Become Ordained in Pennsylvania

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

How to Become Ordained in Pennsylvania

Christian Wedding Officiant Training & Ordination

Weddings in Pennsylvania: Faith, Community, and Public Covenant

Weddings in Pennsylvania reflect the state’s rich mix of historic faith traditions, close-knit communities, and public responsibility—from church sanctuaries in Philadelphia to family ceremonies in Lancaster County, to gatherings in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and the rolling countryside of central Pennsylvania.

A Christian wedding here is not just a personal celebration.
It is a public covenant recognized by the community and ordered under God.

Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) offers a study-based ordination pathway—not instant and not transactional—designed to prepare Christian volunteers to officiate weddings with biblical depth, pastoral wisdom, and legal clarity.

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

Do You Need Ordination to Officiate a Wedding in Pennsylvania?

Yes—if you are officiating as a Christian minister.

Pennsylvania law recognizes marriages solemnized by regularly ordained ministers of the gospel and other authorized religious officials.

Pennsylvania also has a unique option called a self-uniting marriage license, rooted in Quaker tradition. This allows a bride and groom to marry without an officiant.

However, when a couple chooses a Christian ceremony led by someone else, ordination establishes recognized spiritual authority—not merely personal permission.

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40 (WEB)

Pennsylvania Wedding Law in Plain Language

Here is how marriage works in Pennsylvania:


  • The couple obtains a marriage license from the county Register of Wills
  • A three-day waiting period usually applies (with limited exceptions)
  • The ceremony is conducted by an authorized officiant or the couple uses a self-uniting license
  • If officiated, the minister signs the license
  • The completed license is typically returned within 10 days

Pennsylvania treats marriage as both a legal act and a social institution. The ceremony publicly establishes a new household within the community.

Pennsylvania Wedding Officiant Requirements (Quick Overview)

If you are officiating a Christian wedding in Pennsylvania:


  • You should be ordained or authorized as a minister
  • No statewide officiant registration is required
  • Counties or venues may request proof of ordination
  • You must accurately complete and return the license
  • You serve as both legal witness and spiritual shepherd

This role involves legal responsibility, ethical leadership, community trust, and worship.

Step-by-Step: How to Become Ordained in Pennsylvania

Step 1 — Complete the Wedding Officiant Skills Course

Through Christian Leaders Institute, you receive practical preparation for real Pennsylvania weddings, including:

  • Leading a Christ-centered ceremony rooted in Scripture and prayer
  • Delivering a message focused on faith and lifelong commitment
  • Guiding vows, rings, unity moments, and blessings
  • Understanding Pennsylvania’s license process
  • Navigating family and community expectations

This formation shapes not only technique but spiritual leadership.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you.”
— 1 Peter 5:2 (WEB)


Step 2 — Receive Study-Based Ordination Credentials

After completing the course, you may pursue ordination through Christian Leaders Alliance.

This pathway is:

  • Study-based, not instant
  • Biblically grounded, not transactional
  • Recognized and documentable
  • Designed for volunteer and part-time ministers

In Pennsylvania, ordination signals seriousness, accountability, and trust.


Step 3 — Local Endorsement for Community Trust

CLA ordination includes local endorsement from someone other than yourself.

In Pennsylvania communities, this reflects:

  • Social trust
  • Ethical accountability
  • Spiritual recognition within the body of Christ

“Plans succeed with counsel.”
— Proverbs 20:18 (WEB)

A smiling man in a gray polo shirt poses against a light, neutral background.

✨ Steve’s Story: An Ordination Testimony from Alabama

My name is Steve Gerhart, and I have been a lifelong resident of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Growing up, my parents took me to a Lutheran church every Sunday, giving me a foundational understanding of Christianity. I have an amazing wife of almost 29 years, three fantastic daughters, and a fulfilling career. By all appearances, I had it all, but deep down, I always felt a little empty—like I could, and should, be doing more. Over the years, my wife and I began to feel that church should be more than what we were experiencing. As our children grew older, we realized that church needed to be more engaging and meaningful than simply going through the motions. It needed to capture our children’s attention while keeping our focus on God, His work, and our duty as believers.

Despite these feelings, we weren’t sure where to turn or how to break out of our routine. After a serious motorcycle accident, I felt called to better understand and explore God’s Word. I became more serious about my faith. Even though I wasn’t yet sure why I was here or what God wanted me to do, I knew with greater certainty that my purpose went beyond being a husband, father, hard worker, and American. Around the time COVID hit, our children began exploring other churches. As the churches we normally attended either shut down or imposed barriers to worship, we started visiting more active and open churches in the area. As our children became involved in these new churches, my wife and I grew curious and interested. These churches were much different from what we were accustomed to—more active, open, and engaging. From that point forward, I felt a “nudge” from God to do more. 

However, I would often think about it only to later ignore or forget that feeling. One Christmas, one of my daughters gave me a Bible as a gift. I read it cover to cover and have since committed to studying God’s Word daily. This practice has given me the knowledge and confidence to help others learn about God. When my oldest daughter asked me to marry her and her fiancé, I started researching the process. To my surprise, I discovered how easy it was to become a wedding officiant online—just a few clicks, and you’re ready to officiate. However, my conscience didn’t sit right with that process. As I continued researching, I realized many of these websites had non-Biblical worldviews. On principle, I couldn’t participate in gaining officiant status that way. Disheartened, I thought I would have to decline my daughter’s request.

That’s when I discovered Christian Leaders Institute (CLI). When I learned about their Wedding Officiant course, their commitment to biblical teaching, and their requirement for students to invest time and effort into obtaining credentials, I knew this was the right path. The training aligned with God’s Law and my principles, and I eagerly jumped in. The Wedding Officiant course provided a strong foundation and reignited my desire to learn more about God’s Word. I plan to take full advantage of other CLI courses to deepen my Christian education and expand my biblical worldview. 

My goal is to help others experience the joy and promise of God’s love. At 52 years old, I proudly call myself the “poster child” for what Mr. Reyenga describes in the Multiplying Christian Leaders course as “getting set on fire.” The wedding officiant course was the spark that ignited my passion for ministry studies. I am excited to share my faith more openly and proclaim the Good News with confidence and conviction. Clothed in the armor of God, I am prepared to weather any storm, knowing that God is on my side.

The Christian Leaders Alliance Ordination Program

Since 2014, Christian Leaders Alliance has equipped believers to step into ministry with humility and preparation.

Many begin because they are asked to officiate a wedding and discover a deeper calling to serve.

The program is:

  • Accessible to everyday Christians
  • Flexible for local ministry and family life
  • Affordable without lowering standards

This fits Pennsylvania’s heritage, where faith and community accountability go hand in hand.

“Faithful is he who calls you, who will also do it.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (WEB)

How CLA Ordination Meets Pennsylvania’s Real Needs

CLA ordination works well in Pennsylvania because it:

  • Honors marriage as a public covenant
  • Respects the legal seriousness of the ceremony
  • Prepares officiants for ethical and pastoral leadership
  • Strengthens community trust through training and endorsement
  • Grounds ceremonies in worship and faith

Pennsylvania law allows freedom, but Christian formation brings order and meaning.

Free — But Not Cheap

Ordination through Christian Leaders Alliance is offered freely—but never casually.

Free does not mean:

  • Instant
  • Automatic
  • Transactional

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

What is freely given should be handled with honor.

Learn More About Christian Wedding Officiant Ordination

This Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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)

Haley Steiner
Author: Haley Steiner