If you recently set a date for your wedding, there may be a few steps you're unsure about. While planning the wedding itself can be exciting there are a few legal matters that have to be taken care of before the wedding. With the appropriate knowledge you'll be able to side-step any hurdles.

Here's what you'll need to know and what documents you will need before applying for a marriage license in the state of Tennessee. It's recommended that the legal matters of your wedding be addressed a couple of months before the wedding.

These guidelines apply to the state of Tennessee each county may have additional requirements not outlined below.

Identification and Residency:

• A valid driver's license, certified birth certificate or a valid passport is required in order to receive a marriage license in the state of Tennessee.
• Your Social Security number must also be provided. This is a non-negotiable requirement.  Only passports from those who are not US citizens are acceptable.
• You do not have to be a resident of Tennessee.

Previous Marriages:

If you have been married previously, then you will need to provide a copy of your divorce decree.

Waiting Period:

• Fortunately, a marriage license is not like purchasing a handgun in the state of Tennessee. There is no waiting period. If all your paper work is in order you will recieve your marriage license should be issued same day.

Cost:

• The fee for a marriage license is $93.50 - $98.50.
• Cash only is required by some counties, while others do accept debit cards.
• It is possible to receive a discount of $60.00. In order to do so, you must complete a premarital preperation course in the year prior to your application date. You will need to provide a Certificate of Completion in order to receive your discount.
• According to Tennessee Statutes 36-6-413-b-2, non-residents in some counties can receive a $60 discount upon showing the county clerk proof that establishes they are not Tennessee residents. Call the county clerk in the county you wish to get married to see if this discount is applicable.

Tests:

• The infamous blood test is now an urban legend in the state of Tennessee. No blood test is required.

Proxy Marriages:

• No. However, if an individual is incarcerated or has a "disability that prevents the applicant from appearing", a notarized statement containing the "person's name, age, current address and the names and address of the parents or next of kin" may be accepted by the county clerk.

Is my Marriage Legal?:

• Believe it or not marrying your first cousin is legal in the state of Tennessee. But we don't recommend it.
• Common Law Marriages are not recognized in the state of Tennessee.
• Same sex marriages are not legal in the state of Tennessee.
• Under 18: If either party is under the age of 18, they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
• Under 16: If either party is under the age of 16, Tennessee law requires that the couple receive a court order before being allowed to marry.

Officiants:

Any ordained or licensed clergymen over the age of 18, and justices of the peace, members of county legislative bodies, county executives and former county executives, current and former judges and chancellors of the state, current and former judges of general sessions courts, current and former governors of the state, the county clerk for each county, current and former speakers of the senate and speakers of the house of representatives, and Mayors of municipalities.

Other notes of Interest:

• The marriage license is valid for thirty (30) days.
• State and county marriage license requirements often change. The information provided here is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. It's important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before makeing any wedding plans.