Junior Rasmussen
Marriage laws vary from state to state in the US, and Tennessee has its own set of requirements for couples looking to tie the knot. While some states require blood tests and medical exams, Tennessee does not. However, there are still a number of boxes to tick before a couple can walk down the aisle. So, does Tennessee require marriage counselling before a wedding?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marriage Counseling Required Before Wedding | No |
| Marriage License Required | Yes |
| License Issuing Authority | County Clerk |
| License Validity | 30 days |
| License Fee | $97.50 |
| Fee with Premarital Preparation Course | $37.50 |
| Minimum Age to Marry | 16 years |
| Parental Consent Required | Yes, if under 18 years |
| Blood Test Required | No |
| Medical Exam Required | No |
| Verbal Consent During Ceremony | Yes |
| Witnesses Required | No |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Premarital counselling is not required in Tennessee
While premarital counselling is not a requirement, it can reduce the cost of obtaining a marriage license. Couples who can provide a valid and timely certificate of completion of a premarital preparation course conducted by an authorized counselor can save around $60 on their marriage license fee. This discount varies from county to county, with some counties offering a reduced fee of $37.50 with proof of course completion.
The state of Tennessee does not impose a waiting period after obtaining the license, and the marriage ceremony can take place anywhere within the state. The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, and if it remains unused within this period, it is voided, and a new license must be purchased.
In Tennessee, the legal age to marry is 16, but those under 18 require the consent of a parent, guardian, next of kin, or legal custodian. If one applicant is between 17 and 18, the other cannot be more than four years older, and emancipation laws apply. During the wedding ceremony, the couple must verbally consent to marry each other and accept each other as spouses, and the minister must pronounce them married.
Tennessee law authorizes various officials to perform wedding ceremonies, including religious leaders, government officials, and judges. These officiants must be over 18 and ordained or designated by their religious group or organization.
The Power of Music: Wedding Songs That Inspire Belief
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A marriage license is required
- Proof of date of birth (Certified Birth Certificate or Government-Issued Photo Identification)
- Social Security Number (for individuals that have been issued one)
- Names and addresses of parents, guardian, or next of kin
The marriage license costs $97.50 and is valid for 30 days from issuance. It is good for ceremonies performed anywhere in Tennessee. The wedding ceremony must take place within this validity period, and the marriage license must be presented to the officiant who will be performing the ceremony.
The state of Tennessee does not require premarital counseling before issuing a marriage license. However, if the couple can provide a valid and timely certificate of completion of a premarital preparation course, approximately $60 is waived from the marriage license fee. This discount is offered in some counties, and the certificate must be notarized.
Minors under 18 years of age must have a parent, guardian, next of kin, or person having custody of the applicant join the application. A birth certificate is required for verification.
Appetizers at Weddings: Are They Necessary?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The minimum age to marry is 16
In the state of Tennessee, marriage laws require that individuals must be at least 16 years of age to marry. If either party is a minor, there is a three-day waiting period after applying for a marriage license before the wedding ceremony can be held. For those under 18, a parent, guardian, next of kin, or custodian must join the application process. Additionally, if one applicant is between 17 and 18, the other cannot be more than four years older, and a birth certificate is required for verification.
While pre-marriage counseling is not mandatory in Tennessee, couples who voluntarily undergo premarital preparation courses can save money on their marriage license fees. The standard fee for a marriage license is $97.50, but it is reduced to $37.50 if the couple can provide a certificate of completion for a premarital course. This incentive encourages couples to participate in premarital counseling, which can provide valuable guidance and preparation for married life.
To obtain a marriage license in Tennessee, couples must apply in person to the county clerk, providing their names, ages, addresses, Social Security numbers, and other relevant information. The marriage license is then valid for 30 days, within which the wedding ceremony must take place. During the ceremony, the couple must verbally consent to the marriage and accept each other as spouses, and the officiant must pronounce them married.
While Tennessee does not mandate premarital counseling, it offers a financial incentive for couples who choose to participate in such programs. This approach ensures that couples have the option to benefit from premarital guidance while maintaining their freedom to decide if they want to pursue counseling before tying the knot.
Jensen Ackles: Ordained Minister and Wedding Officiant
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![ARTESORI Premium Wedding Vow Book for Her & Him, Soft Touch, Gold Foil, 28 Lined Pages, Wedding Vow Books His and Hers, Wedding Essentials, Wedding Registry Ideas, His and Hers Gifts [Ivory & Black]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71X4pKgPtNL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Parental consent is required for minors
In the state of Tennessee, if you are 18 or older, you can get married without parental consent. However, if you are under 18, the laws are different, and there are specific requirements that must be met.
Firstly, it is important to note that Tennessee has a minimum age requirement for marriage. No one under the age of 16 can marry in Tennessee. For 16 and 17-year-olds, parental consent is required for marriage. This means that if you are 16 or 17, you must have the consent of your parent, guardian, next of kin, or person having custody of you to marry. This consent is given by joining in the application for marriage. The person providing consent can do so by appearing in person before the county clerk or submitting a sworn and notarized affidavit.
If a minor is in the legal custody of a public or private agency, or a person other than a parent, next of kin, or guardian, then the consent of both the agency and the person or entity with legal custody is required. However, if the minor has been emancipated by court order or previous marriage, consent is not needed.
In addition to parental consent, there is a three-day waiting period after the application for a marriage license before the wedding ceremony can take place for minors. This waiting period can be waived with a court application. During the ceremony, the couple must verbally consent to marry each other and accept each other as spouses. There are no additional witnesses required for the ceremony to be considered legitimate.
While Tennessee does not require premarital counseling, it does offer an incentive for couples who choose to undergo it. If a couple can provide a valid certificate of completion of a premarital preparation course conducted by an authorized counselor, they can save around $60 on their marriage license fee.
The Office Wedding Song: Tune for Jim and Pam's Nuptials
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The license is valid for 30 days
In the state of Tennessee, there is no requirement for couples to undergo premarital counselling before their wedding. However, if you do choose to complete a premarital preparation course, you can save around $60 on your marriage license fee.
The marriage license itself must be obtained from the County Clerk and is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. This means that the wedding ceremony must take place within this 30-day period. The license fee is typically $97.50, but as mentioned, completing a premarital preparation course can reduce this cost to $37.50.
To obtain a marriage license, both parties must appear together and provide proof of date of birth, such as a certified birth certificate or government-issued photo identification. Additionally, Social Security numbers are required for individuals who have been issued one.
After the ceremony, the officiant has three days to fill out and return the marriage license to the issuing county clerk. This is a legal requirement, and failure to do so is considered a Class C misdemeanor.
It is important to note that Tennessee has specific requirements for underage marriages. If one applicant is between the ages of 17 and 18, the other applicant cannot be more than four years older. A birth certificate is required for verification, and the minor's parents or legal guardians must join the application process.
Grooms' Boutonnières: Wedding Flowers for Men
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Tennessee does not require marriage counseling before issuing a marriage license.
Yes, if you provide a valid certificate of completion of a premarital preparation course, your marriage license fee will be reduced by $60.
The cost of a marriage license in Tennessee is $97.50. If you complete a premarital preparation course, the cost is reduced to $37.50.
You can obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk in the county of your residence.
You must be at least 16 years old to marry in Tennessee. If one applicant is between 17 and 18, the other applicant cannot be more than four years older.
