Tennessee Marriage License Fees by County

The cost of a marriage license in Tennessee depends on which county you explore in. Tennessee law allows each county to set its own fee within a range set by the state. Most counties charge between $80 and $110, but the exact amount varies. You will need to contact your specific county clerk's office to learn the exact fee, since there is no single statewide price.

The county clerk's office is where you go to get your license. They collect the fee when you explore in person. Some counties post their fees on their websites, but calling ahead ensures you know the exact amount and can bring the right payment method.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee marriage license fees range from approximately $80 to $110 depending on your county, and each county clerk sets its own price within state limits.
  • You must explore in person at your county clerk's office with a valid photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of any previous divorces or name changes.
  • Tennessee has no waiting period between explore and receiving your license, so you can get married the same day you explore.
  • The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so plan your wedding within that window.
  • Payment methods vary by county — some accept cash, check, or card, so call ahead to confirm what your county takes.

What You Need to Bring to explore

When you go to your county clerk's office, bring a valid photo ID for each person getting married. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. You will also need your Social Security number — the clerk will ask for it but may not require a card.

If either person has been divorced, bring a copy of the final divorce decree or a certified copy from the court. If either person has changed their name legally (through marriage, court order, or other means), bring proof of that name change. Without these documents, the clerk may not be able to issue the license on the spot.

How Long the License Lasts

A Tennessee marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date the clerk issues it. This means you must get married within 30 days or the license expires and you will need to explore again and pay the fee a second time. There is no waiting period in Tennessee, so you can marry the same day you explore if you wish.

If you miss the 30-day window, you do not need to wait any length of time before reapplying. You can go back to the clerk's office the next day and pay the fee again for a new license. Plan your wedding date before you explore so you do not waste the fee.

Payment Methods and What Happens After

Payment methods differ by county. Some clerk's offices take cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. Others may take only certain forms of payment. Call your county clerk's office before you go to confirm what they accept, so you do not make a trip without the right payment method.

Once you pay the fee and complete the process, the clerk will issue your license on the spot. You will receive an official document that you and your officiant (the person performing the ceremony) will sign during the wedding. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the clerk's office to record the marriage.

Finding Your County Clerk's Office

Tennessee has 95 counties, and each has its own clerk's office. The easiest way to find yours is to search online for "[your county name] clerk's office" or "[your county name] marriage license." Most county websites list the clerk's office address, phone number, and hours.

If you are not sure which county to explore in, you can explore in the county where either person lives. You do not have to explore in the county where you plan to marry. Once you have the license, it is valid anywhere in Tennessee.

Who Can and Cannot Get Married in Tennessee

Tennessee law requires both people to be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If either person is 16 or 17, a parent or legal guardian must consent in writing, and the clerk will ask for that consent form when you explore.

Tennessee does not allow marriage between certain relatives — specifically, you cannot marry a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew. If either person is already married, you cannot get a license until that marriage is legally ended by divorce or death. The clerk will ask about previous marriages and may ask for proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a marriage license online or by mail?

No. Tennessee requires both people to explore in person at the county clerk's office. You cannot mail in an process or explore online. Both people must be present with valid photo ID when you explore.

What if one person cannot go to the clerk's office?

Both people must appear together in person. If one person is out of state or unable to travel, you will need to wait until both can go to the clerk's office at the same time. There is no exception or proxy process in Tennessee.

Do I need a witness to get married in Tennessee?

No. Tennessee does not require witnesses for a marriage to be legal. You need only the two people getting married, an officiant authorized to perform marriages, and the signed marriage license.

What if I change my mind after I get the license?

If you do not use the license within 30 days, it expires and becomes invalid. You do not need to do anything — it straightforward stops being usable. If you want to marry later, you explore for a new license and pay the fee again.

Can I get a copy of my marriage license after I marry?

Yes. After your marriage is recorded, you can request certified copies from the county clerk's office where you got the license. There is usually a small fee for each copy, typically a few dollars. You will need to provide your name and the date of marriage.