Notary Wedding Officiation In Georgia: What's The Law?

In the United States, a notary public is a licensed professional who verifies signatures and identities on documents. While a notary public can officiate a wedding ceremony in some states, the laws vary depending on the state. In Georgia, only three states have laws that allow a notary public to perform marriage ceremonies, and Georgia is not one of them. However, in Georgia, any minister authorized by their church may perform marriages, and anyone can be ordained as a minister through websites like GetOrdained.org, with no waiting period and a minimum age of 18.

Who can officiate a wedding in Georgia?

According to Georgia law, the following people can officiate weddings:

• Governor or former governor of the state
• Judge, including judges of state and federal courts
• City recorder
• Magistrate
• Minister or pastor
• Clergyman
• Other members of a religious society or sect authorised by the rules of that society

Who can't officiate a wedding in Georgia?

• A notary public: Only six US states allow a notary to act as a wedding officiant: Florida, Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Montana. Georgia is not one of them.
• Friends or family members who are not registered as clergy or ministers: They can, however, perform a non-legally binding ceremony, and the couple can choose to make the marriage official in a civil ceremony at a later time.

How to become a wedding officiant in Georgia

To become a wedding officiant in Georgia, you must be at least 18 years old and get ordained as a minister. This can be done online through websites like GetOrdained.org with no waiting period. There is no statewide registration process for ministers in Georgia, and no requirement for ministers to be residents of the state.

What are the requirements to officiate a wedding in Georgia?

In the state of Georgia, there are no statewide registration processes for ministers, and wedding officiants are not required to register with any government office. This means that a notary can officiate a wedding in Georgia as long as they are ordained online via organizations like Universal Life Church (ULC) or American Marriage Ministries (AMM). These online ordinations are recognized by the state of Georgia and allow the ordained individual to perform legally binding weddings.

To be eligible for online ordination, an individual must be at least 18 years of age. The process is typically free and takes just a few minutes. Once ordained, the state of Georgia does not require any additional registration. However, it is recommended to keep a record of your official ministry credentials, as proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

In Georgia, there are no residency requirements for marriage, meaning that neither the couple nor the officiant needs to be a resident of the state. However, if both individuals getting married are from out of state, they must obtain their marriage license in the county where the ceremony will take place. The marriage license must be submitted to the county clerk's office within 30 days of the ceremony for the wedding to be considered valid.

While Georgia law does not require officiants to register, it does specify who can solemnize a marriage. This includes all ministers, including those ordained online, as well as judges, city recorders, and magistrates. It is important to note that Georgia recognizes marriage equality and allows same-sex partners a legal and recognized path to marriage.

What is the process of getting ordained in Georgia?

The process of getting ordained in Georgia is relatively straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to get ordained in the state of Georgia:

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

To begin the process of getting ordained in Georgia, you must meet the following basic requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• There is no residency requirement, meaning you do not need to be a resident of Georgia to get ordained.

Step 2: Choose an Ordaining Organization

There are several organizations that offer online ordination services, such as the Universal Life Church (ULC) and American Marriage Ministries (AMM). These organizations are recognized in Georgia, and getting ordained through them is free, quick, and easy.

Step 3: Complete the Online Ordination Process

Once you have chosen an ordaining organization, follow their online instructions to complete the ordination process. This typically involves filling out an online form and providing some basic information about yourself.

Step 4: Obtain Credentials and Register (Optional)

Although not required, it is recommended that you obtain official credentials, such as an ordination certificate and a letter of good standing. These documents can be purchased from the ordaining organization and may be requested by local officials or the couple. Additionally, while Georgia does not require ministers to register with any government office, it is a good idea to keep personal records of your ordination.

Step 5: Familiarize Yourself with County-Specific Requirements

The requirements for wedding officiants can vary from county to county within Georgia. It is important to contact the local county clerk to inquire about any necessary documentation and specific rules pertaining to weddings. This is especially important if you intend to perform a wedding in a particular county.

Step 6: Prepare for the Wedding Ceremony

Once you have completed the ordination process and addressed any county-specific requirements, you can start preparing for the wedding ceremony. This includes meeting with the couple to understand their vision for the ceremony and collecting important details about their relationship. You may also want to refer to resources and sample scripts to help you craft and perform the ceremony.

Step 7: Obtain a Marriage License

Although it is the couple's responsibility to obtain the marriage license, as the officiant, you should ensure that the couple has a valid marriage license from the appropriate county clerk before performing the ceremony. In Georgia, marriage licenses do not expire, and there is no waiting period after receiving the license. However, the signed license must be returned to the issuing office within 30 days of the ceremony.

Step 8: Perform the Wedding Ceremony

Finally, you can perform the wedding ceremony. This includes completing and signing the marriage license with the couple and witnesses. Remember to include your title as "Minister," the ceremony type as "Religious," and the denomination as "Non-Denominational."

What is the cost of a marriage license in Georgia?

The cost of a marriage license in Georgia varies depending on the county. In Fulton County, the marriage license fee is $68.50, which includes one mailed certified copy of the marriage certificate. This fee can be reduced to $28.50 if the couple can provide a certificate of completion for a pre-marital education program. In Gwinnett County, the cost of a marriage license is $56.00, or $16.00 with proof of premarital education. Similarly, in Douglas County, the marriage license costs $56.00, or $16.00 with proof of pre-marital counseling.

It is important to note that the marriage license fees may differ slightly from county to county in Georgia, so it is always a good idea to contact the local county clerk's office to inquire about the specific fees and payment options accepted.

In addition to the standard marriage license fee, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining a certified copy of the marriage certificate. For example, in Gwinnett County, the cost of obtaining a certified copy of the marriage certificate is $10.00 per certificate. Therefore, it is advisable to factor in these potential additional costs when budgeting for a wedding in Georgia.

What documents are required to obtain a marriage license in Georgia?

To obtain a marriage license in Georgia, both parties must be present and provide proof of age, proof of divorce (if applicable), and a method of payment when applying.

Proof of Age

You must be at least 18 years old to get married in Georgia and will need to prove your age by providing one of the following documents:

• Birth certificate
• Driver's license
• Baptismal certificate
• Passport
• Immigration papers
• Hospital admission card with the full name and date of birth
• Certificate of citizenship papers
• Armed forces discharge papers
• Identification card

Proof of Divorce or Death

If either party has been previously married, you will need to present documentation relating to your previous marriage. This includes:

• Divorce decree
• Death certificate

If your divorce was recent, you may be required to present a copy of the divorce decree. If either party is widowed, make sure to bring a copy of the death certificate or obituary.

Payment

In Georgia, marriage licenses cost approximately $68. You may also have to pay additional fees, depending on where you're applying. You can pay in cash (but no bills larger than $20), money order, or credit card. To reduce the price to $16, you'll need to provide a certificate of completion for a state-approved premarital education program.

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