Tennessee Marriage License Guide (2026)

Fees and rules for all 95 Tennessee counties · Updated 2026

A Tennessee marriage license is issued by the County Clerk. The total is a state privilege tax plus a local option tax and an additional state fee, so it varies by county - call your county clerk to confirm. Applications are in person only. Completing an approved premarital preparation course waives most of the additional state fee.

The process

1. Apply in person

   Tennessee marriage license applications are in person only.

2. Consider premarital counseling

   Premarital counseling reduces the fee. Ask the county clerk for the counseling certificate form.

3. Pay the county clerk

   The total varies by county: a state privilege tax, a local option tax of up to $5, and a $62.50 additional state fee. Call your county clerk for the exact amount.

Marriage license fees by county — all 95 Tennessee counties

Tennessee-specific details

What to bring

• Both parties, present in person
• The application fee - call your county clerk for the exact total
• Premarital counseling certificate form, if completed
• Valid photo identification

Frequently asked questions