Can a Notary Public officiate a wedding in the state of tennessee?   Yes, Public Chapter No. 255 of the 112th General Assembly changes the language allowing notary publics to perform marriages.  There are no additional provisions to regulate how Notaries perform marriages, but they must follow the rules required of all officiants. Effective April 28, 2021.

State of Tennessee per Senate Bill 509.

Section 1: Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 36-3-301(a), is amended by deleting the language "and the mayor of any municipality in this state" and substituting "notaries public, who and the mayor of any municipality in this state."

What is a wedding officiant/celebrant? 

A wedding officiant is perhaps best known as the person who leads the ceremony. However, that's only part of their job. An officiant, whether secular or religious, works with the couple in the months before the wedding day to craft the ceremony, which may include personal vows, readings, music selections, and more. They may also provide premarital counseling. The officiant must be legally ordained to perform weddings in your state and understand your jurisdiction's laws as they pertain to the marriage license. On your wedding day, your officiant will fill out and sign the marriage license (along with witnesses if required by the state. The state of Tennessee does not require a witness) and send it back to the county clerk's office for certification. This may sound like a minor detail, but without a marriage license, you're not actually married—so your wedding officiant has an essential role to play here.

What type of officiant/celebrant are you? 

 I would be considered a Civil wedding officiant, due to being a notary public in the State of Tennessee.

Civil officiants refer to those in government roles who have the ability to legally perform a marriage ceremony in accordance with their state laws. This type of secular officiant may have various titles, such as a justice of the peace, judge, mayor, city clerk, notary, or magistrate, and often oversee ceremonies within the context of a government setting, including courthouse weddings.

Many couples choose a civil officiant for a straightforward, nonreligious ceremony with the added assurance that their marriage is official in the eyes of the law. In fact, some couples marrying abroad will also need to conduct a legal secular ceremony back home with the help of a civil officiant.

What can I expect from you as my officiant/celebrant?

You can expect a professional, down to earth , dependable officiant who will make you feel comfortable before and during the ceremony.  You can expect the officiant to communicate with you to make sure all details are clear and correct before the ceremony day.

What is included in the cost of a wedding Celebrant?

When it comes to your wedding officiant’s cost, it’s more than just showing up on your wedding day to perform your ceremony. A typical wedding officiant’s cost includes the following:

• Prep work: There’s a lot of preparation that goes into making your ceremony a success. Your officiant will meet with you before your wedding to craft a ceremony that’s unique and meaningful to you, whether that means including religious elements, family traditions, readings you like, and more. Creating a ceremony plan takes at least three to four hours, not including edits and communication with you. If you’re writing your own wedding vows (36 percent of couples do!), your officiant can assist you with that as well.

• Travel and event time: You’re paying for your officiant’s time and presence at your wedding. And if your officiant is traveling a long distance to your event, you may incur additional travel charges.

• License handling: Your officiant is responsible for making sure your license is properly filled out, signed, and sent back within the required time frame.

• Rehearsal time: Your officiant may or may not attend your rehearsal, but if he or she does, it’s likely an extra charge.

• Equipment: Some officiants provide their own wireless microphones and speakers, which cost money to buy and maintain.

• Business expenses: From phone service and Internet to education and marketing, your wedding officiant cost probably includes these and more business expenses to ensure he or she can work efficiently and be as responsive as possible.

Marriage license, how to obtain a certified copy and Name Change info for Tennessee.

Before a marriage can occur in Tennessee, a license must be obtained from the County Clerk. The fee is $97.50. The fee is reduced to $37.50 if the couple completes a Premarital Preparation Course. There is no waiting period, the marriage license is valid for thirty (30) days from issuance, and is good for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee.

