FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the role of a celebrant?
The role of a celebrant is to officiate at weddings and other commitment ceremonies and/or funerals and other rites of passage. Our Celebrant Training Program is flexible and is not focused on a particular religion or ethnic group. It is designed to give the celebrant the tools to provide a ceremony or service that reflects their clients' own beliefs and/or spirituality.
What will I learn from this program?
The Weddings Program will give you the expertise to perform weddings and other commitment ceremonies, and the Funerals Program will give you the expertise to conduct funerals, as well as other rites of passage, in a loving and life-giving manner. Rather than going through the motions of a service with a set script, you will learn how to work with your client(s) to design a personalized ceremony that is meaningful to them. You will also be trained to present a ceremonial message and be given the nuts and bolts involved, such as information about marketing and licensing, etc., if applicable.
What is your method of study?
The training is conducted completely online -- there are no registration deadlines or scheduled classes to attend. You will be given access to the syllabus, be able to submit completed assignments, and receive grades and comments from your instructor through an online website. There are no tests... the focus of our method of study is to assist you in being the best celebrant you can be.
When Can I Begin?
Since there are no set registration dates and classroom attendance is not required, you can begin today.
What has been the experience of graduates of this program?
We have graduates from all walks of life, of various faith traditions or non-religious, and various reasons for becoming a celebrant. Take a look at some of their responses to our program.
Will I receive a certificate verifying my training?
Yes, you will be a certified celebrant, awarded a Certificate granted by Global Ministries University* of which the Center for Celebrant Training is affiliated. This certificate will give you credibility and documents that you have been formally trained to conduct the very important ceremonies and services in the lives of your clients.
*Global Ministries University is an interfaith and nondenominational online university that offers degrees and certificates completely online.
Will I have an actual instructor to interact with?
We have two outstanding programs conducted by a very competent and experienced instructor. You will have one-on-one interaction with your instructor via email and also telephone and video conference calls when applicable.
How long does It take to complete the program?
This program is flexible and you are able to work at your own page but it is designed to be completed in ten weeks!
What is the cost of tuition?
The tuition for each program -- Weddings and Funerals -- is just $395. And because the program is completely online, there are no travel or lodging expenses.
Am I qualified?
It is not necessary to hold a degree in order to be accepted into this program. If you feel dedicated to serving others, helping individuals have meaningful ceremonies and services and truly would like to make a difference in the world, then you are qualified.
Can I perform a ceremony legally?
You can legally perform most ceremonies and rituals, such as funerals, same-sex commitment ceremonies in states where they do not hold legal status, and baptisms or other formal ceremonies to welcome a new-born child into a family. However, because of State laws, you cannot solemnize a marriage, i.e, you cannot sign a marriage license unless you are also certified by the state in which you preside. (Click here to see the marriage laws in your state.) See below for an option we offer to legally witness marriages.
Can I obtain a civil license to solemnize marriages?
There is more than one way to obtain a civil license to solemnize marriages. We recommend becoming a member of the Federation of Christian Ministries, which is an interfaith national organization that supports people in ministry (information about commissioning). FCM has the authority to commission individuals to legally perform weddings. Although applicants must meet all FCM requirements in order to be commissioned, our program meets their educational requirements.
Does this program offer ordination?
Not directly… but being commissioned by FCM is considered an ordination. Commissioned FCM members (1) have the authority to minister on behalf of FCM (2) are legally recognized in every state to sign a marriage license, and (3) have the legal right to use the title Rev.
What is the role of a celebrant?
The role of a celebrant is to officiate at weddings and other commitment ceremonies and/or funerals and other rites of passage. Our Celebrant Training Program is flexible and is not focused on a particular religion or ethnic group. It is designed to give the celebrant the tools to provide a ceremony or service that reflects their clients' own beliefs and/or spirituality.
What will I learn from this program?
The Weddings Program will give you the expertise to perform weddings and other commitment ceremonies, and the Funerals Program will give you the expertise to conduct funerals, as well as other rites of passage, in a loving and life-giving manner. Rather than going through the motions of a service with a set script, you will learn how to work with your client(s) to design a personalized ceremony that is meaningful to them. You will also be trained to present a ceremonial message and be given the nuts and bolts involved, such as information about marketing and licensing, etc., if applicable.
What is your method of study?
The training is conducted completely online -- there are no registration deadlines or scheduled classes to attend. You will be given access to the syllabus, be able to submit completed assignments, and receive grades and comments from your instructor through an online website. There are no tests... the focus of our method of study is to assist you in being the best celebrant you can be.
When Can I Begin?
Since there are no set registration dates and classroom attendance is not required, you can begin today.
What has been the experience of graduates of this program?
We have graduates from all walks of life, of various faith traditions or non-religious, and various reasons for becoming a celebrant. Take a look at some of their responses to our program.
Will I receive a certificate verifying my training?
Yes, you will be a certified celebrant, awarded a Certificate granted by Global Ministries University* of which the Center for Celebrant Training is affiliated. This certificate will give you credibility and documents that you have been formally trained to conduct the very important ceremonies and services in the lives of your clients.
*Global Ministries University is an interfaith and nondenominational online university that offers degrees and certificates completely online.
Will I have an actual instructor to interact with?
We have two outstanding programs conducted by a very competent and experienced instructor. You will have one-on-one interaction with your instructor via email and also telephone and video conference calls when applicable.
How long does It take to complete the program?
This program is flexible and you are able to work at your own page but it is designed to be completed in ten weeks!
What is the cost of tuition?
The tuition for each program -- Weddings and Funerals -- is just $395. And because the program is completely online, there are no travel or lodging expenses.
Am I qualified?
It is not necessary to hold a degree in order to be accepted into this program. If you feel dedicated to serving others, helping individuals have meaningful ceremonies and services and truly would like to make a difference in the world, then you are qualified.
Can I perform a ceremony legally?
You can legally perform most ceremonies and rituals, such as funerals, same-sex commitment ceremonies in states where they do not hold legal status, and baptisms or other formal ceremonies to welcome a new-born child into a family. However, because of State laws, you cannot solemnize a marriage, i.e, you cannot sign a marriage license unless you are also certified by the state in which you preside. (Click here to see the marriage laws in your state.) See below for an option we offer to legally witness marriages.
Can I obtain a civil license to solemnize marriages?
There is more than one way to obtain a civil license to solemnize marriages. We recommend becoming a member of the Federation of Christian Ministries, which is an interfaith national organization that supports people in ministry (information about commissioning). FCM has the authority to commission individuals to legally perform weddings. Although applicants must meet all FCM requirements in order to be commissioned, our program meets their educational requirements.
Does this program offer ordination?
Not directly… but being commissioned by FCM is considered an ordination. Commissioned FCM members (1) have the authority to minister on behalf of FCM (2) are legally recognized in every state to sign a marriage license, and (3) have the legal right to use the title Rev.
If you would like to become a certified wedding and/or funeral celebrant, The Center for Celebrant Training is for you.
More Questions? Contact us.
Ready to apply? Click Here to submit your application.
