Marriage License
Phone: 865.215.2382
Fax: 865.215.3212
Email: marriage.license@knoxcounty.org
The Knox County Clerk’s Office now accepts Visa and MasterCard Credit & Debit card
payments for most services.*Convenience fees do apply. See Clerk for details.
Online Marriage License Application
The marriage license application process can be very time consuming. However, filling out the Groom's and Bride's personal information online will allow the County Clerk to process your application more efficiently, which will save you a considerable amount of time. Click here for online application
The information you submit along with your credit card payment will be forwarded directly to the County Clerk's office. Even though you have completed the application form and paid by credit card you still must bring your appropriate identifications into the Clerk's office and both signatures must be signed on the application in the Clerk's Office.
Before a marriage can occur in Tennessee, a license must be obtained from the County Clerk.
The fee is $95.00 or $35.00 with Affidavit for Pre-marital counseling which completed by an ordained minister or a professional counselor. An affidavit must be signed by the counselor, notarized, and presented to our office at the time of payment and receipt of your marriage license. The affidavit for counseling can be obtained from the Knox County Clerks Office, or by clicking here to download Certificate of Pre-marital Counseling. Fees are the same for all ages of applicants.
18 Years of Age or Older
- A Driver License OR State Identification OR Certified Birth Certificate OR Passport.
- Proof of a valid Social Security number or a valid Passport reflecting K-1 status.
- Fee of $95.00 without affidavit, $35.00 with Certificate of Pre-marital Counseling.
- Both Parties Must Be Present
Ages 16-17:
- Parents or Guardian must accompany when applying for license. Document showing proof of custody
- Both bride and grooms parents along with Driver License OR State Identification
- Certified Birth Certificate for both children
Age 15 and under:
- Both Parents for each applicant showing proof of identification either with their Driver License OR State Identification
- Certified Birth Certificate for both children
- Court Order from the Juvenile Court Judge
If Parents are Divorced:
Both parents must still be present, unless one of the parents has sole or primary custody of the child. A Certified Divorce Decree must be shown.
If One or Both Parents are Deceased:
If one parent is deceased, a Certified Death Certificate will be needed. If both parents are deceased, the legal guardian must present the Certified Legal documents making him/her the legal guardian along with Certified Death Certificates for the parents.
Who May Solemnize a Marriage:
All regular ministers, preachers, pastors, priests, rabbis and other spiritual leaders of every religious belief, more than eighteen (18) years of age, having the care of souls, and all members of the county legislative bodies (Commissioners), county mayors, judges, chancellors, former chancellors and former judges of this state, former county executives or county mayors of this state, former members of quarterly county courts or county commissions, the governor, the speaker of the senate and former speakers of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives and former speakers of the house of representatives, the county clerk of each county and the mayor of any municipality in the state may solemnize the rite of matrimony.
In order to solemnize the rite of matrimony, any such minister, preacher, pastor, priest, rabbi or other spiritual leader must be ordained or otherwise designated in conformity with the customs of a church, temple or other religious group or organization; and such customs must provide for such ordination or designation by a considered, deliberate, and responsible act.
The traditional marriage rite of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), whereby the parties simply pledge their vows one to another in the presence of the congregation, constitutes an equally effective solemnization.
(T.C.A. Code 36-3-301, et. seq)
When License will be issued:
The License will be issued on the same day that it is applied for (provided all criteria are met). You will receive two (2) certificates upon approval of your Application for Marriage License. These certificates, (one large, suitable for framing and one small, for use when changing bride’s name on Driver License, etc.), are considered legal documents once signed by the officiant conducting your Marriage Ceremony.
How long License is valid for:
The Marriage License is valid for 30 days, INCLUDING the day it is applied for.
Marriage Licenses issued in Knox County are valid in all 50 states.
If you are planning to get married in a foreign country, check with the US Embassy in that country to be sure that your Marriage License will be recognized there.
How to get Copies of your Marriage License:
You may obtain a copy of your marriage license by visiting any of the Knox County Clerk’s Office locations or you can mail your request to our Marriage License Department. We will need date of marriage, bride and groom’s names. The cost is $10.00 (cash or money order) for a large and small certified copy. We do not accept checks for under $12.50.
Mailing Address:
Knox County Clerk
Attn.: Marriage License
P.O. Box 1566
Knoxville, TN. 37901
