Legal Question in Family Law in California

Wedding Ceremonies

Who can perform a legal wedding ceremony in the State of California? What credentials must they hold? Can a Notary Public perform a civil ceremony?


Asked on 4/18/01, 6:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Wedding Ceremonies

Family Code Section 400 states "A marriage may be solemnized by any priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination, a judge or retired judge, commissioner, or assistant commissioner of a court of record, a judge or magistrate who has resigned from office, or by a person authorized to do so under Family Code Section 401."

Family Code Section 401 states: "For each county, the county clerk is designated as a commissioner of civil marriages. The commisioner of civil marriages may appoint deputy commissioners of civil marriages who may solemnize marriages under the direction of the commissioner."

I don't see anywhere it states that a Notary Public can marry people. I am assuming that you don't want to be married in a church, if you are asking that question. You can get married at the recorder's office after you obtain your license. You can usually do it at the same time.

If you are looking for a less formal, but more personal ceremony, you can ask someone to apply for ordination with Universal Life Church. Anyone can apply online in a few minutes.

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Answered on 6/11/01, 9:52 pm


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