Who Can Officiate A Wedding In Tennessee?

In 2019, Tennessee tried to pass a law that would prevent ministers ordained online from solemnizing weddings. This law was challenged in federal court and, in 2023, the ULC secured assurances that its ministers' rights to perform wedding ceremonies in Tennessee would be respected.

In Tennessee, the rite of matrimony may be solemnized by religious leaders, current and former members of county legislative bodies, mayors, current and former judges, municipal court judges, county clerks, current and former speakers of the senate and speakers of the house of representatives, law enforcement chaplains, military chaplains, members of municipal legislative bodies, and Tennessee Notary Publics.

To officiate a wedding in Tennessee, one must be over the age of 18 and follow these basic steps: check county marriage laws, acquire a Tennessee marriage license, perform the ceremony, and complete and sign the marriage license.

Who can officiate a wedding in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the following people are authorised to perform a marriage:

• All regular ministers, preachers, pastors, priests, rabbis and other religious leaders of every religious belief, over the age of 18, having the care of souls
• Current and former members of county legislative bodies
• County mayors/executives and former county mayors/executives
• Current and former judges and chancellors of the state, including federal judges and federal administrative law judges
• Current and former judges of general sessions courts
• Municipal court judges
• The county clerk of each county, and former county clerks who occupied the office on or after July 1, 2014
• Current and former speakers of the senate and speakers of the house of representatives
• Mayors of municipalities
• Members of the general assembly who have filed notice with the office of vital records
• Law enforcement chaplains duly appointed by the heads of authorised state and local law enforcement agencies
• Military chaplains officially appointed by their respective commanding officer
• Members of municipal legislative bodies
• A Tennessee Notary Public

In 2019, Tennessee tried to pass a law that would bar ministers who were ordained online from solemnising weddings. However, this was challenged in court and, in 2023, it was ruled that ministers' rights to perform wedding ceremonies in Tennessee would be respected.

Regardless of where you are located, there are some basic steps you will need to follow to officiate a wedding:

• Become ordained online
• Check county marriage requirements
• Obtain a valid marriage license
• Prepare for the wedding

As a marriage officiant in Tennessee, it is your legal responsibility to fill out the marriage license in the presence of the couple and any required witnesses. You will also need to conduct the wedding ceremony and return the marriage license to the county clerk.

How to get ordained in Tennessee

The process of getting ordained in Tennessee is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Understand the Requirements:

Before beginning the process, it is essential to understand the requirements to perform a wedding legally in Tennessee. According to Tennessee law, the act of conducting a wedding ceremony is called the "Solemnization of Marriage." The people authorised to perform this act are religious and government officials. The easiest way to gain this legal right is by getting ordained.

Choose an Ordination Organisation:

There are several organisations that offer ordination services, such as Universal Life Church (ULC), American Marriage Ministries (AMM), and Open Ministry. These organisations can provide you with the credentials and guidance needed to perform weddings in Tennessee.

Get Ordained:

The ordination process is typically free and can be completed online through the chosen organisation's website. The process is usually quick and straightforward, and you will receive a minister's license upon completion.

Contact the County Clerk:

Once you are ordained, your next step is to contact the County Clerk's office in the relevant county. Let them know that you are an ordained minister and inquire about any specific requirements or documentation they may need from you to officiate a wedding in their county. Requirements may vary from county to county, so it is essential to contact the specific county where you plan to perform the wedding.

Obtain Necessary Credentials:

After contacting the County Clerk, you will want to obtain physical copies of your ordination credentials. These may include your Letter of Good Standing, ordination certificate, and other relevant documents. These credentials provide peace of mind to couples and demonstrate your authorisation to perform the wedding ceremony.

Register with the State:

In addition to obtaining your credentials, you may need to register as a wedding officiant with the Tennessee Government. Check with the County Clerk or relevant state authority to understand the specific registration requirements.

Understand Marriage License Requirements:

As a wedding officiant in Tennessee, you will also need to understand the requirements for marriage licenses. Marriage licenses in Tennessee are issued by the County Clerk's office and are valid for a set period, typically 30 days. There is usually no mandatory waiting period, meaning the couple can get married on the same day they receive their license. However, the signed license must be returned to the issuing office within a specified timeframe, usually within 3 days of the wedding.

Perform the Wedding:

Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you are ready to perform the wedding! Ensure that the couple has obtained their Tennessee marriage license and that you have all the necessary documentation. On the wedding day, your main duties will be to conduct the wedding ceremony and complete and return the marriage license to the issuing office within the required timeframe.

Tennessee marriage license requirements

To obtain a marriage license in Tennessee, couples must visit the county clerk's office in their county. Both parties must be present and bring a valid driver's license, government-issued photo ID, passport, or certified birth certificate to prove their date of birth. They will also need to provide their Social Security number if they have one, as well as their parents' names, birthplaces, and addresses if living. The marriage license fee is typically $97.50-$101.49, but Tennessee residents can save $60 by completing a premarital preparation course within a year of applying for the license. The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, and there is no waiting period, meaning couples can get married the same day.

