Guide to Tennessee Marriage Laws

Most couples are so excited to begin planning their wedding after getting engaged that they jump right in and immediately start looking at East Tennessee wedding venues. We can’t blame you one bit, but there are some things you should know about Tennessee marriage laws before getting too far into the planning process.

Understanding Tennessee marriage laws will ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises as your wedding day approaches. Luckily, most of the laws pertaining to marriage in Tennessee are pretty simple and straightforward!

Tennessee Marriage Laws

If you’re planning to host both a wedding and reception at a Knoxville wedding venue, there are a few legal housekeeping things you’ll need to do in the weeks leading up to your big day. Here are some of the most common Tennessee marriage laws to be aware of.

Age: Anyone who is 17 years or older can legally wed in the state of Tennessee. If you’re between the ages of 17-20, you will need to show your original birth certificate — no exceptions. Individuals aged 16-17 years old can marry with express consent from both sets of parents.

Residency Requirements: You do not need to be a resident of Tennessee to legally marry within the state.

Marriage License: In order for your union to be legally valid, Tennessee marriage laws dictate that you need to obtain a marriage license in advance of your ceremony. A couple must apply for their marriage license in person at any county clerk’s office, anywhere in the state — it does not have to be in the same county where you intend to get married. That means if your heart is set on a Knoxville wedding venue, you don’t necessarily have to get your marriage license in Knox County.

You can also apply for your marriage license online ahead of time, then simply go into the county clerk’s office to pick it up in person. A Tennessee marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued.

Identification Needed for a Marriage License: When applying for a marriage license in Tennessee, both people must present a valid photo I.D., such as a driver’s license, passport, or state I.D.card. Remember, anyone under the age of 21 is legally required to show an original or certified birth certificate, in addition to photo identification.

Waiting Period: Tennessee marriage laws do not require a waiting period for adults over the age of 18. You can legally get married as soon as you have a marriage license!

Officiant: Under Tennessee marriage laws, you are required to have an ordained official oversee your wedding. This can be any religious or government official, such as a minister, pastor, priest, or current or former judge. State law excludes someone from being ordained on the internet and legally being able to marry a couple.

Fees: The exact fee for a Tennessee marriage license varies depending on the county, but will cost between $93.50-107.50. Unique to Tennessee marriage laws, if you take a voluntary 4-hour premarital preparation course within one year of applying for your marriage license, you save $60 on the fee.

Visiting East Tennessee Wedding Venues

Once you’re familiar with Tennessee marriage laws, it’s time to start touring East Tennessee wedding venues to find the perfect place for your ceremony and reception.

We highly recommended that you begin your search for a Knoxville wedding venue as soon as you set a wedding date. The most popular East Tennessee wedding venues book far in advance (for popular dates, it’s not at all uncommon to get bookings two years out!), so the sooner you begin your search, the more likely you can secure your first-choice venue.  

Visit Holston Springs

When you’re searching for the perfect wedding venue in Eastern Tennessee, look no further than Holston Springs! Our venue sits on 55 lush acres of rolling green hills, yet is only 14 miles from downtown Knoxville. We proudly offer a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners that comfortably accommodate up to 100 guests. At Holston Springs, we also offer a variety of wedding packages to suit every taste and budget. We look forward to hosting you soon!