Becoming a Wedding Officiant: The Notary’s Path to Officiating Weddings
Published September 3, 2024 · Updated May 26, 2026
In a handful of states, notaries public can perform marriage ceremonies. It is a niche service, but one that pays well and adds variety to your notary work. This guide covers which states allow it, how to get authorized, and what to expect when officiating a wedding.
States Where Notaries Can Officiate
Not every state permits notaries to perform marriages. As of 2026, the states where notaries can officiate weddings include:
- Florida (most common, widely used)
- South Carolina
- Maine
- Nevada (with additional registration)
- Montana
In these states, your notary commission is enough to qualify you to perform marriages. No additional ordination or religious affiliation is needed. If you live in any other state, you cannot officiate weddings solely based on your notary commission.
How to Get Started
The process is simpler than you might think:
- Confirm your state allows it. Check your Secretary of State’s website or the National Notary Association for current rules.
- Review the marriage laws. Each state has different requirements for the marriage license, waiting periods, and who must sign. Florida, for example, requires the couple to obtain a marriage license from the county clerk before the ceremony.
- Understand the ceremony requirements. Most states require specific language during the ceremony. In Florida, you must ask each person to confirm they take the other as their spouse. The exact wording varies but the core requirement is that both parties give verbal consent.
- Complete the marriage certificate. After the ceremony, you sign the marriage license along with the couple and any required witnesses. Return the completed license to the county clerk within the state’s deadline (typically 3-10 days).
What to Charge
Notary wedding officiants typically charge $100-$350 per ceremony. The rate depends on your market, whether you write a custom ceremony script, and how far you travel. Florida notaries doing quick courthouse-style ceremonies at their office often charge $100-$150. A full custom ceremony with a written script, rehearsal, and travel can run $250-$350.
For comparison, couples typically pay $200-$800 for a professional wedding officiant. As a notary-officiant, you can offer a lower price point while still providing a legally valid ceremony. This makes you competitive for courthouse weddings, elopements, and small ceremonies.
Writing the Ceremony Script
Some couples want a short, no-frills ceremony. Others want something personalized with readings, vows, and a narrative about their relationship. Ask the couple what they want before writing anything.
A basic ceremony script includes:
- Welcome and introduction
- A reading or personal remarks (optional)
- The declaration of intent (“Do you take…”)
- The pronouncement (“I now pronounce you…”)
- Signing of the marriage license
You can find templates online. Keep the script under 15 minutes unless the couple requests something longer. Practice reading it aloud a few times before the ceremony.
Day-of Logistics
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Bring your notary commission and ID
- Verify the marriage license is valid and within the correct date window
- Check that the names on the license match the couple’s IDs
- Confirm the required number of witnesses are present (varies by state)
- Perform the ceremony
- Sign the license and have witnesses sign
- Return the license to the issuing county clerk within the required timeframe
The most common mistake notary officiants make is not returning the marriage license on time. In Florida, you have 10 days. In South Carolina, the officiant must file the license with the probate court. Missing the deadline can create legal problems for the couple and liability for you.
Marketing Your Officiant Services
Add “Wedding Officiant” to your Google Business Profile and website. List your services on wedding vendor directories like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Zola. Include your pricing and a sample ceremony outline.
Instagram and Facebook work well for this market. Post photos from ceremonies (with the couple’s permission) and testimonials. Most couples search for officiants 3-6 months before their wedding date.
Partner with wedding planners, venues, and photographers. They refer officiants regularly and a good referral relationship can keep you booked every weekend during wedding season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any notary officiate a wedding?
No. Only notaries in states that specifically authorize it can perform marriages. As of 2026, that includes Florida, South Carolina, Maine, Nevada, and Montana.
Do I need to be ordained?
No. In the states where notaries can officiate, your notary commission is sufficient. You do not need ordination through a church or online ministry.
Can I officiate a wedding in a state where I am not commissioned?
No. Your authority to officiate only applies within the state where you hold your notary commission.
How much do notary wedding officiants make?
Typically $100-$350 per ceremony. A notary in Florida doing 2-3 weddings per month can add $3,000-$10,000 per year in supplemental income.
Related Reading
Updated May 2026.
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