$60 course discount reduces fee to $37.50. Gatlinburg/Smoky Mountains major destination.
Tennessee Marriage License — State Rules
Tennessee's $60 premarital course discount is the most impactful in the country after Texas — reducing the fee from $97.50 to $37.50. The Smoky Mountains area (Knox, Sevier Counties) is one of the top elopement destinations in the Eastern US. Tennessee requires no waiting period and offers 1-year validity.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | County Clerk |
| Waiting period | None |
| License validity | 1 year |
| Fee range | $37.50–$102 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | None required |
| Residency required? | No — Tennessee has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes — both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No — Tennessee does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the County Clerk
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport. Both parties.
- Social Security Number — required on the application for both parties. Physical card typically not required. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information — date and state the prior marriage ended (divorce or death). For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
- Fee payment — $37.50–$102. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
Tennessee County Guides
Select your county for the exact office address, hours, fee, appointment requirements, and county-specific procedural detail.
Fee: $97.50 ($37.50 w/course)
Fee: $97.50 ($37.50 w/course)
Fee: $102 ($42 w/course)
County-by-county guides for all Tennessee counties are being expanded continuously. Use our checklist tool for a personalized document list based on your state while additional county pages are added.
Frequently Asked Questions — Tennessee
No. Tennessee has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a Tennessee marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee.
The waiting period in Tennessee is None. This means you must wait this long after receiving the license before holding the ceremony. See our waiting periods guide for the complete statewide comparison and waiver procedures.
A Tennessee marriage license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. If the ceremony does not occur within this window, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the fee again. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact deadline.
No. A Tennessee marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Tennessee. If your ceremony is in a different state, you must apply for a license in that state. Your home state will recognize any legally performed marriage from another state.