TN Marriage License Info
Every state has its own marriage licensing requirements, and Tennessee is no exception! While the process is relatively straightforward, individual counties may have slightly different procedures. We recommend contacting the County Clerk’s office where you plan to obtain your marriage license to confirm their specific requirements.
Below, we’ve outlined the most important things you need to know to get legally married in Tennessee, along with some helpful resources to make the process easier.
Find Your Tennessee County Clerk’s Office:
MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
If you’re getting married in Tennessee, here are four important things to know before obtaining your marriage license:
1.
Both applicants generally need to appear in person.
You and your partner should plan to visit a Tennessee County Clerk’s office together to obtain your marriage license. Some counties offer online applications to complete before your visit.
You and your partner should plan to visit a Tennessee County Clerk’s office together to obtain your marriage license. Some counties offer online applications to complete before your visit.
2.
Bring the required identification and documentation.
You’ll generally need valid identification, such as a driver’s license, government-issued photo ID, or passport, along with proof of your Social Security number if one has been issued to you. Contact the County Clerk’s office to confirm which documents they accept.
You’ll generally need valid identification, such as a driver’s license, government-issued photo ID, or passport, along with proof of your Social Security number if one has been issued to you. Contact the County Clerk’s office to confirm which documents they accept.
3.
Marriage license fees vary by county.
The standard fee is generally around $100, although it may be lower for qualifying out-of-state residents or couples who complete an approved premarital preparation course. Check with your County Clerk’s office for the exact fee and payment options.
The standard fee is generally around $100, although it may be lower for qualifying out-of-state residents or couples who complete an approved premarital preparation course. Check with your County Clerk’s office for the exact fee and payment options.
4.
Your marriage license is valid for 30 days.
Be sure to obtain your license within 30 days of your wedding date. There is no waiting period, so you can get married as soon as your license is issued.
Be sure to obtain your license within 30 days of your wedding date. There is no waiting period, so you can get married as soon as your license is issued.
ADDITIONAL TN MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
- Residency: You do not need to be a Tennessee resident to get married in the state.
- Where to obtain your license: You can obtain your marriage license from any Tennessee County Clerk’s office, regardless of which county your wedding takes place in, as long as the ceremony is held within Tennessee.
- Marriage license validity: Tennessee marriage licenses are valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. There is no waiting period, so you can get married as soon as your license is issued.
- Witnesses: Tennessee does not require witnesses to sign the marriage license.
- Returning the license: The completed marriage license must be returned to the County Clerk’s office that issued it within three days of the ceremony. Your Love & Wisdom Officiant will normally handle this for you unless you’ve requested otherwise.
- Previous marriages: If either applicant was previously married, that marriage must have legally ended through divorce or death. The County Clerk may request information or supporting documentation.
- Age requirements: Both applicants must generally be at least 17 years old to marry in Tennessee. Additional restrictions apply to applicants under 18, including parental or guardian consent and age-difference limitations.
OBTAINING YOUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
- What is a marriage certificate? A marriage certificate provides official proof of your marriage. It is different from the marriage license paperwork you receive at your ceremony. You can request a certified copy once your completed license has been returned and recorded.
- Where to obtain it: Contact the County Clerk’s office in the Tennessee county where your marriage license was issued to request a certified copy of your marriage record. You may also be able to obtain a certified copy through the Tennessee Office of Vital Records.
- Cost and processing: Fees, processing times, and ordering procedures vary by office. Check with the issuing County Clerk or Tennessee Office of Vital Records for current instructions.
- Why you may need it: A certified marriage record is commonly needed for legal name changes, updating identification, and other official purposes. You are legally married even if you haven’t ordered a certified copy.
- Use a certified copy: Government agencies generally require an official certified marriage document rather than a photocopy. If you’re changing your name, it’s usually best to update your Social Security record first, followed by your driver’s license and passport, as applicable.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE?
We’re always happy to help! If you have questions about obtaining your Tennessee marriage license or making sure everything is properly completed after your ceremony, our team is here to guide you.