Kentucky Notary Publics: Can They Marry Couples?

In the United States, a notary public is a licensed professional who verifies signatures and identities of signatories. While a notary public can also perform wedding ceremonies in some states, this is not the case in all states. In Kentucky, only certain individuals are qualified to perform marriage ceremonies, including ministers, priests, religious leaders, judges, justices, and other members of the judiciary. Therefore, a Kentucky notary public cannot perform a wedding ceremony.

Who can perform weddings in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, only certain individuals are qualified to perform marriage ceremonies. These include:

• Ministers, priests, and other religious leaders in regular communion with their religious communities.
• Justices and judges, both active and retired.
• Religious societies without officiating members can also solemnize marriages when at least one of the parties getting married consents to this type of marriage, and the wedding takes place at the group's typical place of worship.

If you don't fall into one of these categories, you can easily become ordained and officiate at weddings in Kentucky. There are several online platforms, such as the Universal Life Church and American Marriage Ministries, which offer free and instant ordination services. However, it is important to note that even with a license to perform weddings, an officiant cannot conduct marriages that violate Kentucky laws, such as marriages involving minors without parental consent or individuals who are unable to consent to legal contracts.

Additionally, Kentucky has specific requirements for wedding ceremonies. An authorized minister must perform the ceremony, and the officiant, the couple, and two adult witnesses must be physically present. The vows must also contain certain language to make the marriage legally binding, including each half of the couple formally declaring their consent to marry the other. Once the ceremony is performed, the officiant is responsible for completing their section of the marriage license and may also handle the process of filing the completed marriage certificate with the county clerk's office.

How to get a license to perform weddings in Kentucky

To perform weddings in Kentucky, you must first become a notary public. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a license to perform weddings in Kentucky:

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To become a notary public in Kentucky, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age or older
• Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States
• Be a resident of, or have a place of employment or practice in, the county where the application is made
• Be able to read and write in English
• Not be disqualified to receive a commission under KRS 423.395

Step 2: Complete the Application

You will need to complete the notary public application for appointment form. This can be done by submitting the completed application form online on the Secretary of State's website and paying the $10 filing fee.

Step 3: Purchase a Notary Bond

Once your application is approved, you will need to purchase a four-year, $1,000 Kentucky notary bond.

Step 4: Go to the County Clerk's Office

Within 30 days of receiving the approval notice from the secretary of state, you must go to the county clerk's office to file your notary bond and take the oath of office.

Step 5: Purchase Notary Supplies

Finally, you will need to purchase notary supplies, such as a notary stamp, seal, and journal.

Step 6: Get Ordained Online

Once you have become a notary public, you can perform weddings in Kentucky. However, to be able to sign the marriage certificate, you will also need to get ordained online.

Additional Information:

It is important to note that there are some restrictions on who can perform weddings in Kentucky. For example, Kentucky law prohibits notaries from performing weddings for a spouse or relative or any documents in which either of them has a direct benefit. Additionally, the marriage license is only valid for 30 days after issuance, so be sure to plan accordingly.

What are the requirements for a Kentucky wedding ceremony?

To get married in Kentucky, there are several requirements that must be met. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the process and ensure your wedding ceremony is legally valid.

Marriage License:

To begin, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office. Both parties need to be present and provide proper documentation, including a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. There are no residency requirements for marrying in Kentucky, and the license can be obtained in one county, while the ceremony takes place in another. The cost of the license varies by county but typically ranges from $35 to $50. The license is valid for 30 days, and all fields must be completed and returned to the issuing county clerk before it expires.

Age Requirements:

In Kentucky, individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Minors aged 16 or 17 can get married with written consent from a parent or legal guardian, while those 15 or younger may marry only if they are pregnant and obtain permission from a judge.

Officiant Requirements:

Kentucky law specifies who can solemnize a marriage. This includes religious clergy, such as ministers, priests, or justices and judges of the Court of Justice, as well as retired justices and judges, except those removed for cause or convicted of a felony. Officiants are not required to register with any government office, but they must be ordained by a religious organization. It is recommended to keep records of your official ministry credentials, as proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

Ceremony Requirements:

The wedding ceremony must be led by an authorized officiant in the physical presence of both parties and two additional adult witnesses. Each party must declare their intent to accept the other as a spouse, and the officiant must pronounce them legally married for the wedding to be valid. While couples can personalize their vows, they must include specific language to make the marriage legally binding.

Prohibited Marriages:

Kentucky law prohibits certain marriages, including those between individuals judged to be mentally incompetent by a court, those with a living spouse from a previous marriage (without an official divorce), and those who are closer in relation than second cousins. Same-sex marriages were previously prohibited but are now legal due to federal laws and Supreme Court rulings.

By following these requirements and working with an authorized officiant, you can ensure your Kentucky wedding ceremony is legally valid and recognized by the state.

Who can a Kentucky notary public marry?

A Kentucky notary public can marry a couple, but only if the notary is also ordained to perform weddings. In Kentucky, only certain individuals are qualified to perform marriage ceremonies. These include ministers, priests, and other religious leaders in regular communion with their religious communities, as well as judges and justices, both active and retired.

To become ordained to perform weddings in Kentucky, an individual must be 18 years of age or older. They do not have to be a resident of the state, but they must obtain ordination through a private organization, such as a church or an online platform. While a Kentucky notary public who is also ordained can perform the traditional aspects of the ceremony, including the marriage vows, and completing the related documentation, their ordination credentials should be kept on hand in case they are asked to prove their status.

Additionally, it is important to note that a Kentucky notary public cannot marry couples from another state or travel out of state to perform a wedding. The marriage license must also be returned to the issuing clerk's office in the county where it was issued.

What are the costs of a notary public performing a wedding?

In Kentucky, notaries are allowed to set their own fees for performing wedding ceremonies. However, they must comply with KRS 64.300 and clearly disclose the fee to the couple in advance.

The cost of hiring a notary public to perform a wedding in Kentucky can vary depending on several factors, including the notary's experience, location, and the services offered. Here is a breakdown of the potential costs:

• Application Fee: To become a notary in Kentucky, individuals must submit an application to the Secretary of State and pay a $10 filing fee. This is a one-time cost for notaries, but it is worth mentioning as it is a prerequisite for performing weddings.
• Surety Bond: All Kentucky notary applicants are required to obtain a $1,000 surety bond for their four-year term. This bond protects the public from any errors made by the notary. While this is not a direct cost for the couple, it is an expense that notaries may factor into their service fees.
• Notary Stamp and Seal: Although not mandatory, many notaries choose to use a notary stamp and seal for authenticity and professionalism. The cost of these items can vary depending on the vendor.
• Travel Expenses: If the wedding is held at a location that requires the notary to travel a considerable distance, they may charge for their travel expenses. This could include mileage, transportation costs, or accommodation fees if an overnight stay is necessary.
• Additional Services: Notaries may offer additional services such as rehearsal attendance, customized ceremonies, or the provision of additional documents. These services would typically incur extra charges.

When hiring a notary public to perform a wedding in Kentucky, it is essential to discuss all associated costs upfront. Couples should request a detailed breakdown of the fees and confirm any additional charges that may apply. By doing so, they can ensure they understand the total cost of the notary's services and avoid unexpected expenses.

Frequently asked questions