Hello all,

I have promised a friend I would marry them in Illinois in October. I want to get started early to see if there is anything I can do to legally perform there ceremony. Is anybody aware if Illinois allows online ordained ministers to perform marriages? Is this leagal in Illinois? Do I need to obtain some kind of documentation?

Does anybody have any information about this?

I don't live in Illinois, but I would say as a general rule, Obtain the Official credential from the ULC, then go to your local courthouse, find out whom you would need to speak with regarding marriage requirements, go to that person or department and ask them if you would need to register as a member of the clergy to perform a wedding, and if so, what additional documentation would be required to register.

Hello

I am in Illinois and was posed with the same situation. I called both the County Clerk's Office and the state of Illinois. What I was told (and you may want to check just to be sure my translation isn't incorrect) is that because of the separation of church and state the state of Illinois recognizes ministers as long as the faith recognizes them.

As for the county (I happen to be in DuPage), they indicated that there was no filing needed as the couple gets the certificate from them, we perform the "formality" ceremony and then mail the certificate back. I would, to be safe, call the local county office in the county the couple would get married in just to be sure there isn't some specific regualtions by county.

If you find something else out please let me know. Otherwise, through the various phone calls and such that I made, it was made clear to me that recognition and legality are not a problem.

Be well

Rev Sidari

How to perform a wedding. . . . .

Ok, first you will need a couple who are ready, willing and able to commit to spending the rest of their lifes together. Once gathered together, oh well I think you get that part....

Secondly, it should be understood that you were not ordained online. You, via the Internet requested to be ordained. However in fact, your ordainment actually took place at the mother church. Also, when you filled out the free ordination form online, you received a pop-up instant credential, which serves as your receipt of your ordination. Which you should have printed out, as you cannot go back to retrieve it later.

Although, you can contact the church headquarters and order a hardcopy of your credentials.

So considering how you are now a ULC minister, you can officiate at Wedding Ceremonies, baptisms, house blessings, and any other ritual or ceremony. And yes even in Illinois.

Now, as for your question's.

First allow me to back up and state here on record, how I am assuming that you also, are an Illinois Resident.

[Although many and or most states do not require the officiant solemnizing the marriage be a resident of their State (some do). Therefore I highly suggest that you review the Laws and Statues of The State of Illinois regarding who may solemnize marriages].

So back to assuming that the above statements are true.

Yes, you are a legally recognized minister in the State of Illinois

Yes, it is legal for you to solemnize marriages in the State of Illinois

And

The State of Illinois "may" require that you provide a Letter of Good Standing from the Church.

You should contact the county clerks office where the wedding is to be performed and verify for yourself just what procedures and requirements are in effect in that area and what if anything will be required of you to officiate over the cermony.

If required, I would advise you to contact the Church Headquarters and request the "Letter of Good Standing". So that you may have it available, even if later requested by the state or county recorders office.

Hope this helps

Good Luck to You


Respectfully

Reverend Jack

ttt