The last couple of weeks my topics have been a bit somber, so today let’s talk about the fun side of being a Florida Notary Public! Let’s talk about being a wedding officiant.
That’s right, Florida Notaries Public are allowed to solemnize marriage vows. Not all States allow their Notaries Public ot perform this task (in fact, only 6 do), so it’s an honor granted by the State of Florida. I’ve solemnized several weddings in my years as a Notary Public and it’s always so amazing for me to get to be a part of someone else’s special day.
I know for a fact that one couple whose marriage vows I solemnized over 20 years ago are still together because it was for my sister! You’re probably thinking that it can’t be legal since you’ve probably heard that notaries are not allowed to notarize documents for family. Well, this is different because it’s not a “notarial act” in the same way that our other acts are. We aren’t administering an oath/affirmation or taking an acknowledgement from the couple, we are solemnizing the vows, which means to “duly perform, or mark with a formal ceremony”. (Handbook, Pg 43). So, as a Florida Notary Public, we are signing your marriage license nothing that we performed the act rather than that you performed a specific act. This is how we are able to perform this service for family members.
The Role of the Notary Public
1. It’s the notaries job to review your marriage license prior to the ceremony. We are looking for:
a. The expiration date of the license. You must have your wedding between the date of issuance and the expiration date. Florida marriage licenses are good for sixty (60) from the date that they are issued; however, if the couple are residents of the State they must wait three (3) days after issuance before they can married (PBC website).
b. Verify the names of the parties on the license. Although we are no performing a traditional notarial act, we still must verify the identity of the parties like we normally would; this is to ensure that no one is falsely representing themselves as someone else.
2. The notary should also discuss consent with the parties; asking each individual if they are consenting to the marriage and entering into it “freely and voluntarily”. While we are having this discussion, we are paying attention to signs and cues that might indicate that one of the parties is not of sound mind or is being forced to enter into the marriage under duress.
3. I like to watch period-piece shows and movies and it always amazes me when I see that long ago someone used to be able to “stand in” for another party. Florida does not allow this, so the notary must ensure that all parties are in the notary’s physical presence.
4. We then perform the ceremony and preside over the exchanging of vows. I have a ceremony that I use that has been streamlined over the years. But you’re an officiant that doesn’t know what to say the Secretary of State has a sample that you can use, which includes an exchanging of vows.
After the Wedding Ceremony
It is the duty of the Notary Public to:
1. Complete the record book entry and marriage license, which includes:
a. Getting the couple to sign the license;
b. Getting the witnesses to the sign the license; and
c. Signing the license themselves.
2. File the marriage license with the County Clerk’s office within ten (10) days after the ceremony. I have heard many notaries claiming that they do not do this because they do not want the liability but it should be noted that it is required of them.
(Handbook, Pgs. 43-44)
So, that’s one of the more interesting things that I get to do as a Florida Notary Public. If you would like information on hiring me act as your wedding officiant, please feel free to reach out to me:
Shannon “Ivy” Colón, Florida Notary Public
Certified Remote Online Notary
NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent (background screened)
(561) 325- 8579
In addition, I have a digital wedding planner in my store, which allows you to keep all of your wedding planning details in one convenient place, including contacts, checklists, schedules, arrangements, photos, research, etc. This digital planner is being sold in my store for $15 but you can access it for FREE by signing up to get emails when I drop a new a blog.
Please note that the above was provided for informational purposes only and should be construed as legal advice. I am not a license attorney and cannot give legal advice. If you have legal questions, please contact a Florida licensed attorney. I can provide you with a referral if you need one.
1. American Society of Notaries (1991-2022). Florida Notary HANDBOOK.
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