Everything You Need to Know About Legally Getting Married in Tennessessee

 

A marriage license is a legal document that establishes a legal relationship between two people. The bride, groom, officiant, and occasionally witnesses must all sign it. Couples must get one for the state to recognize them as legally married, which may be required for banking, tax, or insurance purposes. Without a marriage license, you cannot legally marry, and your union will not be recognized by the government. Furthermore, a valid, signed marriage license is required to receive a marriage certificate.

Guide to Getting Married in Tennessee

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    How to Get Married in Tennessee?

    When compared to other states, getting married in Tennessee is rather simple. You can apply for a marriage license anywhere in the state, and your marriage license is valid across the state, regardless of where you live or where you are getting married. 



    There are a few things you should know and documents you should bring with you when applying for a marriage license in Tennessee. It is suggested that you complete this legal element of your wedding around a month before your wedding date. Keep in mind that each Tennessee county may have its criteria, so double-check with your local county clerk



    You and your future spouse must obtain a marriage license from the local county clerk's office if you wish to marry in Tennessee. Bring proof of your date of birth as well as proof of your social security number.  You must also know your parents' names, birthplaces, and addresses. Some counties allow you to submit a pre-application for marriage and then come in to provide identification and sign the necessary documents. Because Tennessee has strict age requirements, and the sort of identification required varies by age group, you must sign your application in person, even if you do it online. 




    Tennessee Marriage Laws

    • Both parties must be 18 years old, according to Tennessee law. Although 17-year-olds are allowed to marry, you must provide a birth certificate if you are between the ages of 17 and 20.

    • A valid driver's license or government-issued photo identification is required for both individuals. 

    • You will need to bring a Social Security card if your Social Security number is not printed on your driver's license.

    • If you are not a citizen of the United States, you must show a valid passport.

    • If you've previously been married, you'll also need the month and year of your divorce or the date of the death of your deceased spouse.

    • A certified copy of the divorce decree will be required if one of the parties (bride or partner) had a name change during the divorce and her name has not been updated on her driver's license.




    It's time to get some signatures now that you have your marriage license. While the procedures for signing a marriage license differ by state, the majority of them require signatures from the people listed below:

    • The Couple - When it comes time to sign the marriage license after the ceremony, the couple must be present. 

    • The Wedding Officiant - The license must be signed by whoever legally performed the ceremony, whether it was a judge, a religious leader, or a buddy anointed for the day. They will be able to sign their names and declare their title or ordination on a line.

    • Two Witnesses - They must be physically present, and you must sign the marriage license together. The witnesses for the marriage license must also be over the age of 18 in most states. In most cases, two witnesses are required, however, in other states, only one is required.



    Who has the authority to solemnize a marriage?

    Any of the following individuals named in T.C.A. 36-3-301 may perform the ritual of matrimony:

    • All regular ministers, preachers, pastors, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders, who are over the age of eighteen (18) years.

    • Members of the county legislature, both current and previous.

    • County mayors and executive officers, as well as former county mayors and executive officers.

    • Federal judges and federal administrative law judges, as well as current and former state judges and chancellors.

    • Judges of general sessions courts, both current and former.

    • Judges in municipal courts.

    • The governor is also the person in charge.

    • Former county clerks who occupied the office on or after July 1, 2014, as well as the county clerks of each county.

    • Speakers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, both current and former.

    • Mayors of local governments.

    • Members of the general assembly who have filed a notice with the vital records office.

    • Heads of approved state and municipal law enforcement agencies nominate law enforcement chaplains.

    • Members of the local legislature.

    • Notaries Public (Chapter 255 of the Public Acts, effective 4/28/2021).



    Is the marriage license valid for a certain period?

    Thirty days from the clerk's issuance! Within the thirty (30) days, you must deliver the license to the officiant and conduct some form of ceremony before the officiant to solemnize your marriage or make it official. The ceremony could be as basic as both couples agreeing to enter into the marriage. Within three days of the marriage, the officiant must mark the fact and time of the marriage, sign the license, and send it to the county clerk.


    Unless you are under the age of eighteen, you can marry right away once the marriage license has been issued. If one of the parties is a minor, there is a three-day waiting period after filing for the license before the marriage can be solemnized or legalized. This waiting period can be waived with a court application.



    Overview

    Bring identification with you when you go to receive your marriage license. The requirements differ by location, but having your birth certificate and driver's license on hand, as well as documentation of divorce if you were previously married, is a good idea. Start the marriage license application process online to save time. The application for a marriage license can take a long time. Filling out your personal information online, on the other hand, will enable the County Clerk to complete your application more quickly, saving you time. 




    In addition, the information entered will be delivered straight to the appropriate County Clerk's office, making the application procedure even more efficient! The majority of the state's County Clerk's offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should phone ahead to double-check hours and directions.




    I hope that this blog has provided you with a good understanding of how to lawfully marry in Tennessee! I look forward to working with you as your official photographer on your special day, whether it's a small private wedding or a lavish celebration!



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