June 7, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
Are you an online ordained minister in the state of Tennessee?
If so, then you soon won’t be able to solemnize a marriage.
Starting July 1st, a new state law prohibits persons receiving online ordinations from solemnizing the rite of matrimony.
So who can perform a marriage ceremony under state law?
*Current and former county clerks who held office on or after July 1, 2014
*Ordained religious leaders
*Current and former county commissioners
*City mayors
*Current and former county mayors
*Current and former judges
*Governor
*Current and former speakers of the State Senate and House of Representatives
The following are new additions to the law:
*Members of the General Assembly, but only those who have “opted in” by filing a notice with the Office of Vital Records
*Law enforcement chaplains duly appointed by the heads of state and local law enforcement agencies
*Members of municipal legislative bodies
An authorized officiant is required to return the marriage license to the county clerk within three days after the ceremony. The county clerk has no authority to require proof that an officiant is authorized to perform the ceremony and must presume the marriage is valid. The vital records form also must be completed and returned to the county clerk within three days.