How to get married at the courthouse in Tennessee is a frequently asked question for couples looking for an affordable, straightforward, and legally recognized way to marry without the hassle of a traditional wedding. Tennessee provides an accessible and efficient courthouse marriage process that couples from all over the state—and even out-of-state visitors—can utilize to make their union official. Whether you’re planning your ceremony in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, or a smaller town like Murfreesboro or Johnson City, courthouse weddings offer a no-fuss option to say your vows legally and quickly. Courthouse weddings are especially popular for couples who prioritize simplicity, saving money, or need to marry within a short time frame. In this comprehensive article, we’ll cover how to get married at the courthouse in Tennessee, including all legal requirements, detailed step-by-step instructions, and essential tips to ensure your courthouse wedding goes smoothly.
Requirements to Get Married at the Courthouse in Tennessee
Before you can get married at a Tennessee courthouse, you must meet several legal requirements:
1. Age Requirements: Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without additional permissions. Individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry only with parental consent and a court order, which is rarely granted and involves legal scrutiny. Marriages under age 16 are prohibited in Tennessee to protect minors.
2. Residency: Tennessee does not require either party to be a resident of the state to apply for a marriage license or to get married there. This flexibility makes courthouse weddings in Tennessee accessible to visitors, including couples from other states or countries.
3. Marriage License Application: Both parties must apply together in person at the County Clerk’s Office in the county where you plan to marry. The license application involves providing full names, birth dates, social security numbers (if applicable), and information about previous marriages.
4. Valid Identification: Both parties need to present valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID, to verify identity and age.
5. Marriage License Fee: The cost of a marriage license varies by county but usually ranges between \$70 and \$100. This fee is payable at the time of application, often via cash, check, or credit card depending on the county clerk’s policies.
6. No Blood Tests or Medical Exams: Tennessee does not require blood tests, medical exams, or health certificates before issuing a marriage license.
7. Waiting Period: Tennessee has a three-day waiting period between the issuance of the marriage license and the ceremony, unless waived. This waiting period is intended to allow couples time to reconsider before the marriage is finalized.
8. License Validity Period: The marriage license is valid for 30 days after issuance. You must have your ceremony within this period or the license will expire.
9. Previous Marriages: You must disclose any previous marriages and provide the date they ended. Some counties may request proof of divorce or death of a former spouse.
All Steps to Get Married at the Courthouse in Tennessee
1. Apply for Your Marriage License at the County Clerk’s Office
The first step in getting married at the courthouse in Tennessee is to apply for a marriage license at the County Clerk’s Office in the county where you intend to marry. For example, if you plan a wedding in Davidson County (Nashville), visit the Davidson County Clerk’s Office. Both parties must appear in person and present valid photo IDs such as a driver’s license or passport. During your application, you will complete a form with personal details including your full names, dates of birth, social security numbers (if applicable), and any information regarding previous marriages. The clerk will collect the license fee, usually between \$70 and \$100. Remember, Tennessee enforces a mandatory three-day waiting period before you can have the ceremony unless you obtain a waiver from a judge for urgent situations.
2. Plan Your Courthouse Wedding Ceremony
After receiving your marriage license, you must wait three days before the ceremony unless the waiting period is waived. Once the waiting period is over, you can schedule your courthouse wedding ceremony. Many counties offer courthouse weddings conducted by a judge, magistrate, or authorized official. Contact your local County Clerk’s Office or courthouse in advance to confirm ceremony availability and any additional fees, as some counties may charge a small fee for performing the ceremony. The ceremony itself is usually brief—lasting 10 to 30 minutes—and can be a simple exchange of vows and signatures.
3. Prepare for the Wedding Day at the Courthouse
On the day of your wedding, bring your marriage license and valid identification for both parties. Tennessee law requires at least one witness aged 18 or older to be present to sign the marriage license. Your witness should also bring photo identification. The officiant will conduct the ceremony, guide you through the vows, and ensure the marriage license is signed by all parties, including the witness.
4. Return the Signed Marriage License for Official Recording
After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed marriage license to the County Clerk’s Office where it was issued for official recording. This step is vital to legally document your marriage. It’s a good idea to follow up with the clerk’s office to confirm that your license was recorded correctly.
5. Obtain Certified Copies of Your Marriage Certificate
Once your marriage license is recorded, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the County Clerk’s Office or the Tennessee Department of Health. Certified copies are essential for legal name changes, insurance, taxes, and other official matters. The cost per certified copy usually ranges from \$5 to \$15. Ordering several certified copies at once can save time and fees in the future.
Things to Consider When Deciding to Get Married at the Courthouse in Tennessee
1. The Three-Day Waiting Period Requires Planning
Unlike some states, Tennessee requires a mandatory three-day waiting period after you obtain your marriage license before you can marry. This waiting period may require you to plan ahead and delay your ceremony accordingly unless you qualify for and receive a judicial waiver. Make sure to confirm this timeline with your County Clerk’s Office to avoid unexpected delays.
2. Marriage License Fees Vary Widely by County
Marriage license fees differ by county in Tennessee, typically ranging from \$70 to \$100, which is higher than many other states. It’s important to check with your local County Clerk for the exact fee and acceptable payment methods. Budgeting for this fee early helps avoid surprises at the time of application.
3. Courthouse Wedding Ceremonies Can Be Personalized
While courthouse weddings are typically simple and brief, many officiants allow couples to personalize their ceremonies with personal vows or readings. If you want a meaningful, intimate experience, ask the officiant in advance what options are available for personalization.
4. Witness Requirement Is Simple but Must Be Taken Seriously
Tennessee law requires at least one adult witness during the ceremony who must sign the marriage license. Make sure your witness is reliable and brings valid photo ID. Failing to have a proper witness can cause your ceremony to be delayed or invalidated.
5. Courthouse Weddings Are Cost-Effective and Stress-Reducing
Compared to traditional weddings, courthouse weddings save money on venues, catering, and other expenses. They also reduce the stress of organizing a large event. For couples wanting to focus on their commitment without distractions, a courthouse wedding is a great solution.
6. Certified Marriage Certificates Are Crucial After Your Wedding
Once your marriage license is recorded, obtaining certified copies of your marriage certificate is necessary for name changes, insurance updates, and other official purposes. Ordering multiple copies at the time of request saves you future hassles and fees. Keep your certified copies safe and accessible.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get married at the courthouse in Tennessee helps couples navigate the process with confidence and ease. Whether you’re tying the knot in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, or any county in the state, Tennessee’s courthouse wedding process offers an affordable, straightforward, and legally recognized way to say “I do.” By gathering your identification, applying for your marriage license at the county clerk’s office, respecting the three-day waiting period, and preparing for your ceremony, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable courthouse wedding experience. With proper planning and knowledge, getting married at the court in Tennessee can be an intimate, meaningful, and stress-free start to your married life together.
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