State guide
Tennessee
Tennessee marriage licenses are issued by county clerks, with no waiting period and a 30-day validity window. Tennessee law allows several civil officials to solemnize marriages, including county clerks, judges, and Tennessee notaries, but whether a courthouse ceremony is actually offered is county-specific. ([secure.tncountyclerk.com](https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/menuList.php?list=marriage))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Who issues licenses
- county clerk ([secure.tncountyclerk.com](https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/menuList.php?list=marriage))
- Waiting period
- none ([secure.tncountyclerk.com](https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/menuList.php?list=marriage))
- License valid for
- 30 days ([secure.tncountyclerk.com](https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/menuList.php?list=marriage))
- Witnesses
- not required ([gscourt.nashville.gov](https://gscourt.nashville.gov/general-information/general-sessions-court-wedding-services/))
- License fee
- state/local tax-and-fee components published by TN are $82.50-$87.50; county-specific totals vary (example: Davidson posts $99.50 cash / $101.49 card) ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/local-taxes/marriage-license-tax.html))
Official resources in Tennessee
Tennessee County Clerk – Marriage License Information
Statewide county-clerk portal summarizing Tennessee marriage license requirements and basic validity rules.
Nashville.gov – Who Can Solemnize a Marriage?
Official list of people authorized to solemnize marriages in Tennessee, including county clerks and notaries.
Nashville.gov – Marriage License
County clerk page with a current posted fee example and Davidson County-specific notes.
Key facts for Tennessee
- A Tennessee marriage license must be obtained from a county clerk. ([secure.tncountyclerk.com](https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/menuList.php?list=marriage))
- For applicants 18 or older, Tennessee has no waiting period. ([secure.tncountyclerk.com](https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/menuList.php?list=marriage))
- A Tennessee marriage license is valid for 30 days after issuance and may be executed outside Tennessee. ([secure.tncountyclerk.com](https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/menuList.php?list=marriage))
- Witnesses are not required under Tennessee law for a valid ceremony. ([gscourt.nashville.gov](https://gscourt.nashville.gov/general-information/general-sessions-court-wedding-services/))
- Tennessee’s statewide tax/fee components total $82.50 to $87.50 before any county-added processing/card charges; Davidson currently posts $99.50 cash or $101.49 card. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/local-taxes/marriage-license-tax.html))
- No official Tennessee source found here describing a self-uniting marriage option or a one-day temporary officiant designation. ([nashville.gov](https://www.nashville.gov/departments/county-clerk/marriage-license/who-can-solemnize?utm_source=openai))
Courthouse ceremonies in Tennessee
| County | Details |
|---|---|
| Davidson | Davidson County Clerk says it does not perform civil ceremonies, but General Sessions Court judges offer courthouse wedding services. ([nashville.gov](https://www.nashville.gov/departments/county-clerk/marriage-license)) |
| Knox | Knox County’s official FAQ says civil ceremonies are by appointment at the Knox County Courthouse only. ([commission.knoxcountytn.gov](https://commission.knoxcountytn.gov/faqs/?utm_source=openai)) |
What to do next
- Start with the county clerk portal, then check your chosen county’s page for that office’s exact price and whether it performs ceremonies. ([secure.tncountyclerk.com](https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/menuList.php?list=marriage))
- If you want the lowest likely fee, ask whether you qualify for the premarital-course reduction before you apply. ([tn.gov](https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/local-taxes/marriage-license-tax.html))
- If you want a courthouse ceremony, confirm with the specific county or judge first; some large counties expressly do not perform them at the clerk’s office. ([nashville.gov](https://www.nashville.gov/departments/county-clerk/marriage-license))
Helpful guides
- How to get married at the courthouse
- What to bring when you apply for a marriage license
- Marriage license waiting periods and expiration dates
- Do you need witnesses for a courthouse wedding?
Do you serve Tennessee? Get a featured listing for $30/month, clearly labeled as a paid placement.