Last updated: 5/20/2026
Quick Answer
Getting married at the courthouse in Nashville, TN, involves obtaining your marriage license from the Davidson County Clerk’s Office and then arranging a civil ceremony with an authorized officiant. Because there is no mandatory waiting period in Tennessee, you can legally get your license and hold your ceremony on the exact same day.
Fact Snapshot
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Standard Fee | Typically $99.50 in Davidson County. Verify at the Davidson County Clerk. |
| Discounted Fee | Reduces to $39.50 with a qualified premarital education certificate. Verify at the Davidson County Clerk. |
| Waiting Period | None. You can marry immediately. |
| License Validity | Valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. |
| Where to Apply | Davidson County Clerk’s Office (multiple locations in Nashville). |
Important Rules to Remember
Both partners must be present together at the county clerk’s office to pick up the Tennessee marriage license.
A Tennessee marriage license is valid for exactly 30 days after issuance, and the ceremony must take place within this window.
After the ceremony, the completed marriage license must be returned to the county clerk’s office so it can be legally recorded.
Out-of-state residents can legally obtain a marriage license in Davidson County and be married within the state of Tennessee.
Introduction
Planning a courthouse wedding in Nashville, TN, is a popular option for couples looking for a straightforward, intimate, or legally focused start to their marriage. In Davidson County, the process requires navigating local clerical requirements, understanding exactly what identification to bring, and knowing who is legally permitted to officiate your ceremony.
While the requirements are generally the same across the state of Tennessee, local procedures, accepted payment methods, and appointment availability can vary by county. This guide breaks down exactly what to expect when pursuing a civil marriage in Nashville so you can prepare your documents and timeline accurately.
Key Takeaways
- You must secure a marriage license from the county clerk before any ceremony can take place.
- Tennessee does not impose a waiting period, meaning same-day weddings are legally possible.
- You can lower the cost of your marriage license significantly by completing an educational requirement beforehand.
- The clerk’s office issues the license, but you must independently ensure an authorized officiant is available to perform the ceremony.
- Properly returning the signed license after the wedding is a critical legal step to formalize the marriage.
Step-by-Step Explanation
1. Gather the Required Documents and Identification
Before heading to the courthouse, both parties need valid proof of age and identity. According to the Davidson County Clerk, acceptable identification typically includes a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID. You will also generally need to know your Social Security Number, though you may not necessarily need the physical card.
2. Complete the Application and Pay the Fee
You can start the marriage license application online to save time, but both partners must finalize the process in person at the clerk’s office. The standard fee in Davidson County is generally $99.50. However, couples who complete a qualified state-recognized educational course for couples beforehand and present a notarized certificate of completion can reduce this fee to $39.50, as stated by the Davidson County Clerk’s official guidelines.
3. Obtain the Marriage License
Once your application is reviewed and the fee is paid, the clerk will hand you the official Tennessee marriage license. From the exact date of issuance, you have a 30-day window to hold your ceremony. If this 30-day period expires before you are married, the license becomes void, and you must restart the application process and pay the fee again.
4. Hold the Civil Ceremony
Obtaining the license does not mean you are married. You must have a ceremony solemnized by an authorized officiant, which in Tennessee includes certain religious leaders, judges, and county clerks. If you specifically want a “courthouse wedding” officiated by a government official in Nashville, you should contact the clerk’s office or local judicial chambers in advance to check availability, as walk-in ceremonies are not always guaranteed.
5. Return the Signed License
After the ceremony, the officiant must sign the marriage license. It is then the legal responsibility of the officiant (or the couple, depending on the arrangement) to return the fully signed document to the Davidson County Clerk’s Office within three days. Once the clerk records the document, the marriage is legally finalized, and you can request official certified copies from the clerk or the Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records office.
Common Mistakes
- Letting the license expire: The 30-day validity window is strict. Waiting until day 31 means you must forfeit the fee and apply all over again.
- Assuming walk-in ceremonies are available: Many couples assume a judge or clerk is always standing by to perform a wedding. Ceremony schedules vary, and an appointment is often required.
- Forgetting to return the license: A signed license sitting on a kitchen counter does not create a legal marriage. It must be filed with the clerk’s office for the marriage to be recorded.
- Sending only one partner to apply: Tennessee law generally requires both partners to appear in person at the clerk’s office to swear to the application and pick up the license.
- Overpaying for the license: Many couples pay the full $99.50 fee simply because they are unaware that completing a brief premarital education course qualifies them for a $60 reduction.
Real-World Tips
- Plan for parking: Downtown Nashville traffic and parking around government buildings can be unpredictable. Allot extra time before your arrival.
- Pre-apply online: Filling out the initial demographic information on the Davidson County Clerk’s website before you arrive can significantly reduce your wait time in the lobby.
- Check payment methods: While credit cards are usually accepted, government offices frequently add a processing fee for card transactions. Bringing exact cash or checking accepted payment methods ahead of time is wise.
- Order extra copies early: You will likely need multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate later for tasks like name changes, insurance updates, or banking. Ordering a few extra copies at the time of recording saves future trips.
When to Verify / Who to Contact
Because government hours, accepted forms of ID, and specific local requirements can change, you should always verify the latest information directly with the local authority before making travel plans.
- For Davidson County marriage licenses, fees, and office locations: Davidson County Clerk’s Office.
- For post-wedding certified marriage certificates at the state level: Tennessee Department of Health Vital Records.
Next Step
If you want an organized, step-by-step option to fulfill the state’s educational requirements and secure your discount before heading to the clerk’s office, explore the Tennessee premarital certification process to confidently prepare for your Nashville courthouse wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need an appointment for a courthouse wedding in Nashville?
Yes, you typically need to schedule an appointment if you want a judge or county official to perform your ceremony. While obtaining the license itself is generally a walk-in process, the actual officiation often requires advance coordination.
How much does a marriage license cost in Davidson County, TN?
The standard marriage license fee in Davidson County is $99.50. However, this fee drops to $39.50 if the couple completes a qualified educational program and provides the notarized completion certificate at the time of application.
How fast can you get married in Nashville?
You can legally marry on the exact same day you apply for your license. Tennessee does not enforce a waiting period between receiving the license and holding the ceremony.
Who is legally allowed to marry a couple in Tennessee?
Authorized officiants in Tennessee include regular ministers of the gospel, rabbis, various religious officials, judges, county mayors, and county clerks. It is highly recommended to confirm your chosen officiant’s legal standing in the state prior to the ceremony.
Do we need witnesses for a Tennessee courthouse wedding?
No, the state of Tennessee does not legally require witnesses to be present or to sign the marriage license during the ceremony. Only the authorized officiant is required to sign the final document.
Can non-residents get a marriage license in Nashville?
Yes, out-of-state residents can obtain a marriage license from the Davidson County Clerk. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere within the state borders of Tennessee.
Sources & Review
- Official sources used:
- Davidson County Clerk (Marriage Licenses)
- Tennessee Department of Health (Vital Records)
- Written and Reviewed by Kristen Franzen, LMHC MH22317, NCC, LPC (TN License #8036)
Disclaimer
This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Marriage license requirements, fees, and government procedures can and do change. Always verify current laws and requirements directly with the Davidson County Clerk or appropriate Tennessee government agencies before finalizing your wedding plans.
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