How to Get Married in Tennessee (2026)
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Tennessee · Last updated 2026-05-18
In Tennessee, a wedding is not just a personal milestone but a series of state-law steps with their own deadlines. On the timing side: None. The license validity window is: 30 days. On common-law marriage, whether a couple can contract a marriage informally (without a license and a solemnized ceremony) is governed by the state's marriage code; in most states the answer is no, and a license-plus-ceremony is required (consult the state code). This guide lays out the Tennessee-specific sequence and the documents and rules that govern it.
Key Considerations
The Tennessee marriage code carries two timing layers. The first is the waiting period between issuance and lawful solemnization: None. The second is the license's validity period, after which a fresh license is required: 30 days. See the state agency website. Both are statutory; neither is negotiable with the clerk.
Tennessee marriage-license applicants face two upfront filters: how much the license costs and whether both applicants meet the age requirement. Fee side: $97.50. See the state agency website. Age side: When either applicant is under eighteen (18) years of age, the parents, guardian, next of kin or party having custody of the applicant shall join in the application, under oath, stating that the applicant is seventeen (17) years of age or over and that the applicant has such person's consent to marry. The state marriage code, not local custom, controls each one.
Marriage formation in Tennessee turns on two rules beyond the license. The state's common-law-marriage status is the first: whether a couple can contract a marriage informally (without a license and a solemnized ceremony) is governed by the state's marriage code; in most states the answer is no, and a license-plus-ceremony is required (consult the state code). The authorized-officiant list is the second: the categories of authorized officiants typically include clergy of any recognized faith, current judges and justices, and designated civil officers (county clerks, justices of the peace, mayors in some states); the exact list is statutory (consult the state code). Both are statutory; private agreement does not override either one.
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Relevant Documents
Documents commonly produced at a Tennessee marriage-license appointment: the marriage-license application form, identification for each applicant, and (where relevant) the certificate of completion of an approved premarital preparation course. $60. License fees in Tennessee are due to the issuing clerk at filing, often in cash or by money order; check accepted payment methods with the specific office before the appointment.
Beneficiary Designation Forms
Documents that specify who receives assets from retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts upon your death.
Durable Power of Attorney
Authorizes someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, ensuring your affairs can be managed without court intervention.
Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designates someone to make medical decisions for you if you're unable to do so, ensuring your healthcare preferences are respected.
Prenuptial Agreement
A contract entered into before marriage that establishes rights to property and financial support in case of divorce or death. This document can protect pre-marital assets and outline financial responsibilities during marriage.
Updated Will
A legal document that specifies how your assets should be distributed after death. Marriage typically invalidates previous wills in many jurisdictions, making it important to create a new one that includes your spouse.
Relevant Laws
Marriage License Requirements (TN Code § 36-3-104)
In Tennessee, couples must obtain a marriage license from a county clerk before getting married. Both parties must appear in person, provide identification, and pay a fee. The license is valid for 30 days from issuance. Tennessee offers a discount on the license fee if couples complete premarital counseling from a qualified provider.
Age Requirements (TN Code § 36-3-105)
Tennessee law requires both parties to be at least 17 years old to marry. Those who are 17 require parental or guardian consent. Recent legislation eliminated exceptions that previously allowed younger individuals to marry with judicial approval.
Waiting Period (TN Code § 36-3-104)
Unlike some states, Tennessee does not impose a waiting period between obtaining a marriage license and performing the ceremony. Once you have your license, you can get married immediately, though the license is only valid for 30 days.
Solemnization Requirements (TN Code § 36-3-301)
Tennessee law specifies who can legally perform marriages, including current and former county executives, judges, county clerks, ministers, pastors, and other spiritual leaders. The person performing the ceremony must return the completed marriage license to the issuing clerk within three days after the ceremony.
Name Change After Marriage (TN Code § 68-3-305)
Tennessee allows individuals to change their last name after marriage by using their marriage certificate as legal proof. This can be used to update your name with the Social Security Administration, Tennessee Department of Safety (for driver's licenses), and other institutions.
Regional Variances
County Marriage License Requirements in Tennessee
In Davidson County, both parties must appear in person at the County Clerk's office. The marriage license fee is $99, but can be reduced to $40 with proof of premarital counseling. The license is valid for 30 days from issuance. The County Clerk's office is located in downtown Nashville and satellite offices throughout the county.
Shelby County requires both applicants to appear together with valid ID. The fee is $97.50 without premarital counseling or $37.50 with completion of a state-approved premarital preparation course. The Shelby County Clerk has multiple locations, including the main office in downtown Memphis.
Knox County requires both parties to apply in person with valid photo ID. The standard fee is $97.50, reduced to $37.50 with proof of premarital counseling. The County Clerk's office is in the Old Knox County Courthouse in downtown Knoxville, with limited satellite locations.
Hamilton County requires both applicants to appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID. The fee is $97.50, or $37.50 with a certificate of completion from a qualifying premarital preparation course. The County Clerk's office is located in the Hamilton County Courthouse.
