can a public notary legally marry a couple in illinois?

Answer 1

According to the State of Illinois to be valid, a marriage must be performed by one of the following individuals:
"-a judge of a court of record or a retired judge of a court of record;
-a judge of the Court of Claims;
-the county clerk in counties having 2 million or more inhabitants (Cook County);
-a public official whose powers include solemnizing marriages; or
-an officiant performing the marriage in accordance with the principles of any religious denomination, Indian nation or tribe or native group provided that when such principles require an officiant, the officiant be in good standing with his religious denomination, Indian nation or tribe or native group."

I do not believe a notary is considered a public official with the authority to marry in Illinois. I believe the only states that authorize public notaries to perform marriage ceremonies is Florida, South Carolina, and Maine (see http://notaries.dos.state.fl.us/education/faq/marriage.html).

But to be sure, contact your local county clerk since regulations change over time.

Answer 2

Illinois Notary Public Handbook

Answer 3

Illinois Notary Handbook

Answer 4

According to the Illinois Notary Public Handbook:

"Notarial Acts – An Illinois notary public is authorized to perform notarial acts or “notarization” anywhere in the state. Notarial acts include taking an acknowledgment, taking a verification upon oath or affirmation, witnessing or
attesting a signature, administering an oath or affirmation, and performing any other act authorized by law (Sec. 6-101)."

Presumably wedding vows would fall under the heading of "administering an oath," so I'd say the answer is "yes."

Answer 5

No. In Illinois, people can be married by a judge, a retired judge, a county clerk in counties with more than 2 million people or a religious official who is in good standing with his/her church. There is a gray area in that a marriage ceremony performed by someone not legally able to do so can be valid if at least one person in the marrying couple truly believed that person had the official authority to marry people.

Answer 6

wow, i had no idea a notary can marry a couple, but it looks like it's allowable in illinois!

Answer 7

Pretty much anyone can become an officiant and marry people. My sister became an officiant online and married my husnabd and me.

We live in NY though.

Answer 8

no they dont have the correct credentials. you must have a court judge or magistrate or last but best a n ordained minister of a church and with he or she you will be offered counseling before the ceremony and that is very important for the first timers.

Answer 9

That relies upon on the regulations in the state/county that you get married in. It varies significantly from position to position. basically call your community authorities or the authorities the position the marriage is planned to ensue to make certain for particular. sturdy success

Answer 10

That's true