Once the marriage ceremony has been completed, the signed marriage license must be returned to the county clerk within three days. As the wedding officiant, it is your responsibility to ensure that the marriage license is handled correctly on the wedding day. This involves asking the couple to present their marriage license before the ceremony, confirming its validity, completing and signing the license, and ensuring its return to the county clerk.

In Tennessee, the rite of matrimony may be solemnized by any of the following persons:

• Regular ministers, preachers, pastors, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders of every religious belief, over the age of 18, having the care of souls
• Current and former members of county legislative bodies
• County mayors/executives and former county mayors/executives
• Current and former judges and chancellors of the state, including federal judges and federal administrative law judges
• Current and former judges of general sessions courts
• Municipal court judges
• The county clerk of each county, and former county clerks who occupied the office on or after July 1, 2014
• Current and former speakers of the senate and speakers of the house of representatives
• Mayors of municipalities
• Current and former members of the general assembly who have filed notice with the office of vital records
• Law enforcement chaplains duly appointed by the heads of authorized state and local law enforcement agencies
• Military chaplains officially appointed by their respective commanding officers
• Members of municipal legislative bodies
• A Tennessee Notary Public

How to perform a wedding in Tennessee

Who can solemnize a wedding in Tennessee?

According to Nashville and Davidson County, the following persons can solemnize a wedding:

• All regular ministers, preachers, pastors, priests, rabbis, and other religious leaders of every religious belief, more than eighteen (18) years of age, having the care of souls
• Current and former members of county legislative bodies
• County mayors/executives and former county mayors/executives
• Current and former judges and chancellors of this state, including federal judges and federal administrative law judges
• Current and former judges of general sessions courts
• Municipal court judges
• The county clerk of each county, and former county clerks who occupied the office on or after July 1, 2014
• Current and former speakers of the senate and speakers of the house of representatives
• Mayors of municipalities
• Members of the general assembly who have filed notice with the office of vital records
• Law enforcement chaplains duly appointed by the heads of authorized state and local law enforcement agencies
• Military chaplains officially appointed by their respective commanding officer
• Members of municipal legislative bodies
• A Tennessee Notary Public

How to Officiate a Wedding in Tennessee:

• Get Ordained Online: The first step is to become a legal minister of the Universal Life Church (ULC), one of the world's largest religious organizations. Online ordination is fast, easy, and completely free.
• Check County Marriage Requirements: Each county in Tennessee may have its own requirements for officiants, so it's important to contact the local County Clerk's office to inquire about the necessary documents.
• Obtain a Valid Marriage License: Marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk's office and must be picked up by the couple. The officiant should understand the rules for marriage licenses in Tennessee and the specific county. The license is valid for 30 days, and there is no waiting period between when it is picked up and when the ceremony can be performed.
• Prepare for the Wedding: Understand your responsibilities as an officiant, which include conducting the wedding ceremony and completing the marriage license. Ask the couple to present their marriage license before the wedding and confirm its validity.
• Perform the Wedding: During the ceremony, follow any guidelines or traditions relevant to your role as an officiant.
• Finalizing the Marriage: After the ceremony, sign the marriage license along with the couple and their witnesses. Your title will be "Minister," the ceremony type is "Religious," and the denomination is "Non-Denominational." Return the completed marriage license to the County Clerk within 3 days of the wedding.

Tennessee marriage laws

In 2019, Tennessee tried to pass a law that would bar ministers who were ordained online from solemnising weddings. This was challenged in federal court, and in 2023, the ULC secured assurances that its ministers' rights to perform wedding ceremonies in Tennessee would be respected.

• All regular ministers, preachers, pastors, priests, rabbis and other religious leaders of every religious belief, over the age of 18, having the care of souls
• Current and former members of county legislative bodies
• County mayors/executives and former county mayors/executives
• Current and former judges and chancellors of the state, including federal judges and federal administrative law judges
• Current and former judges of general sessions courts
• Municipal court judges
• The county clerk of each county, and former county clerks who occupied the office on or after July 1, 2014
• Current and former speakers of the senate and speakers of the house of representatives
• Mayors of municipalities
• Members of the general assembly who have filed notice with the office of vital records
• Law enforcement chaplains duly appointed by the heads of authorised state and local law enforcement agencies
• Military chaplains officially appointed by their respective commanding officers
• Members of municipal legislative bodies
• A Tennessee Notary Public

Marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk's office in Tennessee and are valid for 30 days. There is no mandatory waiting period, meaning the couple can get married immediately after receiving their license. Once the ceremony is complete, the signed marriage license must be returned within 3 days.

Frequently asked questions