State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Opinion 95-20

Question

May a duly appointed pro tempore judicial officer perform wedding ceremonies?

Answer

RCW 26.04.050 lists those persons who are authorized to perform marriages in this state. That statute does not authorize the solemnization of marriages by pro tempore judges who by the nature of their appointments serve in a temporary capacity only. Therefore, pro tempore judges are not authorized to perform marriages.

The Supreme Court adopted a new Code of Judicial Conduct effective January 1, 2011. In addition to reviewing the ethics advisory opinions, the following should be noted:

CJC 1.1
CJC Application III
CJC Terminology “Pro tempore judge”

Opinion 95-20

07/31/1995

 

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