore or a small town like Accident, an ordination with ULC stays valid wherever you go.

As a ULC ordained minister, you can:

  • Officiate weddings
  • Perform baptisms
  • Hold funeral and memorial services
  • Preside over many other types of ceremonies

We've heard from many of our members in Maryland who have even proceeded to start their own churches! To learn more about the possibilities available to ULC ministers, please visit the Minister Training Center.

What Ordination Means in Maryland

The concept of ordination exists across many different belief systems, and has been practiced for centuries. This formal act of consecration confers upon individuals the power of leadership status within a religious organization. With this status typically comes the authority to perform clergy duties, such as performing ceremonies.

The process itself can differ markedly from one religious tradition to another, but every faith system has its own specific methods for ordaining members. Historically, there were plenty of barriers to becoming ordained. To even be considered for clergyhood, members typically had to study for years, pay for expensive schooling, and pass numerous tests. Ordination also meant conforming to the standards set by church, no matter how strict or how well they aligned with one's personal identity or views.

The ULC views this traditional style of ordination as archaic, unfair, and most of all, exclusionary. That's why we've reimagined the ordination process from the ground up, pioneering a new online model that allows anyone who feels so-called to become a minister.

Furthermore, getting ordained via the Universal Life Church Ministries bestows upon you the same authority and rights under the law that apply to ministers of more traditional faith backgrounds. With the power of the Constitution at their side, ULC ministers in Maryland have the privilege of performing duties that were historically reserved only for members of the clergy from traditional faith institutions.

Why ULC Ordinations Are Valid in Maryland

The Universal Life Church Ministries is an established organization in good standing in Maryland, meaning that all ordinations conferred by the ULC are valid there. Our ministers enjoy the authority to carry out all the duties performed by other clergy members, including the power to officiate legal wedding ceremonies.

More Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to get ordained online in Maryland?
Yes! The Constitution specifies that everyone has the right to practice their own religion. By pioneering the use of technology to communicate and ordain, we may look different from the more traditional churches you might be used to, but as a ULC minister in Maryland you have the same protections as all other ministers.
How long does it take to get ordained in Maryland?
The amount of time required to get ordained depends on which religious organization is ordaining you. The Universal Life Church has deliberately made ordination available almost instantaneously online because we believe that everyone in Maryland who feels so-called has the right to captain their own faith journey.
How much does it cost to get ordained in Maryland?
Ordination with the Universal Life Church is free, and always has been! We believe that everyone in Maryland who feels so-called should have access to ordination. Note that in certain areas you may be required to present proof of your ordination, which we provide for a small charge to help us cover production expenses.
How old do you have to be to get ordained in Maryland?
To get ordained online by the Universal Life Church in Maryland, an individual needs to be at least 18 years old. Depending on your location, there may be age requirements to perform functions like the solemnization of weddings - the office issuing the marriage license will be able to provide you with that information.

Interested in Performing a Maryland wedding?

Be a MD Wedding Officiant

Learn All About Marriage Law in Maryland

See the Full Statutes

Proceed to your Ordination Application

Become Ordained