Are ULC Marriages valid?

[drwex]

I know that my friends list includes at least a couple of people who have been ordained by the Universal Life Church in CA.

Today, in part one of a two-part posting Johanna Grossman at Justia posts about why ULC-ordained marriages might not be legal in some states.

Comments

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

In Massachusetts, so long as the betrothed legitimately believe the officiant has the authority, it's a legal marriage.

That sort of clause exists in lots of states. It's to ensure that children don't become illegitimate because the parents got fooled (which used to be a bigger deal than today).

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleIII/Chapter207/Section39

207 MGL 39
in part:
"In addition to the foregoing, the governor may designate any other person to solemnize a particular marriage on a particular date and in a particular city or town, and may for cause at any time revoke such designation. The state secretary, upon the payment to him of twenty-five dollars by said other person, shall issue to said person a certificate of such designation. Such certificate shall expire upon completion of such solemnization. "

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

Also see section 38 of the same MGL Chapter.
As well as section 42.

Yes I get that

[drwex]

but MA is one of a few states that recognize Quaker marriages and don't require an ordained minister of any sort. And you still need to get a Quaker license rather than a regular MA marriage license.

(I've done this twice.)

Re: Yes I get that

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

So, in MA, a ULC minister is fine for performing a marriage, under the one day designation.

The form's FAQ says:

"According to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 207, S. 39, the Governor can designate non-clergy individuals to solemnize a marriage, such as a friend or a family member. It is not meant for a member of the clergy or Justice of the Peace residing in Massachusetts or out of state. The only exception is for clergy residing outside of the United States.

Clergy members are required to register with the Secretary of Commonwealth. Please contact their office at (617) 727-2836 to obtain those guidelines."

I happen to have a friend who works in that office - I will ask him if he can get me the guidelines for how resident clergy register.

Re: Yes I get that

[drwex]

Yes, but that's sort of two different problems. The question is not "can a ULC minister perform a legally valid marriage under a Quaker license" - the question is can she perform such a marriage under a conventional license.

Jon's post suggests that in MA she can; the column linked above says that in some states that is not true.

Re: Yes I get that

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

I didn't comment as to whether ULC can marry under a Quaker marriage license, as such a term is not used in the law.

Like I said, I'm asking for clarification from the appropriate state office as to how clergy register.

My understanding of the law (IANAL) is that resident and non resident clergy must have their church organization register with the Sec. Commonwealth.

Re: Yes I get that

[chillguru.livejournal.com]

i officiated a wedding earlier this year in MA after becoming a ULC ordained minister. All that was required was that i submitted a certificate from the ordaining organization (purchased from their website) to the Sec of State's office, which needs to be renewed yearly.

[ceo]

Amusingly, Governor Patrick had to get one of these when he officiated at his daughter's wedding. I'd have thought that, since the authority to designate an officiant flows from the governor, he wouldn't need to get one himself.

[pierceheart.livejournal.com]

I'm not surprised, he still needs to complete the paperwork trail for when he ISN'T Governor, and an issue comes up regarding the validity of the marriage.

[ciani.livejournal.com]

When you are ordained by ULC they also make it a point to tell you to find out the local laws before performing a marriage. Some states automatically allow ordained individuals from churches with bases in their states while others require nearly everyone to get a permit. Some states are particularly lax in checking that the person is allowed to perform a marriage. I know of a couple that was married by someone who was ordained, but not by an Ohio church. Everything was accepted up to including their eventual divorce/dissolution some 7+ years later. It may only become an issue if someone questions the validity.