How do I Obtain a Marriage License in Lauderdale County, Tennessee?

You don't need to be a resident of Tennessee to apply for a marriage license there.

To obtain a marriage license in Lauderdale County, Tennessee, you must visit the Lauderdale County Clerk's office in Ripley. In Lauderdale County, as in any county in Tennessee, you cannot get married without a marriage license. You do not have to be a resident of Tennessee to apply for a marriage license in Lauderdale County but you do have to meet the other requirements for marriage license applicants in Tennessee.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of identity

Instructions

1. Visit the Lauderdale County Clerk's office during weekday business hours to apply for a marriage license. You and your fiancé must appear together or you will not be permitted to apply for a marriage license.

   Lauderdale County Clerk

   Lauderdale County Courthouse

   100 Court Square

   Ripley, TN 38063

2. Present proof of your identity to the county clerk. Acceptable forms of identity are driver's licenses, passports and your birth certificate. If you are younger than 18 years old you must have parental consent to apply for a marriage license. If you are younger than 16 years old, you must obtain a court order granting you permission to wed.

3. Fill out the marriage license application at the county clerk's office. Pay the $98.50 marriage license fee, valid as of 2010. Blood tests and premarital counseling are not required but applicants who have participated in premarital counseling and can provide a signed course completion document may pay a license fee of $38.50 instead of $98.50.

4. Use your marriage license within 30 days of issuance. The county clerk will give you your marriage license during your application appointment and you can use it anytime in the next 30 days.

Tips & Warnings

• Previously married applicants must provide a copy of their divorce decree or the death certificate of their former spouse when applying for a marriage license.

• Same-sex marriage and marriage of blood relatives is prohibited in Tennessee.

References

• Wedding Vendors: Tennessee Marriage License Information, Laws and Requirements
• Tennessee Department of Revenue: County Clerk Locations