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Vital Records Online is not affiliated with any government agency. We provide a secure online service to help customers file applications for certified vital records to the appropriate state or county office. Free application forms are available directly from the Tennessee Office of Vital Records.

Tennessee Marriage Certificate

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Tennessee Marriage Certificate Overview

Learn how to order Tennessee marriage certificate from the Tennessee Department of Health - Office of Vital Records (TDH - OVR). The current processing time for marriage certificate requests is 3 to 4 days. The state fee for each certified copy is $15.00. Immediate family members and person(s) of record can request marriage certificate.

Where to Get a Tennessee Marriage Certificate

In Tennessee, certified copies of marriage certificate can be obtained from two sources: the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records and the county clerk in the county where the marriage license was issued.

Tennessee Department of Health — The state vital records office in Nashville maintains marriage records from July 1945 to the present. You can request copies by mail or through an authorized online provider. The fee is $15 for a certified copy. Visit the TN Vital Records website for forms and instructions.

County Clerk — The county clerk's office where the marriage license was issued maintains records from the county's inception. Tennessee has 95 counties, each with its own clerk. In-person requests are often processed the same day.

For the fastest and most convenient option, you can order your Tennessee marriage certificate online through our guided application service.

Is a Tennessee Marriage Certificate Issued by the State or County?

Tennessee marriage certificate originate at the county level. Couples obtain their marriage license from the county clerk's office. After the ceremony, the officiant returns the completed certificate to the county clerk within three days for registration.

The county clerk then forwards the record to the Tennessee Department of Health, which maintains the statewide registry. Both the county clerk and the state can issue certified copies of the marriage certificate.

For marriages before July 1945, you must contact the county clerk directly, as the state registry began that year. For marriages from 1945 onward, either source can provide certified copies, though fees and processing times may differ.

Tennessee as a Popular Destination Wedding State

Tennessee is one of the most popular destination wedding states in the country, largely due to the Great Smoky Mountains and cities like Nashville and Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg area alone hosts tens of thousands of weddings annually, making Sevier County one of the busiest marriage license offices in the state.

Tennessee makes destination weddings easy with no waiting period and no residency requirement. Couples can obtain a marriage license and marry on the same day. The license fee varies by county but is typically around $100. A photo ID and Social Security number are required for the application.

Tennessee does not recognize common-law marriages formed within the state. All marriages require a formal license and ceremony performed by an authorized officiant, which includes ministers, judges, mayors, county clerks, and speakers of the state legislature.

Tennessee also offers a unique incentive: couples who complete a premarital counseling course of at least four hours from a qualified counselor can receive a discount on their marriage license fee, typically saving $60. This program encourages couples to invest in the foundation of their marriage.

How to Order State of Tennessee Marriage Certificate

You can now order Tennessee marriage certificate through the VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order marriage certificate. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Tennessee Department of Health - Office of Vital Records for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your marriage certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the TDH - OVR by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Before finalizing your order, confirm and review the costs, eligibility, requirements, and current processing times to ensure a smooth application process.


Person ordering a marriage certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Tennessee marriage certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online

required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order a Tennessee Marriage Certificate?

To obtain certified copies of Tennessee marriage records, you must provide proof of identity with an accepted form of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or school ID, which is acceptable. If you don't have a photo ID, you can still establish your identity by providing two forms of secondary identification, such as a Social Security card and a utility bill. The table below lists the documents and information needed to request a Tennessee marriage certificate.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Alien Registration Receipt
Certificate of Citizenship
Driver's License
Passport
Permanent Resident Card
Temporary Resident Card
US Certificate of Naturalization
US Citizenship ID
US Employment Authorization Card
US Military ID

Application Page of Insurance Policy
Bank Statement
Copy of Police Report for Stolen ID
Deposit Slip
Health Care Coverage Card
Medical Record
Military Discharge
Pay Stub
Social Security Card
Utility Bill
Vehicle Registration
Voter Registration Card
W-2 Form




Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Marriage Certificate in Tennessee?

The costs for obtaining a marriage certificate vary depending on the fees defined by the TDH and the preferred application method. The TDH charges a $15.00 fee for certified copies of marriage certificate. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering marriage certificate.


State Fee

$15.00


Rush Processing

Not Available


Additional Copy

1 x $15.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Tennessee Marriage Certificate?

