The Tennessee Legislature is considering a bill that would permit Notaries to officiate wedding ceremonies. If passed, the Volunteer State would join Maine, South Carolina and Florida in giving Notaries the power to legally perform nuptials. (UPDATE: Maine Notaries will no longer be able to perform marriages as part of their Notary duties effective July 1, 2023.)
Senate Bill 95, introduced by State Sen. Jim Tracy, would add Notaries to the list of public officials — such as mayors, judges and county clerks — who are already legally authorized wedding officiants. The Washington, D.C., City Council has a similar bill pending.