Tennessee marriage license: cost and requirements
If you take the premarital course, the license costs about $60 less. The license expires after 30 days.
Tennessee summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.
- Cost
- Varies by county; e.g., Knox $97.50.
- Waiting period
- No waiting period.
- Validity
- 30 days, counting the day of issuance.
- Witnesses
- We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
How much is a marriage license in Tennessee?
Varies by county; e.g., Knox $97.50.
Premarital course discount: A $60 reduction (Knox: from $97.50 to $37.50) with a premarital course; you present the notarized certificate when you pay.
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Certified birth certificate or government photo ID; Social Security number if you have one. Both must appear together.
- Minimum age: 18; at 17 only with consent of a parent or guardian and if the other person is no more than 4 years older; under 17 no, with no exceptions (2018 law).
- Other requirements: A notarized statement in place of appearing is accepted only if a person is incarcerated or has a disability that prevents attending.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
County Clerk.
Where it is valid: Ceremonies anywhere in Tennessee.
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: No waiting period.
- Validity: 30 days, counting the day of issuance.
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
- Who can officiate: The people listed in T.C.A. § 36-3-301: religious leaders, certain officials and former officials, and notaries public, among others.
Tennessee counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published Tennessee county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
Other counties couples often look up
We haven't verified these counties yet. The Tennessee rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.
- Davidson County (Nashville)State rule No guide of its own yet.
How to get a marriage license in Tennessee
- Confirm where to apply: County Clerk.
- Gather your ID: Certified birth certificate or government photo ID; Social Security number if you have one. Both must appear together.
- Get your payment ready: Varies by county; e.g., Knox $97.50.
- Count the waiting period: No waiting period.
- Marry within the validity period: 30 days, counting the day of issuance.
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Tennessee marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
Ceremonies anywhere in Tennessee.
What is the minimum age to marry in Tennessee?
18; at 17 only with consent of a parent or guardian and if the other person is no more than 4 years older; under 17 no, with no exceptions (2018 law).
Who can officiate a wedding in Tennessee?
The people listed in T.C.A. § 36-3-301: religious leaders, certain officials and former officials, and notaries public, among others.
Is there a discount if we take a premarital course?
A $60 reduction (Knox: from $97.50 to $37.50) with a premarital course; you present the notarized certificate when you pay.
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- Knox County Clerk (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Knox County Clerk, summary of Public Chapter 1049 (2018) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.