It’s one thing to be asked to be invited to attend a wedding. Being asked to participate in the marriage ceremony is another. As a guest, you’re expected to RSVP and show up with love, well wishes, and perhaps a gift for the couple’s big day. When you’re participating in the wedding, you usually have to give more of your time, talent, and treasure in service of the couple’s big day. Participation level for most people usually involves serving in the wedding party, being an usher, or performing in the ceremony.
Another way for you to participate in a loved one’s nuptials is by serving as the marriage officiant or celebrant. Throughout the United States, one requirement for legal marriage is that the ceremony is performed by someone who is authorized to do so. For many couples, this person is a member of the clergy or a civil officiant such as a judge or justice of the peace.
A Universal Approach
The Universal Life Church has an ordination program based on the belief that each person should be able to walk their own spiritual journey. ULC-ordained ministers have the same legal standing as members of the clergy and court when it comes to officiating weddings. Many people have walked the path of ordination offered by the ULC, often to solemnize the unions of loved ones, same-sex couples, or people who wanted to marry in unusual places.
Several celebrities and public figures have sought ordination through the ULC for personal and professional purposes. Some have done it as part of their job as television hosts. Actress Alicia Silverstone is a ULC-ordained minister, and as such, was able to marry her friend and former co-star Garrett Clayton to his boyfriend Blake Knight in 2021.
From Co-Star to Minister
Alicia Silverstone is best known for her lead roles in the films “The Crush,” “Clueless,” “The Babysitter,” and “Batman & Robin.” Although she worked as a model as a child and appeared in several television commercials, she rose to prominence in her 1993 film debut in “The Crush.” Silverstone also appeared in the video for the American rock band Aerosmith’s hit song, “Cryin’.” For over 30 years, the actress has starred in various movies and television shows, including the 2016 film, “King Cobra,” which was where she met Garrett Clayton.
Alicia Silverstone officiated Clayton and Knight’s wedding, which was held outdoors in sunny Los Angeles. The actress shared a picture of herself and the happy couple on her Instagram page, noting that she never imagined that she’d be performing a wedding ceremony. Silverstone reflected that it was lovely to participate in the couple’s wedding, which was attended by other actors. The feeling between the officiant and the newlyweds was mutual, as Clayton told People magazine that Silverstone “rocked it.” He felt that Silverstone’s words reflected the couple’s relationship. The pair appreciated the humor that Silverstone brought to their nuptials.
Marriage on Your Terms
As a ULC-ordained minister, you get to develop your own style when it comes to performing ceremonies. Often religious actors and members of the court perform scripts dictated by their faith or the court system, respectively. You can bring humor, warmth, the gift of gab, or other unique talents to the way you conduct ceremonies. While the ULC provides guidance to its ordained ministers, you decide who to serve and how to serve them.
You may have been invited to attend or participate in weddings. Like Alicia Silverstone, you may not have imagined yourself officiating a marriage ceremony, but with the Universal Life Church you have an easy path to participating in weddings in a whole new way.