What Education or Certificate Is Required to Become a Wedding Officiant in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, you must have a minister license to officiate at wedding ceremonies or be an elected official or judge. No other certification is needed, although the different professions may have specific education requirements. For example, judge positions usually require a law degree.
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Minister
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Any licensed minister of every religious belief can officiate weddings in Tennessee. These ministers must be at least 18 years old. Because the law doesn't specify otherwise, you can get your license online from ordination sites such as American Fellowship Church or Universal Life Church. If you are being ordained to perform a specific wedding with no plans to officiate other weddings, make sure your online ordination meets the state's requirements: The law states that ordination should be a "considered, deliberate and responsible act." If you have questions about an online ordination, check with your local probate court to make sure the judge will uphold your ordination. Although no education is required by the state to obtain a minister license, many churches require their leaders to graduate from a seminary college or other religious school to become a preacher, rabbi or chaplain.
Judge
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Tennessee law allows all county and state judges, as well as federal judges such as U.S. bankruptcy judges, to officiate weddings. To become a judge in Tennessee, you must have a law degree and pass the state bar exam. You must then be elected or appointed to a judge position. To maintain your bar certification, and therefore your position as a judge, you are required to complete continuing education credits each year.
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City or County Official
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All city and county elected officials can officiate weddings in Tennessee. There are no education or certification requirements to be elected to these positions, which include city mayors, county council members and county clerks. Former city and county elected officials retain the ability to officiate weddings after their terms end if they continue to reside in Tennessee.
State Official
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State officials, such as the governor and speakers of the House and Senate, can officiate weddings in Tennessee. No specific education is required to be elected to these positions. Former qualified officials who are still residents of Tennessee can continue to officiate wedding ceremonies.
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