Tom Hanks, the two-time Oscar winner beloved for roles in Forrest Gump and Cast Away, has a lesser-known side gig: he’s a legally ordained minister authorized to officiate weddings. The actor revealed in interviews that he obtained ordination through the Universal Life Church (ULC), an online organization that allows anyone to become a minister in minutes. While he’s not running a chapel, Hanks has leveraged this title to marry friends, proving that even Hollywood legends dabble in moonlighting as matrimony maestros.
Hanks’ journey to the clergy began as a favor. In 2019, he shared on The Graham Norton Show that he officiated a close friend’s wedding after getting ordained “for fun.” The ULC, founded in 1962, offers free ordination recognized in most U.S. states, making it a go-to for quirky ceremonies. Hanks joked about the process: “I filled out a form, paid $20, and boom—I’m qualified to unite souls. Take that, seminary school!”
The actor’s ministerial credentials aren’t just a punchline. In 2020, he officiated the wedding of his longtime friend and collaborator, writer-producer Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), and her partner Ian Gomez. The ceremony, held in California (where ULC ordination is valid), was reportedly heartfelt and sprinkled with Hanks’ signature humor. Guests described it as “pure Hollywood meets heartfelt sincerity,” with vows likely less dramatic than The Terminal but equally memorable.
Hanks joins a roster of celebrity ministers, including Conan O’Brien, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Lady Gaga, who’ve all used ULC ordination for weddings. The trend reflects America’s embrace of personalized ceremonies over traditional church settings. For Hanks, it’s also a nod to his everyman persona—why hire a stranger when you can have Wilson the Volleyball’s owner seal your love?
Legally, the process is simple. The ULC bypasses theological training, requiring only an internet connection and a sense of whimsy. Ministers can perform weddings, baptisms, and even pet blessings, though Hanks hasn’t expanded his portfolio to include golden retriever vow renewals. Yet.
Critics argue online ordination trivializes religious roles, but fans counter that it democratizes meaningful moments. As Hanks quipped, “If you want a wedding officiated by a guy who played a man stuck on an island, I’m your guy. Just don’t ask me to explain the Trinity.”
So, next time you rewatch Sleepless in Seattle, remember: Tom Hanks isn’t just a rom-com icon. He’s a certified love conductor, capable of turning “I do” into “I do… with a side of Oscar-worthy charm.” And if you’re ever desperate for a star-studded ceremony, just know—ULC ordination is a click away. Just don’t expect him to show up in a Toy Story costume. Some miracles have limits.
