Become Ordained in California

Accessible online, study-based, and publicly recognized wedding officiant ordination

How to Become Ordained in California

Christian Wedding Officiant Training & Ordination

Becoming ordained in California to officiate a wedding is a meaningful way to serve a bride and groom as they begin a covenant marriage. Some people step forward because a close friend asked them to officiate. Others feel a deeper calling to serve couples with biblical clarity, pastoral care, and confidence.

Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) offers a study-based ordination pathway—not instant and not transactional—designed for Christian volunteers who want to officiate weddings with integrity and preparation.

“What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart.”Matthew 19:6 (WEB)

Is Ordination Required to Officiate a Wedding in California?

Yes. In California, wedding ceremonies may be officiated by an ordained minister or authorized religious officer.

California generally does not require wedding officiants to register with the state before officiating. However, some counties may request proof of ordination, so it is wise to keep your credentials available.

California Wedding Officiant Requirements (Quick Overview)

To officiate a wedding in California:


  • You must be an ordained or authorized religious officiant
  • No statewide officiant registration is typically required
  • After the ceremony, the officiant must ensure the marriage license is properly completed, signed, and returned according to the issuing county’s instructions

How to Become Ordained in California with Christian Leaders Alliance

Step 1 — Complete the Wedding Officiant Skills Course (Free Study)


Through Christian Leaders Institute, you receive practical training that prepares you for real weddings, including:


  • Leading a wedding rehearsal and ceremony with calm confidence
  • Writing a Christ-centered wedding message that fits the couple
  • Guiding vows, ring exchange, unity moments, prayer, and Scripture
  • Handling California marriage license responsibilities responsibly

Step 2 — Receive Study-Based Ordination Credentials


After completing the course, you may pursue ordination credentials through Christian Leaders Alliance. This pathway is designed for Christian volunteers who value preparation, accountability, and pastoral credibility.


Step 3 — Strengthen Credibility with Local Endorsement


CLA ordination includes a local endorsement (someone other than yourself), reinforcing community trust and accountability.

Free — But Not Cheap

Christian Leaders Alliance offers ordination as a free gift, but that does not mean casual or automatic.


  • Free does not mean instant
  • Free does not mean automatic
  • Free does not mean transactional

Ordination is about calling, formation, and serving the bride and groom with dignity, clarity, and care.


“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

1 Corinthians 14:40 (WEB)

Christian wedding officiant and spouse serving through free online ordination in California

💙 Nancy’s Story: A California Wedding Officiant Testimony

My name is Nancy Guzman-Gonzalez. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, until I joined the United States Air Force. During my time in the Air Force, I lived in Texas, Bitburg, Germany, and California. I was privileged to travel abroad and experience many different cultures.

I have been blessed with an awesome husband of 22 years, Angel, whom I courted for seven years before marriage. Together, we have a blended family that includes Angel III, David, Javier, and Joelle. Our children range in age from 27 to 34 years old. We are grateful to have successfully navigated the nuances of merging our families together.

I hold family and marriage in the highest esteem and consider them my first ministry. My parents have been married for 61 years, and my parents-in-love for 56 years. They have modeled for us the importance of keeping God at the center of their marriages and choosing each other every day. Angel and I prioritize fostering our relationship by taking dance classes and enjoying dinner dates. I am blessed to have Angel as my best friend, confidant, and safe place.

From a very young age, I attended a spirit-filled church with my uncle and aunt. I vividly remember enjoying the singing and loud praises—it was, in retrospect, a Holy Ghost party! I also attended Catholic school from 1st through 12th grade, and our family began attending Catholic services together. It was during these formative years that I started seeking to know more about who God and Jesus were.

I recall being in my 4th-grade religion class when I received the revelation of who Jesus is. I began to weep in class because I wanted Jesus to know how much I loved Him. I felt as though He could never fully understand the depth of my love for Him. Although I didn’t fully comprehend the magnitude of His sacrifice for my salvation at the time, that was the moment I surrendered my heart to Jesus.

My husband and I have had the privilege of serving in ministry together, both within our local church body and beyond its walls. We’ve been blessed to go on mission trips to Guatemala, Malawi, and Kenya. Every week, we open our home for “Family Suppers,” inviting both friends and strangers to share a meal and fellowship. We also host biweekly men’s and women’s Bible studies.

We firmly believe in the collaboration of ministries to advance the Kingdom of God. As Christians, we should be united with one purpose: to make Jesus known. To this end, we created a non-profit organization called WATCH (We Are The Church), which focuses on bringing together ministries, sharing resources, serving our community, and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

While searching online for certifications or licenses to officiate weddings, I came across Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and the Wedding Officiant course. As a Christian, I didn’t feel comfortable paying for a license without it being rooted in my core values. I knew immediately that it was no accident I found CLI. That same day, I resolved to take the course and pursue the path of ordination as well.

I am excited about the possibility of opening a Soul Center in the future. I look forward with anticipation to all the God-adventures that await us. To God be all the glory!

Learn More About Christian Wedding Officiant Ordination

This California page focuses on state-specific guidance.

To understand the full meaning of study-based Christian wedding officiant ordination, including formation, accountability, and long-term ministry vision, continue here:

Start Your Journey Today

If you are ready to become ordained in California and serve a bride and groom with clarity, dignity, and pastoral care, begin with the free training and follow the study-based pathway.

“The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few.”
Matthew 9:37 (WEB)

Henry Reyenga
Author: Henry Reyenga

Henry Reyenga is president of Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance.