Simplified Guide to Getting Your Marriage License in Tennessee
I am going to be sharing the journey to marriage begins with a somewhat bureaucratic yet crucial step - obtaining a marriage license. Having recently navigated through this process in Wilson County, Tennessee, I found it to be straightforward. Here's a walk through my experience to help simplify the process for other lovebirds in the area.
Step 1: Eligibility Assurance
Being a resident of Wilson County, the first step was a breeze for me. However, if you're from out of state, fear not, you can still apply as long as you plan on tying the knot in Wilson County.
I also marked my calendar to ensure we'd say our “I dos” within 30 days of application, as the license has a use-by date.
Step 2: Online Prelude
I began by scheduling our appointment online, though a quick call would have done the trick too.
Then, I filled out the online marriage application, a step that needs completion before your appointment. It felt like the first official step towards our big day, and the online form was user-friendly.
Step 3: Appointment Adventure
On the day of the appointment, filled with a blend of anticipation and romantic excitement, the office called me before we arrived to make sure we had all of our information. They swiftly reviewed our application.
What you need:
Primary ID: I used my passport, while my partner used their driver’s license. Both are acceptable.
Secondary ID: We both used our U.S. Social Security Cards, but you can also use your W2
I always come over prepared with a photocopy of everything
Step 4: Payment and Getting the License
The license fee was $93.50, but a premarital preparation course brought it down to $33.50—a sweet saving that left us with extra for wedding decor! haha
They processed our payment (take note, card payments have a small additional charge), and handed us our license. Holding it in my hands made the upcoming wedding feel all the more real!
Handling the Marriage License on The Wedding Day
On the beautiful day of tying the knot, amidst the joy and celebrations, the official aspect of the marriage also takes place. In my experience, the officiant was present on our wedding day to solemnize our marriage and sign the marriage license, a crucial step to legalize the union.
Once the ceremony concluded, we had two primary options to ensure the license got registered:
Officiant Submission: Our officiant offered to take the responsibility of returning the signed marriage license to the county clerk's office. This was a hassle-free option as the officiant was familiar with the process. A few days later, we received our official marriage certificate in the mail, signifying the legal recognition of our marriage.
Personal Submission: Alternatively, we could have chosen to personally take the signed marriage license to the county clerk's office. This option would have allowed us to hand-deliver the document, ensuring its safe arrival, and we would have received an official copy of our marriage certificate on the spot.
Both methods are efficient, and the choice largely depends on personal preference and trust in the officiant's professionalism. It's a momentous occasion, and having a smooth process to legalize the marriage only adds to the joy of the day.
In the End
Navigating through the name change process was a blend of excitement, romance, and a sprinkle of bureaucracy. With a scheduled appointment, filled-out online application, necessary IDs, and fee payment, we crossed the threshold from engaged to ready-to-wed. The process was straightforward, and holding the marriage license in our hands felt like holding a golden ticket to our future together in the beautiful state of Tennessee.
BY COUNTY
I've gathered information on the marriage license application process from various county clerk offices surrounding Nashville, TN. Here's a simplified summary of the procedures, contact details, and other relevant information from different counties:
Cannon County:
Visit the Cannon County Clerk's Office at 200 W Main St, Woodbury, TN 37190, or call at (615) 563-4278 for inquiries.
Both parties need to be present, and identification is required.
The fee for a marriage license is $100, with a $60 discount if a premarital course is completed.
Cheatham County:
The application process begins online HERE or you can visit the county clerk's office at 264 S Main St, Suite 109, Ashland City, TN 37015.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling (615) 792-5179.
The fee is $99.50, reduced to $39.50 with a premarital course completion certificate.
Davidson County:
You can apply for a marriage license at the Davidson County Clerk's Office from Monday to Friday, at 700 2nd Ave S, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37210, or phone: 615-862-6050. download the application HERE
Cash $99.50 Card $101.49
A $60 savings is available by submitting a notarized pre-marital counseling Certificate of Completion at the time of application.
Marriage License is valid for 30 days from date of issuance
Civil ceremonies are not performed at the Davidson County Clerk’s Office at this time
For marriage records, you may need to contact the Davidson County Clerk's Office directly at the provided phone number or address.
Dickson County:
Begin the application process online HERE or visit the office at 106 N Main St, Charlotte, TN 37036.
Contact the office at (615) 789-5003 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
The license fee is $97.50, with a discount to $37.50 if a premarital course has been completed.
Robertson County:
Start the process ONLINE or visit the office at 511 S Brown St, Springfield, TN 37172.
Call (615) 384-3772 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
The fee is $97.50, reduced to $37.50 with a premarital course completion certificate.
Rutherford County:
Begin the process at Rutherford County's official website or visit the office at 319 North Maple Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, phone: 615-898-7800
The license must be used within 30 days from the date of issue.
The office operates from 8 AM - 4 PM from Monday to Thursday, and 8 AM - 5 PM on Friday.
Sumner County:
You can apply for a marriage license at the Gallatin location from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, at 355 Belvedere Drive North, Gallatin, TN 37066, or phone: 615-452-4063
The license fee is $95
Marriage records from 1787 to 1980 are available at the Archives, contact: 615-452-0037
Williamson County:
You can apply for a marriage license at the Williamson County Clerk's Office from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, at 1320 W Main Street, Suite 135, Franklin, TN 37064, or phone: 615-790-5712. Get the application HERE
$40 with pre-marital counseling, $100 without counseling certification
For marriage records, you may need to contact the Williamson County Clerk's Office directly at the provided phone number or address.
Wilson County:
You can apply for a marriage license at the Wilson County Clerk's Office, at 129 S College St, Lebanon, TN 37087, or phone: 615-965-6709. The application process begins online HERE, and an appointment is necessary for in-person visits
The license fee is $93.50, reduced to $33.50 if a premarital preparation course is completed
Marriage records from 1787 to 1980 are available at the Archives, contact: 615-452-0037 (based on the previously discussed Sumner County example).
The details provided are aimed at simplifying the process and making it easy for newly wed couples to understand the steps they need to follow to obtain a marriage license in the areas Nashville, TN and surrounding areas.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is based on personal experience and data retrieved from government websites. It is intended to serve as a helpful resource for individuals navigating the marriage license process in Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding counties. I am not an expert on this subject, nor am I affiliated with any government entity. This guide is meant to act as a directional tool rather than an authoritative or legal advice. Procedures, fees, and regulations may change over time, and it's advisable to consult the official government websites or contact the respective county clerk's offices for the most current information. Your understanding and discretion are highly appreciated. As of October 2023.
