How to Get a Marriage License in Tennessee
Tennessee marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- varies by county (~$41-$104; $60 less if a premarital course is completed) — County Clerk
- Waiting period
- none (TN repealed its 3-day wait)
- Minimum age
- 18 without consent
- Blood test
- no
Confirm the fee before you go. The marriage-license fee in this state is set by the county and varies, so the figure above is a representative range — check the exact, current fee on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. This page is informational only and is not legal advice.
This row is flagged for re-verification on publish (county-set fee and/or a statute section still being pinned).
Couples seeking to marry in Tennessee should apply for a marriage license at the County Clerk's office in the county where they intend to marry. Tennessee has no residency requirement and no waiting period, meaning a license can be obtained and used immediately. The license remains valid for 30 days from issuance. Some counties offer online application options, though the license must be finalized in person at the County Clerk's office. Applicants must present a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and a Social Security number.
Tennessee law permits marriage at age 18 without parental consent. Those age 17 may marry with parental consent, provided the age difference between the parties does not exceed four years. Individuals under 17 are not permitted to marry. The license fee varies by county and typically ranges from approximately $41 to $104; however, couples who complete an approved premarital course may receive a discount of around $60 on the fee. Because fees are set at the county level and regulations may change, couples should confirm the exact current fee and all eligibility requirements with their specific county clerk's office or the official county clerk website before applying.
What a marriage license actually is
A marriage license is the government document that authorizes your marriage; you apply for it before the ceremony, and once it’s signed and returned it becomes your marriage record. The fee, waiting period and ID rules below are what each state and county sets — always confirm the exact current amount with the issuing clerk.
| Requirement | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| License fee | varies by county (~$41-$104; $60 less if a premarital course is completed) — County Clerk |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | none (TN repealed its 3-day wait) |
| License validity | 30 days |
| ID required | government photo ID; proof of age; SSN |
| Residency required | no |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 17 with parental consent (age gap ≤4 yrs); under 17 not permitted |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | no witnesses required |
| Online option | some counties offer online application; finalized at the County Clerk |
| Where to apply | County Clerk (county-administered) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Full Tennessee requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record Tennessee marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.