How to Apply for a Marriage License in Tennessee

Getting married is one of the most exciting days of your life, but it does take some preparation. Making sure that you have met all of the necessary legal requirements for your big day is very important. Here's how to apply for a marriage license in Tennessee.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Identification
• Cash

1. Start out by finding out where the nearest County Clerk's Office is located (see Resources below). You can either go online to find the address or look in your phone directory. You will apply for your marriage license at the office, and you can receive it immediately.
2. Determine beforehand how you’ll pay for the marriage license. In Tennessee, if you want to get married without any counseling, it will cost you $99.50. By opting to attend the 4-hour counseling program, you can save $60 and get practical information that may help to improve your marriage.
3. Provide proof of your identity at the County Clerk's Office with a driver's license, passport or a birth certificate. You will also need to provide your social security number. No blood test, physical exam or waiting period is needed.
4. Be of legal age to apply. You must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. You can marry in Tennessee at age 16 or 17 with parental consent, but if you are younger than 16, you can only marry with the consent of the court.
5. Decide who is going to perform your wedding ceremony. A religious officiant or county officials may perform it. County officials, however, are limited to performing the ceremony only within the bounds of their jurisdictions. Senators, governors (past and present) and judges, as well as religious leaders, can perform the ceremony anywhere in the state.

Tips & Warnings

• Marry your cousin in Tennessee if you want— it is still legal, with some restrictions.
• You will not be able to get married in Tennessee if you seek a proxy, same-sex or common-law marriage.
• If you opt to attend the counseling program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion for the course that must be signed and notarized by the person offering the instruction.
• You must marry within 30 days of the date that the marriage license is issued. After that time, the license becomes void, and you will need to reapply.

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