What You Need to Know About Obtaining a Marriage License in the Volunteer State of Tennessee

A marriage license in Tennessee can be obtained with little difficulty when compared to licenses in other states. No matter where you live or where your wedding will be held, you can apply for your marriage license in any county in the state. If you're from out of state and want to get hitched in the Volunteer State, you can save money on your marriage license by taking advantage of the state's premarital education course.

However, there are traps that should be avoided. When entering certain facilities in Tennessee, you'll need to prove your age with proper documentation. After the ceremony is complete, you must also submit your marriage license to the appropriate authorities. We talked to Jody Secaur, a wedding officiant in Tennessee, to give you some tips on how to proceed. Aside from discussing typical blunders made by couples, he also provided advice on how to go about obtaining a marriage license.

Tennessee Marriage License Offices

Obtaining a marriage license in Tennessee is possible in any of the state's counties. It makes no difference what county you live in or where you have your wedding. A marriage license is valid throughout the state and can be obtained from any county clerk's office.

There is a requirement that both partners appear in person at a county clerk's office. While one partner enjoys the cabin and takes it easy, Secaur says, "I have had couples that, when they come to the area, one of them will run errands to gather what they will need for their stay in the area while the other stays at the cabin and relaxes or something." You can use this method to get your groceries, but it won't work to get your marriage license.

The state requires an in-person appearance for license signing, but you can complete the application online. "It is something I always advise my couples to do ahead of time: apply for their license online. This is a time-saver at the license counter, "notes Secaur. Then, "they verify the information, sign them, and they are on their way," as opposed to having to stand there and tell the clerk all the information and have them type it in.

Please Accompany This with the Necessary Paperwork

One of the most common blunders, according to Secaur, is forgetting to bring necessary paperwork. "When picking up their license, the clerk's office typically requests to see both partners' state-issued driver's licenses with photos and social security cards." Please bring the following to your in-person consultation.

Statement of Age.

To obtain a marriage license in the Volunteer State of Tennessee, an application must be filled out. Valid birth certificates are required for both partners. Although people as young as 17 can get married in this state, anyone between the ages of 17 and 20 will need to provide a birth certificate. An official form of identification such as a driver's license or passport is required to prove age 21 or older.

Identification number assigned by the Social Security Administration.

Applicants are also required to provide their combined Social Security numbers. To proceed, the couple must provide documentation verifying the existence of at least one social security number, such as a social security card or a tax form bearing the number.

Money.

A marriage license in Tennessee costs between $93.50 and $107.50. If you take a 4-hour premarital preparation course within a year of applying for your license, however, you will receive a $60 discount. Important information, such as how to communicate effectively with others in a relationship, will be covered in class. Non-locals must pay an additional $41 to participate. As a thank you for having your wedding in Tennessee, we are offering you this special deal!

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Have a Wedding!

A marriage license issued in the state of Tennessee is immediately legal. That means, if you so choose (though we wouldn't advise it! ), you can head straight from the county clerk's office to the altar. Expect the unexpected and plan accordingly. The marriage license is only valid for 30 days after the ceremony, so careful scheduling is essential.

Where things can get complicated is that in Tennessee the officiant of the wedding must tear off the bottom section of the marriage license, sign it. The state will not recognize the marriage until those documents are submitted. The completed marriage license is returned to the couple via mail from the county clerk's office. And Secaur warns you not to let that paper get lost. After your license is processed, the clerk will mail any remaining paperwork to the address listed on your license.