In the US, the laws surrounding who can legally officiate a wedding vary from state to state. In Tennessee, notaries are permitted to perform weddings, but this is not the case in all states. In fact, only five states, including Tennessee, allow notaries to officiate weddings. This change in the law came into effect in Tennessee on April 28, 2021, when Governor Bill Lee signed Senate Bill 509.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can notaries perform weddings in Tennessee? | Yes |
When was it authorized? | April 28, 2021 |
Who authorized it? | Governor Bill Lee |
Who all can officiate weddings in Tennessee? | An ordained minister, preacher, rabbi, and other religious leaders; members of county and municipal legislative bodies; speakers of the Senate and speakers of the House of Representatives; law enforcement and military chaplains; and notary publics |
What are the other states that allow notaries to perform weddings? | Florida, Maine, Montana, South Carolina, and Nevada |
What You'll Learn
Tennessee is one of a few US states that allow notaries to perform weddings
Tennessee is one of the few US states that allow notaries to perform weddings. In 2021, Governor Bill Lee signed Senate Bill 509, which came into effect immediately and authorized Tennessee notaries public to solemnize marriage vows. This change in law means that couples in Tennessee now have more choice over who can officiate their wedding.
In addition to religious figures such as priests, ministers, and rabbis, or public officials like judges, court clerks, and justices of the peace, couples can now choose a notary public to officiate their wedding. This is a convenient option, as a notary will travel to the couple's chosen venue, and they can even be available for last-minute ceremonies.
There are only four other states that authorize their notaries to perform weddings: Florida, Maine, Montana, and South Carolina. In these states, notaries can perform the traditional aspects of the ceremony, including the vows and completing the related documentation, such as signing the marriage license.
It is important to note that if a couple chooses to have a notary public perform their wedding ceremony outside of these five states, their marriage certificate may not be considered legal unless that notary is also licensed as a wedding officiant in their state. Therefore, it is crucial to check the laws and regulations of the state before making plans for a wedding ceremony officiated by a notary public.
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Notaries can travel to the wedding venue
In Tennessee, notaries public can perform weddings and may travel to the wedding venue. This means that they can go wherever your chosen venue is. They can also perform the traditional aspects of the ceremony, including the marriage vows and completing the related matrimonial documentation, such as signing the marriage license.
A notary public is a licensed professional whose primary duties include verifying signatures on documents and the identities of the signatories. With an official notary stamp, the courts will view documents as legitimate. Notary publics notarize documents for a variety of purposes, including financial transactions, legal documents, and vehicle documents.
In 2021, Tennessee joined Florida, Maine, Montana, and South Carolina as the only five states that authorize their notaries to perform weddings. This change came about when Governor Bill Lee signed Senate Bill 509 into law.
If you're getting married in Tennessee, you'll need to obtain a marriage license from your local county clerk's office. There is no waiting period after receiving the license, but it does expire after 30 days. You'll also need to present identification documents, such as a valid driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.
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A notary must follow the rules required of all officiants
In Tennessee, a notary public can perform weddings and officiate marriage ceremonies. Governor Bill Lee signed Senate Bill 509 into law on April 28, 2021, authorising notaries public to solemnise marriage vows. Tennessee is one of only a few states that allow notaries to officiate at weddings.
The officiant must perform several duties to ensure the marriage is legal. They must ask the couple to present the license, confirm that the document is valid, help the couple fill it out, and sign the license themselves. After the ceremony, the license must be returned to the country clerk within three days to finalise the legalisation of the marriage.
In addition to their role as an officiant, a notary public can also provide additional services to streamline the wedding process. Notaries can notarise any other documents that need to be validated, including paperwork for name changes, life documents, and certified copies of the marriage certificate.
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A notary can complete the marriage documentation
In Tennessee, a notary public can complete the marriage documentation and perform wedding ceremonies. Governor Bill Lee signed Senate Bill 509 into law on April 28, 2021, authorizing Tennessee notaries public to solemnize marriage vows. This change in legislation means that Tennessee is now one of only five states that allow notaries to officiate wedding ceremonies.
A notary public is a licensed professional who verifies signatures and identities on documents. They can notarize documents for financial transactions, legal documents, and vehicle documents, among other things. A notary public can also perform a wedding ceremony, legally marry a couple, and act as a wedding officiant.
If you are planning a wedding in Tennessee, a notary public can help with the marriage-related paperwork and perform the ceremony. They can travel to your location and perform the traditional aspects of the ceremony, including the marriage vows. They can also complete the related documentation, such as signing the marriage license and delivering it to the county clerk's office to obtain the marriage certificate.
To ensure your marriage is legal, the notary public will ask you to present the license, confirm that the document is valid, help you fill it out, and sign it. They will also fill out their own information and ensure that the license is returned to the country clerk within three days of the ceremony.
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A notary can pronounce the couple as married
In Tennessee, a notary public can pronounce a couple married and act as a wedding officiant. This is thanks to Public Chapter No. 255 of the 112th General Assembly, which changed the language allowing notary publics to perform marriages. The new law came into effect on April 28, 2021, when Governor Bill Lee signed Senate Bill 509, authorising Tennessee notaries public to solemnise marriage vows.
A notary public is a licensed professional who verifies signatures and identities on documents. They can also perform wedding ceremonies in a small number of states. In addition to Tennessee, these include Florida, Maine, Montana, Nevada, and South Carolina.
A couple must obtain a marriage license before a notary public can marry them. This can be done by applying through the local county clerk's office. The license is then valid for a set period, typically between 30 and 90 days, depending on the state. The notary public can then perform the traditional aspects of the wedding ceremony, including the vows and completing the necessary documentation.
A notary public can travel to the couple's chosen venue to perform the ceremony, offering a convenient and cost-efficient service. They can also provide additional services, such as notarising life documents and certified copies of the marriage certificate. This can streamline the paperwork associated with getting married, providing a seamless experience for the couple.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, notaries can perform weddings in Tennessee.
Governor Bill Lee signed Senate Bill 509 into law on April 28, 2021.
A notary will travel to your wedding venue, whereas a judge or other public official may only marry couples in a courthouse.
A notary will perform the following duties to ensure your marriage is legal:
- Ask you to present the license
- Confirm that the document is valid
- Help you fill it out
- Sign the license and fill out their information
Only five states — Florida, Maine, Montana, South Carolina, and Tennessee — authorize their notaries to perform weddings.