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Tennessee marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Tennessee's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished November 12, 2026

Editorial standards

Tennessee marriage license at a glance

Fee: $99.50 in cash or $101.49 by card at the Davidson County Clerk in Nashville. A notarized premarital counseling certificate saves $60. Waiting period: None. The Montgomery County Clerk says there is not a waiting period and the license is issued the same day you apply. How long it is valid: Valid for 30 days from issuance, counted under state rules.

Tennessee counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Davidson County; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Tennessee marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 12, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $99.50 in cash or $101.49 by card at the Davidson County Clerk in Nashville. A notarized premarital counseling certificate saves $60. (Source: nashville.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
Premarital education discount: $60 of the state additional $62.50 fee is waived for out-of-state residents or couples with an approved premarital course certificate. (Source: tn.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Waiting period: None. The Montgomery County Clerk says there is not a waiting period and the license is issued the same day you apply. (Source: montgomerytn.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
How long the license is valid: Valid for 30 days from issuance, counted under state rules. (Source: nashville.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Witnesses: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Who may officiate: Ministers and other religious leaders over 18, plus listed officials such as judges, county mayors, county clerks and notaries. (Source: nashville.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Check with your county clerk. Official page
ID and documents to bring: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Where to apply: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Online application: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Check with your county clerk. Official page

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Tennessee?

$99.50 in cash or $101.49 by card at the Davidson County Clerk in Nashville. A notarized premarital counseling certificate saves $60. $60 of the state additional $62.50 fee is waived for out-of-state residents or couples with an approved premarital course certificate. Tennessee counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Davidson County; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Tennessee?

None. The Montgomery County Clerk says there is not a waiting period and the license is issued the same day you apply.

How long is a Tennessee marriage license valid?

Valid for 30 days from issuance, counted under state rules.

Who can officiate a wedding in Tennessee?

Ministers and other religious leaders over 18, plus listed officials such as judges, county mayors, county clerks and notaries.

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