Marriage license Laws in the state of Tennessee, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the Tennessee marriage laws before filling out the Tennessee marriage license form.

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
 

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, but you'll need to apply for the certificate together, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Valid Driver's License or Certified Birth Certificate or Valid Passport.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Tennessee.

If previously married: A copy of Divorce Decree.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Fees: $100 unless you receive 4 hours of marriage counseling. If your county approves your counselor and your completed session, you will be given a $60 discount. If your session is not approved by either the counselor or county, you must pay $100 instead of $40.

Waiting Period: No waiting period. 3 Days if either applicant is under 18.

Blood Tests: No blood test requirement.

Under 18: If either party is under the age of 18, they must be accompanied by parents.

•  If under the age of 16, Tennessee law requires that the couple receives a court order before being allowed to marry.

Proxy Marriages: No. Both parties must be present.

Common Law Marriage: No.

Cousin Marriage: Yes. First cousin marriage is allowed. All consanguineous prohibitions in Tennessee refer to lineal relations. Cousins are lateral relations and are therefore not prohibited.

Same Sex Marriage: No.

Officiants: All regular ministers of the gospel of every denomination, and Jewish rabbis, more than 18 years of age, having the care of souls may perform marriages. Ministers must endorse the marriage license and return it to the clerk of the county court within three days after the marriage.

Valid: License is valid for 30 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Tennessee.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

Davidson County Clerk
Nashville, TN
615. 862. 6256

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