The Nevada Secretary of State's office has created a database containing information on persons granted to perform marriages in the State of Nevada. The Nevada Marriage Officiant Public Search allows the public to search by name, county, or church affiliation.

An applicant must be a licensed, ordained, or appointed minister, or other church or religious official; in good standing with their church or religious organization and authorized to perform a marriage ceremony by that organization. The applicant's church or religious organization must be incorporated, organized or established in Nevada and the applicant's ministry must be one of service to a church or religious organization. Ministers and religious officials living outside the State of Nevada may apply for permission to perform a single marriage ceremony.

To obtain a Certificate of Permission to Perform Marriages in the State of Nevada, complete and submit the correct application. (See Application section below)

To avoid delays in processing, applicants should ensure all questions are answered and documents are signed by the appropriate party and notarized. Applicants must submit original documents with original signatures and notarization. Applications may not be faxed or sent via email. Your Certificate of Permission to Perform Marriages will be sent to you via U.S. mail unless other arrangements are made.

Background Checks

Background checks are required for the following applications:

• Minister or Religious Official Permanent Certificate
• Notary Public Active Certificate

The non-refundable fee for the background check is $52.00 (cashier’s check or money order). Additional information is contained in the individual application packets. Processing of these applications, including the completion of the background check, requires approximately 3 weeks.

Applications for a Single Marriage Ceremony do not require a background check. These applications should be submitted 1-2 weeks in advance of the wedding date to allow sufficient processing time.

Application Fees

There is a nonrefundable application fee of $30.00 for processing each application. We accept cash, credit cards (VISA or MC), money order or cashier’s check for payment of this fee.

Minister or Religious Official Permanent Status (Local Applicants Only)
This application is for applicants who reside in Carson City. Ministers or religious officials must be in good standing with their church or religious organization and authorized to solemnize a marriage by that organization.

Minister or Religious Official Single Ceremony Status (In-State or Out-of-State Applicants)
NRS 122 provides that ministers and religious officials, who reside in Nevada or any other state, may apply for a Certificate of Authority to solemnize a specific marriage ceremony. Ministers or religious officials must be in good standing with their church or religious organization and authorized to solemnize a marriage by that organization. A separate application and fee ($30) are required for each marriage performed. Such minister or religious official may perform no more than five marriages in Nevada in any calendar year. The application is obtained from the county clerk where the single ceremony is to be performed.

Notary Public Active Status (Local Applicants Only)
NRS 122 authorizes a Notary Public appointed by the Nevada Secretary of State and in good standing, to apply for a Certificate of Authority to Solemnize Marriages. If granted, the certificate remains in effect until the Notary Public's commission expires. If the Notary Public renews his/her commission, he/she must reapply for a new Certificate of Authority to Solemnize Marriages.

Notary Public Single Ceremony Status (In-State Applicants)
NRS 122 authorizes a Notary Public appointed by the Nevada Secretary of State and in good standing, to apply for a Certificate of Authority to solemnize a specific marriage ceremony. A separate application and fee ($30) are required for each marriage performed. Such Notary Public may perform no more than five marriages in Nevada in any calendar year. The application is obtained from the county clerk where the single ceremony is to be performed.

For any Retired Ministers, Minister Temporary Replacements, or Military Chaplains wishing to perform a marriage ceremony, please contact our office at 775-887-2084.

The Affidavit of Removal should be filled out within 5 days by a religious organization if a minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages is no longer in good standing or has moved.