How to Legally Get Married in Nashville, Tennessee (2025 Updated Guide)
How to Legally Get Married in Nashville, Tennessee (2025 Updated Guide)
Whether you're planning a big Nashville wedding, a small elopement, or a romantic ceremony at one of Middle Tennessee’s gorgeous venues, there’s one question almost every couple asks:
“How do we legally get married in Tennessee?”
The good news? It’s actually a really simple process — as long as you know where to go, what to bring, and who can (and cannot) legally perform your ceremony.
As a Nashville wedding photographer, I help couples navigate this all the time, so I created this updated 2025 guide with everything you need to know.
Where to Get Your Marriage License in Nashville
You’ll get your marriage license through the Davidson County Clerk’s Office. You do not need to be a Tennessee resident — anyone can apply.
Here are your main options:
1. Main Clerk’s Office – Downtown Nashville
📍 700 Second Avenue South, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37210
⏰ Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Most couples getting married downtown or at nearby venues pick up their license here.
2. Mainstream Drive Location
📍 523 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, TN 37228
⏰ Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Usually has shorter lines than downtown.
3. Satellite Locations
There are additional Clerk offices in Belle Meade, Hermitage, Madison, and Antioch.
Hours vary, but these locations tend to be quieter if you want a quick in-and-out experience.
Do You Need an Appointment?
No appointment needed!
Just walk in at any Davidson County location.
To save time, complete your application online first:
👉 Apply online: https://marriage.nashville.gov
(You still must appear in person to pick up the license.)
What You Need to Bring
When you go to the Clerk’s Office, bring:
✔ Valid government-issued photo ID
Driver’s license, state ID, passport.
✔ Proof of Social Security number
SS card, W2, pay stub, tax document.
✔ Payment
Most locations accept cash, credit card, or money order.
✔ Online application confirmation number
If you applied ahead of time.
❗ No need for:
Birth certificates
Blood tests
Witnesses
Divorce paperwork (unless divorced within the last 60 days)
Marriage License Cost in Tennessee
💰 $99.50 — Standard Fee
💰 $39.50 — With Premarital Counseling Certificate
Most couples pay the standard fee, but the discount is available if you complete a 4-hour premarital course and bring the certificate.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Marriage License in Nashville
Here’s exactly what the process looks like:
1. Fill out your online application (recommended)
Saves time once you arrive.
2. Arrive together at the Clerk’s Office
Both partners must appear (unless using the special notarized exception — ask the Clerk).
3. Present your documents & IDs
Simple and quick.
4. Sign your license at the counter
Signing the license = declaring your intent to marry.
5. Take the license with you
You’ll bring it to your ceremony.
6. Have your officiant complete it
This is done immediately after the ceremony.
7. Your officiant returns the license
They mail or drop it off — YOU do not return it.
8. Order certified copies
Needed for name changes, insurance, legal documents, etc.
How Long Is Your Tennessee Marriage License Valid?
✔ Valid for 30 days
Your ceremony must take place within 30 days of issuance.
✔ No waiting period
You can get your license and get married the same day.
This is one of the reasons Nashville is such a popular elopement destination!
Who Can Legally Officiate Your Ceremony in Tennessee? (IMPORTANT!)
This is where Tennessee law is strict — and many blogs online get this wrong.
✔ Legally allowed officiants:
Ordained clergy from established, in-person religious organizations
Not online-only ordinations. Your officiant must be ordained through a real religious body, not a website.
Judges & qualifying government officials
Judges
Chancellors
County mayors
Certain clerks
Some elected officials
Out-of-state clergy
If their ordination is legitimate and recognized by their organization.
❌ Not allowed in Tennessee:
Universal Life Church
American Marriage Ministries
ANY online-only ordination
“I got ordained in 5 minutes” websites
These used to be allowed, but Tennessee changed the law — and they are now invalid.
If you’re unsure, call the Clerk’s Office to confirm your officiant.
Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate
These two terms get confused constantly.
Marriage License
➡️ What you apply for
➡️ What you bring to your ceremony
➡️ Must be signed & returned
➡️ Valid for 30 days
Marriage Certificate
➡️ The document proving you are legally married
➡️ You request this after the Clerk files your license
➡️ Needed for name changes, taxes, insurance, etc.
Tennessee does not automatically mail the certificate.
You must request and pay for certified copies.
Out-of-State Couples: What You Need to Know
Nashville is one of the top wedding + elopement destinations in the South.
Here’s what to expect if you're traveling to get married here:
✔ You do NOT need TN residency
✔ You can use your license anywhere in Tennessee
✔ Your marriage is valid in all 50 states
✔ You can fly in, get the license, and get married the same day
✔ If traveling, bring:
Your passport
Backup ID
Application confirmation sheet
Printed photo of your officiant info (TN can be picky)
Where to Take Photos After Getting Married in Nashville
If you're eloping or doing something small + simple, Nashville has endless options:
Downtown Nashville
Pedestrian Bridge
Riverfront Park
The Capitol
Printer’s Alley
Rooftop bars (private access required)
Nature Locations
Centennial Park
Spring blooms at Cheekwood (permit required)
Shelby Bottoms
Radnor Lake (permits required for commercial photography)
Percy Warner Park
Modern + Iconic
The Gulch murals
The Nashville skyline from Cumberland Park
The new riverfront developments
I’m always happy to help couples choose the perfect spot based on their vision.
Permit Requirements for Popular Nashville Photo Locations
Because this is a major wedding city, some locations require permits:
✔ Cheekwood — required
✔ Radnor Lake — required
✔ Downtown rooftops — venue/management approval
✔ Centennial Park — recommended
✔ Percy Warner — sometimes required for groups
I can help you secure permits if needed.
Tips to Make the Marriage License Process Smoother
✔ Fill out the application before you arrive
Cuts your wait time significantly.
✔ Go early in the morning
Lines are shortest before 10 AM.
✔ Double check your ID
Make sure everything is spelled correctly and matches your legal name.
✔ Bring a backup payment method
Some satellite offices have limited options.
✔ Don’t wait until the last minute
Yes, you can get married the same day — but avoid stress!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need witnesses?
No. Tennessee does not require witnesses for a legal marriage.
Can we get married at the courthouse?
Davidson County does not perform courthouse weddings.
You must hire an officiant.
Can a friend officiate if they got ordained online?
No — Tennessee does not recognize online ordinations.
Do we need a blood test?
No.
Can non-U.S. citizens get married here?
Yes, as long as you have valid government ID.
Can we apply if one person cannot be present?
There is a special notarized form available — ask the Clerk.
What if my license expires?
You will need to apply for a new one. No exceptions.
Final Thoughts: Getting Married in Nashville Is Easy, Beautiful, and Stress-Free
Whether you're planning a full wedding weekend, a private elopement, or something in-between, Nashville makes the legal process incredibly simple. With no waiting period, a 30-day validity window, and multiple Clerk locations to choose from, most couples find this part of wedding planning surprisingly quick and easy.
If you’re planning a Nashville wedding or elopement and want beautiful, natural, meaningful photos of your day — I’d love to help you create something you’ll love forever.
👉 Reach out here to check my availability: