Who Can Solemnize Marriages in Tennessee?
Who can legally solemnize your marriage in Tennessee? The state empowers judges, ordained ministers, and some public officials to perform ceremonies. Our guide clarifies each qualified officiant and the license rules you must follow. You will discover quick steps to choose a valid officiant and avoid legal headaches on your wedding day.
Tennessee’s Authorized Marriage Officiants
In Tennessee, you need a person with legal power to run your wedding ceremony. State law gives this power to a clear list of officials. If your officiant is on that list, your marriage license will be valid and accepted by the county.
Most couples choose an ordained minister or a judge because they are easy to find. Yet the law also allows mayors and the governor to solemnize marriages. Knowing these options helps you plan a ceremony that fits your style.
Common Officiants Approved by State Law
The Tennessee code names exactly who can marry couples. The table below shows the main authorized officiants and a simple note about each one.
| Officiant Type | What You Should Know |
|---|---|
| Ordained Minister | Must be ordained and have a certificate from a religious group. |
| Judge or Chancellor | Any current or former state judge may perform the ceremony. |
| County Mayor | A present or past county mayor has full authority in Tennessee. |
| Governor | The state governor can solemnize a marriage if asked. |
Before the wedding day, always ask your officiant for proof of their role. A minister should show ordination papers, while a judge can show a court document.
Tennessee law lets mayors and judges marry couples, not just pastors.
This rule means you are free to hold a city hall wedding that is just as legal as a church one. Pick the person who makes you feel comfortable.
How to Make Sure Your Officiant Counts
You must file the signed license with the county clerk after the ceremony. The clerk checks that the officiant is authorized. If not, your marriage may not be recorded.
To stay safe, use a local minister who is already on the county list. Many Tennessee counties post approved officiants online, which makes booking simple.
- See proof of ordination or appointment.
- Make sure the officiant writes their title on the license.
- Return the paper within three days after the wedding.
These small steps keep your marriage legal. Then you can enjoy the party without worry.
Ordained Clergy and Tennessee Weddings
Getting married in Tennessee is easy when you have an ordained clergy member to lead the ceremony. In this state, a minister, priest, rabbi, or other spiritual leader can solemnize a wedding if they are properly ordained. This means they have been given the role by their religious group and are in good standing.
If you are planning a wedding, you should ask your officiant to show proof of ordination. Tennessee law says that ordained clergy who follow the rules of their faith can legally marry couples. They may also need to get a certificate from the county clerk before the big day.
How Ordained Clergy Qualify in Tennessee
To stand before the couple and say the vows, a clergy member must meet a few simple points. We made a list to help you check:
- Be ordained or designated by a religious group’s customs.
- Be in good standing with that group.
- Carry proof of ordination, like a letter or card.
- File for a local certificate if the county requires it.
Each county may have small differences. For example, Davidson County asks ministers to bring a photo ID and ordination papers to the clerk’s office. The fee is usually small, around $10 to $20.
Tennessee recognizes ordained clergy as legal wedding officiants when they follow their faith’s customs.
Here is a quick table showing who can solemnize and what they need:
| Clergy Type | Required Action |
|---|---|
| Minister / Pastor | Show ordination proof, get county certificate |
| Priest / Rabbi | Be in good standing, may register |
| Online Ordained | Check county rules; many accept it |
By picking an ordained clergy member, you keep your wedding simple and legal. Always call the county clerk a few weeks early to avoid surprises.
Judges Solemnizing Marriages in Tennessee
In Tennessee, you can have a judge marry you. State law gives many judges the job of solemnizing marriages. This means they can run the ceremony that makes your union legal.
Judges are a great pick for a civil wedding. You get your marriage license from the county clerk, then schedule a time with a judge. Some courts do weddings in the judge’s chamber or a small room at the courthouse. It is a quick and low-cost way to say “I do.”
- Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges
- Chancery, circuit, and probate judges
- Municipal, juvenile, and general sessions judges
Tennessee law lets any licensed judge perform a marriage ceremony.
Steps to Get Married by a Judge
First, both partners must get a marriage license. In Tennessee, you apply at any county clerk’s office and show ID. The license costs about $100, but the price may be lower if you take a premarital course.
Important: Not every judge does weddings, so always call ahead to check. Bring your license, witnesses if needed, and pay any small fee. The judge will read the vows, sign the paper, and file it.
| Judge Type | Can Marry? |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court Justice | Yes |
| Circuit Judge | Yes |
| City Commissioner | No |
After the ceremony, the clerk records your license. You can get a certified copy for name changes and other needs.
Mayors as Wedding Officiants in Tennessee
Many couples in Tennessee ask if a mayor can marry them. The answer is yes. State law says mayors of cities can solemnize marriages. This means they have the legal power to run a wedding ceremony and sign the license.
If you want a simple civil wedding, calling your city mayor is a smart move. The mayor’s office can tell you the steps. You still need a marriage license from the county clerk before the big day. After the vows, the mayor files the signed license to make it official.
Tennessee law lets all mayors of cities perform marriage ceremonies.
How a Mayor-Led Wedding Works
A mayor does not need extra classes to officiate. The duty is part of the job. The couple gets a license, meets the mayor, says their vows, and the mayor declares them married. Then the mayor signs the form.
Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Apply for a marriage license at any Tennessee county clerk office.
- Call the mayor’s office to schedule a time.
- Bring two witnesses if your county requires them.
- Exchange vows and have the mayor pronounce you married.
- Mayor signs and mails the license back within three days.
Some cities may charge a small fee, while others do it free. For example, a small town mayor often loves to help neighbors. Big city mayors may have a set appointment system.
| City Type | Can Marry? | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Big city (Nashville) | Yes | Free or tiny fee |
| Mid-size city (Knoxville) | Yes | Small fee |
| Small town | Yes | Often free |
Remember, only mayors of cities count under state law. A town manager or other official may not have the same power. Always check with the local office before you plan your day.
Temporary Solemnization Permits
If you want to marry a couple in Tennessee but you are not a regular officiant, you can get a temporary solemnization permit. This paper lets you perform one wedding on a certain day. The county clerk in the bride’s or groom’s county gives out these permits.
Many people ask, “Who can solemnize a marriage in Tennessee with this permit?” The answer is simple: any adult can apply. You do not need to be a minister or a judge. You just fill out a form, pay a fee, and show your plan for the ceremony.
How to Get a Temporary Permit
The process is easy if you follow the rules. Here is what you need to do:
- Visit the county clerk’s office where the marriage license was issued.
- Fill out the temporary solemnizer application form.
- Pay the fee, which is often $100 but may change by county.
- Receive your permit and perform the ceremony on the named date.
Keep in mind that the permit is good for one event only. You cannot use it for another wedding later. Some counties ask for the names of the couple and the exact venue.
| Option | Who Can Do It | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regular officiant | Ordained minister, judge, mayor | No extra permit |
| Temporary permit | Any adult friend or family | About $100 |
A temporary permit is a one-time ticket to legally wed a couple in Tennessee.
Data from Nashville clerk shows about 300 temporary permits issued each year. This helps friends and family take part in the big day without long training.
If you plan to officiate often, you should become an ordained minister instead. But for a single backyard wedding, the temporary permit is the fastest way. Check with the local clerk early so you do not miss the deadline.
Validating Your Marriage License
After the ceremony, the authorized officiant who solemnized the marriage in Tennessee must complete the marriage license by signing it together with the couple and any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the issuing county clerk’s office for official recording to legally validate the union.
If the document is not delivered within the required period, the marriage may remain unregistered despite a proper solemnization by a qualified minister, judge, or other authorized official. Couples should verify deadlines with the county clerk to avoid administrative complications.