Notary Publics: Can They Officiate Arizona Weddings?

While notary publics can officiate weddings in some US states, this is not the case in Arizona. Arizona law specifies that only certain people can solemnize marriages, and notary publics are not included in this list.

Arizona does not recognise notary publics as wedding officiants

In Arizona, only certain individuals are authorised to perform marriage ceremonies. These include duly licensed or ordained clergymen, judges of courts of record, municipal court judges, justices of the peace, justices of the United States Supreme Court, and judges of various other courts.

To solemnise a marriage in Arizona, an officiant must be an ordained minister. This can include online ordination, but it must be through a religious organisation such as American Marriage Ministries. While there is no requirement to register with a government office, it is advisable to keep records of your official ministry credentials.

If you are planning a wedding in Arizona, it is important to be aware of the state's laws and requirements for officiants. While notary publics can offer convenience and a broad suite of services, they are not recognised as wedding officiants in Arizona.

It is always recommended to check the latest information and guidelines provided by official sources, as laws and regulations can change over time.

Arizona law does not require officiants to register with a government office

According to Arizona law, the following individuals are authorized to perform a marriage ceremony:

• Duly licensed or ordained clergymen, including ministers, elders, or other persons authorized by the customs, rules, and regulations of a religious society or sect.
• Judges of courts of record, municipal court judges, justices of the peace, and justices of the United States Supreme Court.
• Judges of courts of appeals, district courts, and courts created by an act of Congress, provided the judges are entitled to hold office during good behavior.
• Bankruptcy court and tax court judges.
• United States magistrate judges.
• Judges of the Arizona Court of Military Appeals.

It is important to note that Arizona does not recognize a notary public as a wedding officiant. While some states, such as Florida, Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Montana, allow notary publics to solemnize weddings, Arizona is not one of those states. Therefore, if you are planning a wedding in Arizona, you will need to choose an officiant from the authorized list provided by Arizona law.

Additionally, while Arizona does not require officiants to register with a government office, it is still important for officiants to keep personal records of their official ministry credentials. Proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue, so it is advisable to have proper documentation on hand.

Only ordained ministers can legally perform marriages in Arizona

In Arizona, notary publics cannot officiate weddings. Only ordained ministers can legally perform marriages in this state.

Arizona law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office. However, there is a law (Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-124) that specifies who can solemnize a marriage. This includes all ministers, such as online ordained ministers of American Marriage Ministries. Local regulations in Arizona stipulate that wedding officiants under the designation of "Minister" must be ordained by a religious organization.

While it is not mandatory to register with any Arizona government office as a wedding officiant, it is advisable to keep personal records of official Ministry Credentials. Proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

To become an ordained minister in Arizona, you can consider online ordination through organizations such as American Marriage Ministries (AMM). The process is typically fast, free, and simple. Once ordained, you will have the legal authority to officiate weddings anywhere in the state of Arizona.

It is important to note that Arizona has specific individuals authorized to perform marriage ceremonies. These include duly licensed or ordained clergymen, judges of various court levels, justices of the peace, and certain other judicial officers.

Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-124 specifies who can solemnize a marriage

• Duly licensed or ordained clergymen
• Judges

In addition, Arizona law does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office before performing a marriage. However, local regulations in Arizona stipulate that wedding officiants must be ordained by a religious organization to use the designation of "Minister." It is recommended that officiants keep personal records of their official ministry credentials as proof of ordination may be requested by the couple, government officials, or the wedding venue.

There are nine categories of people authorized to perform a marriage ceremony in Arizona

In Arizona, there are nine categories of people authorized to perform a marriage ceremony. The state does not require marriage officiants to register with any government office. However, there are specific laws that outline who can solemnize a marriage. Here are the nine categories:

• Duly Licensed or Ordained Clergymen: This includes ministers, elders, or other authorized individuals from a religious society or sect.
• Judges of Courts of Record
• Municipal Court Judges
• Justices of the Peace
• Justices of the United States Supreme Court
• Judges of Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Courts created by an Act of Congress: These judges must be entitled to hold office during good behavior.
• Bankruptcy Court and Tax Court Judges
• United States Magistrate Judges
• Judges of the Arizona Court of Military Appeals

It is important to note that Arizona law specifies that officiants must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, couples must declare their consent to the union before the officiant and at least two witnesses, who must then sign the marriage license along with the couple.

While notary publics can perform wedding ceremonies in some states, the information regarding whether they can do so in Arizona is unclear. It is always best to check the current laws and regulations of the state to ensure the marriage is legally recognized.

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