The processing time for replacement marriage certificate in Tennessee typically varies between 3 to 4 days. No rush processing is available. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

3 to 4 days

Rush Processing Time

Not Available

Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Tennessee Marriage Certificate?

In Tennessee, an individual can request their marriage record by providing proof of identity, either at the time of application or when having the application notarized. If someone else requests the marriage records on their behalf, it is important to ensure that the person is authorized to do so by reviewing the eligibility requirements.

Authorized People

  • Children
  • Parents
  • Person on Record
  • Spouse

Do I Need to Notarize My Application for a Tennessee Marriage Certificate?

The Tennessee Department of Health generally does not require applicants to obtain notarized statements when requesting certified copies of marriage certificate. However, you must notarize your application to verify your identity if you cannot provide a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID or two forms of acceptable secondary identification.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Marriage Certificate in Tennessee

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor the progress of your application to the state health department.

If you manually mail your marriage certificate request to the TDH, it is recommended that mail tracking to know when it arrives. Once the state office sends your certificate to you, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

Order Other Tennessee Vital Records

You can also request other Tennessee vital records through Vital Records Online:

You can also explore our related guides:

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How Much Does a Tennessee Marriage Certificate Cost?

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    The fee for a certified copy of a Tennessee marriage certificate varies by county and ordering method. When ordering through VitalRecordsOnline.com, processing fees apply in addition to the state or county fee. Contact your local vital records office or county clerk for the exact current fee schedule. Expedited processing and shipping options are available for an additional charge.

  • Can I Order a Tennessee Marriage Certificate Online?

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    Yes, you can order a Tennessee marriage certificate online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. The online process allows you to submit your application, provide required information, and pay securely. Online orders are typically processed faster than mail-in requests. You will need to provide identifying information about both spouses and the date and location of the marriage.

  • Can Someone Else Request My Tennessee Marriage Certificate?

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    In Tennessee, the individuals named on the marriage certificate, their immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest may request a certified copy. Third-party requestors typically need to provide a notarized authorization letter from one of the parties named on the certificate, along with valid identification and a statement explaining the purpose of the request.

  • Are Tennessee Marriage Records Public?

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    Tennessee marriage records are generally considered public records. However, access to certified copies may be limited to authorized individuals such as the parties named on the certificate, their family members, or those with a legitimate legal need. Informational or non-certified copies may be available for genealogical research and other purposes. Contact the Tennessee vital records office for specific access policies.

  • What Is the Difference Between a Tennessee Marriage Certificate and a Marriage License?

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    A marriage license is the document you obtain before your wedding that legally authorizes you to marry in Tennessee. A marriage certificate is the official record proving your marriage took place. After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the appropriate office for filing. Once recorded, it becomes the official marriage certificate. You need the certificate for legal purposes like name changes, insurance benefits, tax filing, and immigration applications.

  • Where Can I Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in Tennessee?

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    You can obtain a certified copy of a Tennessee marriage certificate from the state vital records office, the county clerk or recorder where the marriage was filed, or online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. For older records, you may need to contact the county directly or the state archives. Processing times vary by method, with online and in-person requests typically being the fastest options.

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Tennessee Marriage Certificate

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    If you lose your marriage certificate:

    1. Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the TDOH.

      Tennessee Vital Records Andrew Johnson Tower, 1st Floor 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243
      1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a health department.
      2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the TDOH at:
      3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
    3. TDOH will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

  • How to Correct or Amend a Tennessee Marriage Certificate

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    Tennessee Department of Health has provided a list of common scenarios to facilitate correcting or amending Tennessee marriage records. The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) assists with changes or corrections to marriage records through email at vrcustomerservice@tdhs.zendesk.com or by calling 615-685-4700. Allow 5 to 7 business days for their response. Visit the TN Department of Health website for information on corrections and requirements.

  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Tennessee Marriage Certificate

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    Apostilles can be requested from the Office of the Tennessee Secretary of State or Vital Records Online (VRO). VRO offers reliable apostille services in all 50 states and is legally recognized by governments and organizations in over 100 countries.

    An apostille is necessary to certify vital records for use in another country. The Tennessee Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records originally filed with the TDH.

    To request by mail, you’ll need to provide the following information:

    • A completed Authentication Submittal Form
    • Certified vital record certificate
    • Pay a fee of $2.00 per document
    • Self-addressed envelope only if expedited delivery is needed.

    You can submit requests for Tennessee marriage records apostilles to the Tennessee Secretary of State at the following address:

    For standard or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address: