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Thinking about saying “I do” with a notary public standing in for a minister or judge? In several states, a commissioned notary can legally solemnize a marriage ceremony, sign the marriage license, and file it with the county clerk.
Below you will find everything you need to know — from which states allow the practice to how much a notary may charge, plus a quick roadmap for obtaining or renewing a notary commission with Notaries.com.
A notary-officiated ceremony offers three big advantages:
For couples in states that authorize notary weddings, the process often feels as relaxed as it is official — no courthouse rush or pricey officiant upgrades.
Today, six states clearly empower notaries to act as a wedding officiant:
Because marriage laws change, always confirm current marriage regulations with your county clerk or the state notary handbook before scheduling a ceremony.
The states below offer a closer look at how notary marriage rules work in practice, from fee limits to commission add-ons and ceremony logistics. They highlight the variety of ways notaries support weddings — and why it’s important to understand the rules in your own state.
In Florida, a commissioned notary may collect up to $30 for performing a marriage ceremony — no additional authorization needed. You must present a valid marriage license before the vows, and the notary must return that license to the issuing clerk within ten days.
Learn the finer points about how Florida notaries can perform marriage ceremonies, then explore the affordable Florida notary package if you would like to start officiating weddings yourself.
South Carolina caps the officiant fee at $5 per signature, so many couples choose a notary for a no-frills courthouse alternative. If you're ready to get started or renew your commission, we’ve got you covered — including the must-have tools like a self-inking stamp and record-keeping journal, all shipped together for your convenience.
These two states recently empowered notaries to marry couples, creating a fresh revenue stream for enterprising notaries who already notarize loan documents or real-estate forms.
If you live in TN or MT, you can order your journal and notary stamp together to save time and avoid shopping around.
Until July 5, 2023, a Maine notary automatically had authority to solemnize marriages. However, a law effective that date now requires a separate — but free — marriage-officiant license unless the notary opted out of officiant duties by June 23, 2023. Notaries who didn’t opt out must obtain the additional license to continue solemnizing weddings.
Following these steps protects the couple’s legal status and the notary’s commission.
Officiant fees are state-specific and separate from notarization charges. For example, Florida ties the notary’s marriage certificate fee to what county clerks receive.
For broader fee guidance — including acknowledgments, jurats, and remote online notarization — learn more about how notary fees work.
Notaries may also earn more by:
These upsells must never blur the line between notarization fees, which are capped, and ancillary services, which are market-based.
Whether you are starting from scratch or renewing an expiring commission, Notaries.com makes the process painless:
Our state-specific application bundles — available in Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, California, and more — include the education course (where required), surety bond, and state filing fee. Check out our General Notary Course for states that don’t require formal instruction.
You cannot officiate — or notarize — without the right tools. From self-inking stamps that meet every state seal requirement to bound journals and embossers, our notary supplies ship fast, nationwide.
Keeping your commission current is the easiest way to maintain the authority to perform marriages and notarizations without interruption.
Need to renew your notary commission? We make it easy to stay compliant and keep serving your community without missing a beat.
Witness rules vary. Florida requires none, Tennessee recommends two, and Montana does not require witnesses by law, though some counties may suggest them.
Most states require filing within ten days. Always check your local clerk’s office.
No. RON powers apply to electronic document notarization, not the solemnization of marriage.
Never. A Florida notary cannot cross state lines to marry a couple in Georgia, for example.
No. Only a handful of states give notary publics the legal authority to officiate weddings. Be sure to confirm with your county clerk or state notary division whether your state permits notaries to marry couples.
This depends on state law. Some states allow a notary public to officiate a wedding for a relative, while others recommend avoiding it to prevent conflicts of interest. Always check your state’s marriage laws before agreeing to marry someone close to you.
You might be surprised where notaries can serve family members — the rules vary more than most people expect.
As long as the marriage license is valid and the couple meets state laws, most couples can choose a notary officiant instead of a traditional minister. This option is especially popular for courthouse-style weddings, elopements, and low-budget ceremonies.
Becoming a wedding officiant as a notary lets you marry someone legally, complete a wedding license notarization, and expand your income — all while helping couples comply with state laws. Whether you’re notarizing a marriage license, acting as an officiant, or guiding couples through their wedding paperwork, your role is essential.
Since 1965, Notaries.com, has helped professionals meet notarization requirements, stay on top of changing laws, and complete every license step quickly and correctly.
Ready to begin? Choose your state package, finish the application in minutes, and get expert help by phone, email, or chat. We’ll support your journey from becoming a notary to renewing your license — become a trusted notary today.
