How to Get Married in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to the bright lights of both Nashville and Memphis. The King of Rock and Roll is buried here, and these are just a few of the glitzier highlights to this sweet Southern state. With a depth of culture and history equal to any other state, Tennessee is a grand place to recite your vows. Just follow these steps to get married in Tennessee.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• marriage license
• identification

1. Attend marriage counseling. In the state of Tennessee, you get a $60 credit off your marriage license if you attend a four hour counseling session with a state-approved counselor.
2. Get your marriage license. There is a $95 fee (unless you attend the counseling session), and you’ll need to bring photo identification, your birth certificate or a valid passport to apply for it.
3. Find a person to perform the ceremony. In Tennessee any appointed member of any faith of any denomination can perform the ceremony.
4. Decide on a date. Unless a specific date holds significance for you, decide on a week to give yourself more flexibility in the planning of your wedding.
5. Decide on a location. If you’re going to be married in a bustling metropolis or some other venue that tends to be busy, make sure and book it as early as you possibly can.

Tips & Warnings

• Get your marriage license within 30 days of the ceremony as they expire after that time period.
• Your Tennessee marriage license is only good in the state of Tennessee and only in the county in which it is issued. Your state residency has nothing to do with its validity.
• If you’ve been in a previous marriage, hard evidence of your divorce (most commonly a divorce certificate) needs to be presented at the time of application for your new marriage license.
• Same sex marriages and common law marriages are outlawed by the State of Tennessee. However, you are allowed to marry your cousin.