Who Issues Marriage Licenses in Knox County?
Marriage licenses in Knox County are issued by the Knox County Clerk's Office at 300 Main Street, Suite 145, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Knox County encompasses Knoxville and the University of Tennessee campus, generating high demand for marriage licenses particularly in spring and early summer. The downtown Knoxville clerk's office is in the City-County Building, easily accessible from Market Square.
The $97.50 Fee
Knox County's standard marriage license fee is $97.50. Tennessee Code Annotated §36-3-103 allows a reduction to $37.50 — a $60 savings — for couples who complete a state-approved premarital counseling program of at least 4 hours. Present the completion certificate at time of application. This is the same discount available across all Tennessee counties.
Required Documents — What to Bring
Both applicants must appear together and each bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Must not be expired. Foreign passports accepted.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card generally not required — just know your number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party has been divorced, provide the exact date and state of the divorce. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Waiting Period
Tennessee has no waiting period. Your Knox County license is valid immediately upon issuance and remains valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee for a full year. The combination of no wait and 1-year validity makes Tennessee one of the most flexible states in the country.
Several online providers offer Tennessee-approved premarital courses starting around $30–$50. Even at $50, you net $10 in savings and get the course. For couples who have already done premarital counseling through a therapist or religious institution, check whether your existing coursework qualifies — many licensed Tennessee providers' programs count.
License Validity — 1 year
Your Knox County marriage license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee. Plan your application date carefully. Use our expiration calculator and Wedding Date Planner to find your exact window.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must complete and return the signed marriage license to the Knox County issuing office within the timeframe required by Tennessee law (typically 10–30 days). After recording, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for $15 each. Order at least 4–6 copies — you'll need them for Social Security, driver's license, passport, and bank account name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A Knox County license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee, including Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Great Smoky Mountains area. Note: Sevier County (Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge) issues its own licenses if you prefer to apply there — but a Knox County license works just as well.
Yes. Both parties must appear in person at the Knox County Clerk's office together and each present valid photo ID and provide their Social Security numbers.
Tennessee accepts premarital counseling certificates from licensed ministers, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and recognized religious institutions. Bring a certificate or letter documenting the program name, duration (minimum 4 hours), and the provider's credentials.
Government offices change hours, fees, and appointment policies without always updating their websites. Call the Knox County office directly the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fees, and whether you need an appointment.
Planning Your Visit to the County Clerk
The County Clerk handles marriage license applications for Knox County. Tennessee's course discount is available to all applicants who present a state-approved completion certificate at the time of application.
Tennessee has no waiting period. The license is valid for one year statewide. The $60 premarital course discount reduces the fee from $97.50 to $37.50 — online courses start around $30.
Step-by-Step: Application to Certified Copies
Here is the complete sequence for a Knox County marriage license, from the day you apply through receiving certified copies for name changes:
- Gather documents: Both parties need valid, unexpired photo IDs and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been previously married, have the divorce date and state ready (bring a certified decree if divorced within the past 6 months).
- Visit the office: Both parties appear together at the County Clerk. The application takes 15–25 minutes. Pay the $97.50 (or $37.50 with premarital course) fee.
- License issued: You receive a physical paper marriage license. Keep it safe — it is the document your officiant will sign after the ceremony.
- Waiting period: None from the moment of issuance. Plan your ceremony date accordingly.
- Ceremony anywhere in Tennessee: Your license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee within the 1 year validity window. Your officiant signs immediately after the ceremony.
- Return the license: The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within the timeframe required by Tennessee law (typically 10–30 days). Confirm responsibility — you or your officiant.
- Order certified copies: After the marriage is recorded (2–4 weeks post-ceremony), order certified copies from the County Clerk or through VitalChek. Order at least 4–6 copies at once.
- Name changes: Use certified copies for Social Security, DMV, passport, and financial accounts. Start with Social Security first — other agencies verify against SSA records. See our name change guide for the complete sequence.
Use our Wedding Date Planner to calculate the exact window for applying in Tennessee. Download the Day-Of Checklist PDF to bring to your appointment. Use the Cost Calculator to estimate your total expenses including certified copies and name change fees.