• Proof of date of birth (Certified Birth Certificate or Government Issued Photo Identification)

• Social Security Number (for individuals that have been issued one)

• Both parties must appear together. If either party is under the age of 18, contact our office for additional requirements. If either individual is incarcerated at the time, or has a disability which prevents the person from appearing, that person may submit a notarized statement. Click the links below to download the required forms: Marriage License for Incarcerated Applicant Marriage License for Applicants with Disability

• The fee is $97.50. Applicants who have completed a premarital preparation course within a year prior to the date of applying for the license are exempted from paying $60.00 of this fee. Applicants must present a Certificate of Completion completed and signed by the course provider. This document must be notarized and presented to our office at the time of payment and receipt of your license.

How do I obtain a certified copy of my marriage license?

You may request a certified copy of your marriage license by visiting any of the Knox County Clerk's Office locations or you may request a copy online with a credit card. We will need the names of both applicants as well as the date of the marriage. Please note that the Knox County Clerk's office only has marriage license records for couples who applied for their marriage license in Knox County, Tennessee.

Fees for a Certified Copy of a Marriage License.

In-Person

Online

(includes mail fee and online processing fees)

$5.50

$9.02

Name Change

You must visit a Driver Service Center to make changes to your name. You will need your current license and the original or certified document showing the reason for the change; for example: An original or certified marriage certificate, original or certified copy of your divorce decree, or the original court order.

You will be charged a duplicate fee ranging from 8 dollars to 16 dollars. The fee will depend on the number of duplicates you’ve had and the type of license you have. All Certificate for Driving, Temporary Driver License and Temporary ID duplicates cost $19.50.

Remember all documents must be originals or certified. Faxes or photocopies cannot be accepted

Marriage License/ Certificate

Must include the applicant's full name and date of birth. The certificate must be the original or certified copy that is registered AFTER the marriage; NOT just the “license” authorizing the union.

How long does it take to change your last name after marriage in Tennessee?

Close to 2 weeks after you file the SS-5 form, your new Social Security card with your new married name will arrive in the mail. After receiving your new social security card in the mail, you will need to obtain a new drivier’s license with your NEW last name at the DMV.

Are you changing your name?

If so, let Social Security know so we can update your information, send you a corrected card.

To change your name on your card, you must show us documents proving your legal name change and identity. If you are a U.S. citizen, you also must show us a document proving your U.S. citizenship, if it is not already in our records. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. Photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted.

To prove your legal name change, you must show the following documents:

Marriage certificate.

How long are marriage licenses valid in tennessee?

The marriage license is valid for 30 days, including the day it is issued.

How long do you have to return the marriage licenses to the county clerk's office after your ceremony?

You have 3 business days to return. As your wedding officiant I will take care of that for you.

What is a Wedding Planner?

A wedding planner is a skilled professional who assists couples in planning and executing their dream wedding. With their expertise and experience, they take on the responsibility of organizing various aspects of the wedding, ensuring a smooth and unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests.

Expert Guidance and Advice

A wedding planner serves as a trusted advisor throughout the whole wedding planning process. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, helping couples navigate through the vast array of decisions that need to be made. From selecting the perfect venue to curating a cohesive theme that reflects the couple's style and personality, the wedding planner offers invaluable guidance every step of the way.

Vendors and Logistics Management

One of the crucial roles of a wedding planner is to manage and coordinate all the vendors involved in the wedding. This includes liaising with the caterers, florists, photographers, decorators, entertainers, and many more. Their extensive network within the wedding industry allows them to recommend reputable vendors, negotiate contracts, and ensure that all services are delivered as promised.
Additionally, a wedding planner is responsible for creating a comprehensive timeline and coordinating logistics. From setting up schedules for the day, organizing transportation, and managing the flow of events, they ensure that everything runs seamlessly and on time.

Budget Management

Weddings can be expensive, and staying within a budget can often be overwhelming for the couple. A wedding planner plays a crucial role in helping couples define their budget, allocate funds to different elements, and make informed decisions about where to prioritize spending. They have the knowledge and experience to suggest creative solutions and alternatives to keep the costs in check without compromising on the overall vision of the wedding.

