The Path to a Legal Marriage in Tennessee

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Tennessee marriage license laws make it simple for the prospective bridal couple to obtain theirs, while in any state. You may obtain a marriage license at any county clerk’s office in Tennessee. The Decatur County Clerk’s office is nearby, located at 705 West Central Avenue, in Decaturville, TN. That is mere minutes from my base location. Decatur County's standard marriage license fee is $105. However, couples who complete pre-marital counseling may be eligible for a discount of $60 from their fee when they submit a notarized Certificate of Completion at the time of application.

Most of the state’s County clerks’ offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm, though you should call the clerk’s office that you are planning to use and confirm hours and directions. Decatur County's clerk's office can be reached at: (731) 852-3417

Tennessee Marriage Law Basics:

• Tennessee Law requires bridal party members to be 18 years old. If under 18, please contact any county clerk’s office for additional information.

• Both individuals must be present to obtain your license.

• If either individual has a physical disability preventing them from appearing in person, the applicant may submit a notarized affidavit found online, or the form may be obtained from any Tennessee County Clerk's office, simply by requesting a form be sent via email. Additionally, a notarized consent letter is required by the attending physician on facility letterhead stating the disabled applicant is alert, oriented, and aware he/she is seeking to obtain a Marriage License.

• Both individuals must provide proper identification, such as a valid driver’s license, state-issued photo ID, or passport. If your Social Security number is not printed on your driver’s license, you will need to bring proof with you. If you have been issued a Social Security number, proof can be either a Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax document with the full Social Security number listed.

• If you are under the age of 21, you will need to provide a certified birth certificate in addition to your photo identification.

• If you are not a United States citizen, you must present a valid passport. Completion of the marriage application can only be done in person. If you have been married before, you will also need the month and year of your divorce, or the date of your deceased spouse’s death. If one individual (bride or partner) had a name change in her divorce and has not had her name changed on her driver’s license, she will need to provide a certified copy of her divorce decree.

• There is no waiting period or blood test requirement. You may get married the same day your license is issued. You may obtain your license up to 30 days prior to your wedding, however the license is only valid for 30 days.

• Tennessee marriage licenses range from $90-$110 and the clerk's offices only accept cash or credit/debit card payments.

The Tennessee Marriage License application process can be very time consuming. However, filling out your personal information online will allow the County Clerk to process your application more efficiently, which will save you a considerable amount of time. Also, the information entered will be forwarded directly to the appropriate County Clerk’s office, further adding to the efficiency of the application process. You will need to use your marriage license within thirty days of the date issued.

Save time and start the marriage license process online! Select the TN county you will pick up your marriage license at and then click on the marriage application link.

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. For more information regarding Tennessee marriage license laws please click the link below: