You cannot complete a marriage license online in Tennessee. Most county clerks offer an online pre-application that lets you enter your information ahead of time, but both applicants still have to appear together at a county clerk’s office to show ID, swear to the application, pay the fee, and pick up the license. There is no waiting period and no residency requirement, so once you’re at the counter you can walk out with a valid license the same day.
What the Online Pre-Application Does
Many Tennessee counties, including Shelby, Washington, Knox, and Davidson, use a statewide portal that lets you fill out the application in advance.1Shelby County, TN – Official Website. Shelby County Marriage Licenses2Washington County, TN. Marriages Your details are then on file when you arrive, which shortens the counter visit.
That’s the extent of the online piece. The pre-application does not replace the in-person appearance, and no county issues the license itself online. You and your partner both go to the clerk’s office together to finish the process.
What You Have to Do in Person
Bring the following to the clerk’s office:
- A government-issued photo ID for each applicant (driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
- Proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax document showing the full number. If you don’t have a Social Security number, bring proof of foreign citizenship, such as a foreign passport or immigration documents.
- The names and addresses of each applicant’s parents or guardians.
- The date any prior marriage ended, if applicable.
Both applicants swear to the accuracy of the application at the clerk’s office.3Justia. Tennessee Code 36-3-104 – Conditions Precedent to Issuance of Marriage License If one applicant is incarcerated or has a disability that prevents an in-person appearance, the statute allows a notarized statement instead.
Deployed Military Exception
The one clear path around the in-person requirement is active overseas deployment. A deployed U.S. service member can submit a notarized statement with their personal details, a certified copy of their deployment orders, and an affidavit from their commanding officer, and then participate in the ceremony by video conference.3Justia. Tennessee Code 36-3-104 – Conditions Precedent to Issuance of Marriage License
Fees and the $60 Premarital Course Discount
Fees run roughly $97.50 to $107.50 depending on the county. Shelby and Knox counties charge $97.50. Davidson County (Nashville) charges $99.50 in cash or $101.49 by card and does not accept checks.1Shelby County, TN – Official Website. Shelby County Marriage Licenses4Nashville.gov. Marriage License Washington County charges $105, and Montgomery County charges $107.50.5Montgomery County, TN Government. Marriage Licenses Most counties take cash, credit, and debit.
Every county knocks $60 off the fee if both applicants complete a four-hour premarital preparation course from a qualified instructor within the year before applying. Bring a notarized certificate of completion signed by the instructor. In Shelby County, that brings the fee down from $97.50 to $37.50.1Shelby County, TN – Official Website. Shelby County Marriage Licenses
Who Can Apply
You do not have to live in Tennessee. Out-of-state and international couples can apply at any county clerk’s office, and a Tennessee license can even be used for a ceremony held outside the state.6FindLaw. Tennessee Code 36-3-103 – Marriage License Issuance
The minimum age is 17. A 17-year-old applicant needs a parent, guardian, or custodial party to join the application under oath, and even with consent cannot marry someone four or more years older. No license issues if either party is under 17.7Justia. Tennessee Code 36-3-105 – Minimum Age of Applicants
Tennessee prohibits marriage between close relatives, including ancestors and descendants, siblings, aunts or uncles with their nieces or nephews, and stepparents with stepchildren.8Justia. Tennessee Code 36-3-101 – Prohibited Degrees of Relationship
How Long the License Is Good For
Once issued, the license is valid for 30 days.9Knox County Tennessee Government. Marriage License If the ceremony doesn’t happen in that window, the license expires and you would apply and pay again. After the ceremony, the officiant has three days to return the signed license to the county clerk; failure to do so is a Class C misdemeanor.10Justia. Tennessee Code 36-3-303 – Return of License to Clerk The statute says three days, not three business days, so it’s worth following up with your officiant.