Stress Management and Troubleshooting

Planning a wedding can become stressful and overwhelming, especially with the multitude of details that need attention. A wedding planner acts as a stress reliever for the couple, taking care of the nitty-gritty details and reducing their burden.
Moreover, when unexpected challenges arise, such as a vendor cancellation or inclement weather, a wedding planner is skilled in troubleshooting and finding alternative solutions. They have the expertise to handle such situations calmly and efficiently, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone involved.

Coordinator on the Wedding Day

On the wedding day itself, a wedding planner takes charge of coordinating and overseeing all the details, allowing the couple to fully enjoy their special day. From managing the setup of the venue to coordinating the arrival and positioning of vendors, they ensure that everything aligns with the couple's vision. They act as a point of contact for any issues that may arise, allowing the couple and their loved ones to relax and soak in the joyous atmosphere.
In conclusion, a wedding planner is a dedicated professional who brings expertise, organization, and creativity to make a couple's dream wedding a reality. From start to finish, they work tirelessly to create a seamless and memorable experience, ensuring that the couple's vision is brought to life while reducing stress and allowing them to truly revel in the celebration of their union.

A Day-of Wedding Coordinator: Bringing Your Dream Day to Life

A day-of wedding coordinator is an invaluable asset in turning your wedding vision into a flawless reality. As the name suggests, their primary role is to ensure every detail of your big day runs smoothly and seamlessly. From the early morning hours until the final farewell, they are your go-to professional, dedicated solely to orchestrating the perfect celebration.
Pre-Wedding Activities:
In the weeks leading up to your wedding, your day-of coordinator will work closely with you to understand your vision, preferences, and requirements. They will review all the details you've planned, including the timeline, venue layout, and vendor contracts. Armed with this information, they will craft a comprehensive wedding day timeline, ensuring each moment is accounted for.
Collaboration with Vendors:
One of the key responsibilities of a day-of coordinator is to establish strong relationships with all your wedding vendors. They will act as the main point of contact, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding logistics, arrival times, and setup requirements. From the florist to the photographer, the coordinator coordinates and manages these crucial details, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.
Wedding Day Execution:
On the wedding day itself, a day-of coordinator assumes the role of the behind-the-scenes director, managing all the complexities and ensuring that everything unfolds according to plan. They oversee the setup of ceremony and reception spaces, working closely with the venue to arrange the seating, decorations, and lighting. They also supervise the arrival of vendors, ensuring they adhere to the agreed-upon timeline.
During the ceremony, the coordinator stands ready to address any issues that may arise, from an unexpected vendor delay to technical difficulties with music or microphones. Their goal is to handle any hiccups discreetly and efficiently, allowing you and your loved ones to remain blissfully unaware of potential challenges.
Following the ceremony, the coordinator seamlessly transitions into overseeing the reception. They are responsible for managing the timing and flow of events, including the grand entrance, toasts, cake cutting, and first dance. They also work behind the scenes to ensure catering and bar services operate smoothly, adjusting schedules as necessary to accommodate any unforeseen changes.
Troubleshooting and Peace of Mind:
One of the most valuable qualities of a day-of coordinator is their ability to troubleshoot. Whether it's resolving a last-minute dress mishap or ensuring the timely arrival of a misplaced wedding gift, they are adept at handling the unexpected with grace and composure. Their experience and knowledge allow them to find quick solutions, allowing you and your loved ones to focus on creating lasting memories.
By having a day-of coordinator on your team, you and your partner can relax and fully immerse yourselves in the celebration. These professionals are the ultimate support system, ensuring that the culmination of your love story unfolds exactly as you envisioned it.
Conclusion:
A day-of wedding coordinator is an invaluable investment, allowing you to enjoy every moment of your special day without getting overwhelmed by logistics or surprises. With their meticulous planning, vendor coordination, and troubleshooting skills, they turn your wedding dreams into a flawless reality. So, if you want a wedding day that flows seamlessly, consider bringing a day-of coordinator on board to ensure a stress-free and memorable celebration of your love.