Tennessee Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Tennessee: $100 license fee, None waiting period, 30 days validity, minimum age 18, None witnesses required. Apply at the County Clerk.
Tennessee Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Tennessee?
A marriage license in Tennessee costs $100. This is the standard fee charged by the County Clerk when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Tennessee's fee is above the national average.
How to Get a Marriage License in Tennessee
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Tennessee does not require proof of residency.
Visit the County Clerk
Both applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk in any Tennessee county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $100 fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
License issued same day
Tennessee issues marriage licenses the same day with no waiting period. You can legally marry as soon as the license is in hand, though most couples still plan a few days of buffer.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Tennessee: Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and authorized clergy. Judges and chancellors of any court, speakers of the Senate and House. County mayors, the governor, and other public officials as designated by law.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the County Clerk (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Tennessee law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Tennessee
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Tennessee counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the County Clerk.
Out-of-state couples
Tennessee has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the County Clerk with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Tennessee following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Tennessee on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Important Tennessee Notes
Who Can Officiate in Tennessee
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and authorized clergy. Judges and chancellors of any court, speakers of the Senate and House. County mayors, the governor, and other public officials as designated by law.
Good to Know
Tennessee has one of the higher license fees at $100 but offers a discount if both parties complete a premarital counseling course. No waiting period or blood test is required.
Tennessee Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Tennessee drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the County Clerk
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $100 - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- No witnesses legally required (though many couples bring them anyway)
After the Tennessee ceremony, collect every guest photo
Once you have your license and your ceremony is set, make sure no moment gets missed. Guests scan a QR code and upload photos straight to your shared album - no app download required.
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Tennessee Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Tennessee marriage license costs $100. The fee is paid at the County Clerk when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
No. Tennessee has no mandatory waiting period - you can apply for and use your marriage license on the same day. Many couples still apply a few days in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
A Tennessee marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Tennessee accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the County Clerk.
No. Tennessee does not legally require witnesses for the marriage ceremony, though many couples choose to have them anyway. If you do invite witnesses, anyone over 18 capable of signing is typically acceptable.
No. Tennessee does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any County Clerk as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Tennessee a popular destination wedding state.
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