As a popular wedding destination, Sevier County has streamlined marriage license processes. The fee is $97.50 (or $37.50 with premarital counseling). The county has special accommodations for out-of-state couples planning destination weddings in the Smoky Mountains area, including extended office hours during peak wedding seasons.
Waiting Period and Blood Test Requirements
Tennessee has no waiting period between obtaining a marriage license and the ceremony. Blood tests are not required in any Tennessee county. This is consistent statewide, making Tennessee more convenient for couples planning destination weddings compared to some neighboring states that may have waiting periods.
Same-Sex Marriage Policies
Same-sex marriage is legal throughout Tennessee following the 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. All counties must issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples under the same terms and conditions as opposite-sex couples. However, some rural counties may have individual clerks who express personal objections, though they are legally required to issue licenses.
Officiants and Ceremony Requirements
Tennessee recognizes ceremonies performed by various religious officials, current and former judges, county mayors, and speakers of the state legislature. Tennessee also has a unique 'marriage by declaration' option (sometimes called common-law marriage) in limited circumstances, though this varies in recognition by county.
These counties, home to popular wedding destinations like Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains, have numerous wedding chapels with ordained ministers who can legally perform ceremonies. These counties have streamlined processes for tourists seeking destination weddings.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
File the marriage-license application with the Tennessee issuing clerk (county clerk, town clerk, or probate office.
Before the ceremony days after starting$97.50. Each applicant should bring valid photo identification and any prior-marriage termination documents the clerk requests.
Verify identification and any prior-marriage documents at the counter
Before the ceremony days after startingBoth applicants typically present current government photo ID; previously married applicants should bring a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate as proof the prior marriage has ended.
Confirm the license validity window before locking the ceremony date
Before the ceremony days after starting30 days. The license expires by operation of law at the end of the window; a ceremony performed after expiration is not lawful and the couple must reapply.
Calendar the post-license waiting period (if any) before the ceremony
Before applying days after startingNone. Scheduling the ceremony inside the waiting window will make the marriage unenforceable, so the date must fall on or after the earliest lawful day.
Consider completing a state-approved premarital preparation course if this state offers a discount or waiting-period.
Before the ceremony days after starting$60. The certificate of completion must be presented to the clerk at the time of application, not later.
Complete the ceremony with an officiant who falls inside the Tennessee authorized-officiant list
At the ceremony days after startingthe categories of authorized officiants typically include clergy of any recognized faith, current judges and justices, and designated civil officers (county clerks, justices of the peace, mayors in some states); the exact list is statutory (consult the state code). An out-of-state officiant performing the ceremony inside Tennessee should be confirmed against the Tennessee list, since reciprocity is not automatic.
Make sure the officiant files the executed license back with the issuing office promptly after the ceremony
After the ceremony days after startingRecording converts the license into a recorded marriage on the state's vital-records system and is what makes a certified marriage certificate available.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| File the marriage-license application with the Tennessee issuing clerk (county clerk, town clerk, or probate office. | $97.50. Each applicant should bring valid photo identification and any prior-marriage termination documents the clerk requests. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Verify identification and any prior-marriage documents at the counter | Both applicants typically present current government photo ID; previously married applicants should bring a certified copy of the divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate as proof the prior marriage has ended. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Confirm the license validity window before locking the ceremony date | 30 days. The license expires by operation of law at the end of the window; a ceremony performed after expiration is not lawful and the couple must reapply. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Calendar the post-license waiting period (if any) before the ceremony | None. Scheduling the ceremony inside the waiting window will make the marriage unenforceable, so the date must fall on or after the earliest lawful day. | - | Before applying |
| Consider completing a state-approved premarital preparation course if this state offers a discount or waiting-period. | $60. The certificate of completion must be presented to the clerk at the time of application, not later. | - | Before the ceremony |
| Complete the ceremony with an officiant who falls inside the Tennessee authorized-officiant list | the categories of authorized officiants typically include clergy of any recognized faith, current judges and justices, and designated civil officers (county clerks, justices of the peace, mayors in some states); the exact list is statutory (consult the state code). An out-of-state officiant performing the ceremony inside Tennessee should be confirmed against the Tennessee list, since reciprocity is not automatic. | - | At the ceremony |
| Make sure the officiant files the executed license back with the issuing office promptly after the ceremony | Recording converts the license into a recorded marriage on the state's vital-records system and is what makes a certified marriage certificate available. | - | After the ceremony |
Frequently Asked Questions
$97.50. The figure that controls is the one on the issuing clerk's current fee schedule, which the clerk applies at the counter. Couples should also ask the clerk about accepted payment methods, which sometimes exclude personal checks.
None. Plan the ceremony date in Tennessee against the earliest lawful day under this rule; a wedding that occurs before the period runs is voidable, and the couple would have to redo the ceremony after the period closes.
whether a couple can contract a marriage informally (without a license and a solemnized ceremony) is governed by the state's marriage code; in most states the answer is no, and a license-plus-ceremony is required (consult the state code). Couples concerned about whether their relationship qualifies as a common-law marriage in Tennessee should confirm the current rule against the state marriage code; the law has changed materially in many states between 1990 and 2026.
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