In Tennessee, you can get married as many times as you want. After applying for divorce, there is a mandatory sixty-day cooling-off period.
The cooling-off period changes to ninety days if children are involved. But, besides that rule, there is no set number of times someone can marry.
To marry someone in Tennessee, you must be at least eighteen years of age and have a valid driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate.
If your social security number is not listed on your driver’s license, you will also need to bring it with you. If you are not a United States citizen, you will need to show your passport.
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What do you need to bring with you to the County Clerk’s office?
If you have been divorced before, you must bring your divorce decree with you to the county clerk’s office. A death certificate needs to be carried with you if you are a widow or widower.
You must also bring a divorce decree with you if your name change is not reflected on your driver’s license. You must also bring a driver’s license or state-issued photo ID, a birth certificate, and/or passport.
The best way to find out exactly what it is you need to bring to the county clerk’s office is to call them.
What is the waiting period once you receive your marriage license?
There is no waiting period in Tennessee once you obtain your license. You can get married any time within a thirty-day period. After that, you will need to apply for another marriage license.
You will be able to marry the same day the marriage permit is given. Since 1987, Tennessee no longer requires its residents to take a blood test to get married.
Tennessee residents used to need a blood test to prove they did not have any venereal diseases. County officials were concerned the couple would potentially pass these on to future generations.
Does your partner need to be with you to get the license?
Both parties must be present to get their marriage license unless one of the parties is incarcerated. The cost of the license varies by county, but the approximate price range is between $90.00 and $110.00.
Some counties will provide a discount on the marriage license fee if they can. A great perk of applying for a marriage license in Tennessee is that the application process can be started online. Doing this will save you lots of time.
Who are you prohibited from marrying in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, people are prohibited from marrying their:
Child
Sibling (whole or half)
Aunt
Uncle
Grandparent
Grandchild
The lineal descent of husband or wife
While you cannot marry your sibling, you can marry your first cousins in Tennessee as well as your second and third cousins.
Does Tennessee recognize common-law marriage?
Tennessee does not recognize common-law marriages. A common law marriage is when a couple has lived together for an extended time.
They also hold themselves as husband and wife. Tennessee will recognize common law marriages from other states, meaning if a couple moves to Tennessee and was common-law married someplace else.
Who can officiate your wedding ceremony?
If you are looking for an officiant for your wedding, any of the following can perform the ceremony for you:
Preacher
Rabbi
Religious Leader
Current or former judges
Mayors
Governor
County Clerk
At what age can you get married in Tennessee?
Your marriage license must be returned to the County Clerk’s office within three days of the wedding ceremony. You can order your certificate online for a fee or pick it up from where you dropped off your license.
If there is a minor getting married, their partner cannot be more than four years older than them. Couples must obtain their marriage license from a county clerk’s office. If you are:
Under the age of 16, there must be a waiver signed by the juvenile court.
Between the ages of 16–18 years old, both parents must accompany the person wishing to be married and give their signed approval. Birth certificates are required as well as a three-day waiting period. If both parents are not available due to estrangement, death, or any other reason, a judicial member will be able to consent to them in their absence.
Also, a birth certificate is required between the ages of 18–21 years old.
Over 21 years of age, all you need to apply for a marriage license is picture identification.
Do you get a discount for completing a premarital education course?
In Tennessee, you can complete a premarital education course that can exempt you from the marriage license fee.
Many other premarital education courses will give you a discount on your marriage permit.
These premarital education courses can be very beneficial for your marriage. You can learn useful skills to keep your marriage happy and long-lasting.
What are the identification requirements for a marriage license?
Both parties must be present when obtaining the marriage license unless one of the parties is incarcerated.
If one of the parties is imprisoned, the other party must bring two forms of identification: theirs and the form of ID their incarcerated partner is using. A relative of the incarcerated party must also sign up for them.
The marriage ID requirements are:
Passport
Driver License
State-issued photo ID
Visa
Social Security Card
Military ID
Birth Certificate
Will your name change automatically after you are legally married?
Getting a marriage license with your new name does not automatically change your name.
To change your name, go to the Driver Service Center for assistance.
Do you need a witness in Tennessee if you are getting married?
You do not need a witness if you are marrying in Tennessee, but there is room on the license for one witness to sign.
The marriage permit can only be used in the state of Tennessee. You do not need to be a resident of the state of Tennessee to get your marriage license there.
In fact, non-residents who apply for a marriage license may be eligible for a free or discounted marriage license.
When you are in Tennessee, you can marry as many times as you like.
If you have been married before or are a widow/widower, you have to bring your divorce decree or former spouse’s death certificate with you to the county clerk’s office.
Once the marriage license is obtained, you can get married at any time unless you are a minor, then the waiting period is three days. The marriage license is only valid for thirty days.
If you do not use it within that time frame, then you will have to reapply for a license.
Conclusion
Make sure to bring your passport, driver’s license, state-issued photo identification, or military ID with you when you apply for your marriage license. A passport is needed if you are not a United States resident.
Depending on the age of the parties, a birth certificate may be needed as well. Getting married is an exciting time in your life we hope this post helps you to navigate the process with as much ease as possible.
